How much is brand name luxury worth to you?
Equus (that’s two u’s) is Hyundai’s bold answer to luxury. The true gauge on where the brand stands, or thinks they stand, is a car that at base costs just under $60,000 and comes from a manufacturer known for throwing out budget conscious nameplates. But this is now, and Equus (a genus of mammal that houses horses, asses, and zebras) is super luxury, with crosshairs on BMW’s 7 series and Mercedes’ S Class. Other brands may act unfazed, but when this horse is unleashed, they must shake just a bit. Equus does not make an ass of itself; matter of fact, it’s quite a stallion.
A questionable name, but unquestionable abilities make this dark horse a sudden frontrunner for public attention.
Let’s trot out the 2012 Hyundai Equus and inspect some finer qualities. If you’re ready to buy, check one out for yourself.
2012 Hyundai Equus Trims and Features
First things first: no, Equus does not come with an iPad, but an iPad app. The app will serve as the car’s owner’s manual, and immerses drivers in all things Equus: providing interactive demos, 360 shots of the car and components, and a complete reference guide. It’s a great partnership with Apple, though I’m not sure I’d leave your iPad in the glove box overnight. Better yet, Hyundai’s At Your Service amenity includes maintenance perks such as ‘valet’ service, where specialists pick up Equus at your home, then return it of course, whenever the vehicle needs servicing. And it’s free.
As mentioned, two trim levels differentiate price: The Signature Equus starts at $58,750 and seats five. Go with Ultimate, up the price to $65,750 and lose a seat. However. Ultimate’s four passenger setup replaces the extra back seat with a center console featuring storage and a refrigerator. Plus, the Ultimate’s right rear seat acts like a recliner, complete with a massage system. Go ahead and enjoy that while entertaining yourself with the 8” LCD screen with DVD player. Ahh, the good life. Up front you’ll find an 8” navigation interface, standard on either Equus trim.
2012 Hyundai Equus Performace
An examination of sinuous tissue (enough horse references) begins with the heart of the car. New for 2012 is a 5.0 liter V8 that’s capable of 429 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque. Seems that the Ward’s 10 Best Engine winning (’09 and ’10) 4.6L, 385 HP V8 wasn’t quite burly enough. The new and improved V8 is fitted with an 8-speed automatic, and employs a rear-wheel drive setup that balances weight distribution. This helps to give Equus a sportier edge compared to traditional luxuries.
2012 Hyundai Fuel Economy
The 2012 Equus achieves 15/23/18 (city/highway/combined) MPG; not altogether bad for a 4,500 pound vehicle. And remember to use premium gas for optimum efficiency (it’s luxury, folks).
2012 Hyundai Equus Interior Highlights
The plush interior benefits include temperature controls for front and rear seats, driver’s seat massage component, and a surround-sound system consisting of 17 well placed speakers. Dimensions on each trim are equal, consisting of a spacious 109.3 cubic feet of passenger room along with 16.7 cubic feet of trunk-age for extra beverages. With 38.9” of rear legroom and the aforementioned amenities, the second row may be the place to fully experience Equus.
And everything is offered in a quiet, climate controlled cabin.
2012 Hyundai Equus Safety
Equus standards include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, stability/traction control, Lane Departure Warning, and 9 airbags, including driver’s knee and full length side curtain bags. Government crash testing hasn’t been performed, but the IIHS has made Equus a 2012 Top Safety Pick.
Equus’ Bottom Line
Whew. Hyundai, what have you done to your once humble brand? Equus doesn’t just look good while restrained at the starting gate; once said gate drops, it gallops with the best of luxury. And hopefully by now the public has gotten used to the name. Check out Equus now.
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