Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Equus 5.0 Ultimate
Price as tested: CDN$71999
Performance: Saying Equus has the world’s best V8 certainly isn’t an understatement. In fact, Hyundai’s Tau 5.0 liter 32-valve V8 has been highly acclaimed as one of the world’s finest engines in “Ward’s best engine” award. With the introduction of this amusing 5.0 liter replaces 4.6 liter in Equus, its able to move this Korean luxury beast in an even more silky and elegant manners. A manners which are able to pit this understated cruiser into the world of German’s most prestigous sedans costing thousands more. 429 stallion and 376 lb/ft of torque are impressive, what’s more impressive is the way the power delivers through the pavement. The level of smoothness, refinement and NVH are able to put many of its Japanese and German counterparts to shame. Mesh the light throttle, its able to move Equus’s 4643 lb with ease without breaking a sweat. The combination of direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and electronic throttle are expected technologies for its caliber. Not only does the low-end grunt is amazing, it never felt running out of breath at both middle and upper ranges. 8-speed automatic is the “default” choice, which is a given for any upper luxury car. Here in Directshift, we already lamented there are too many damn gears with all the 8-speed variants we tested. However, Hyundai engineers have hit another homerun, as they have chosen their gear rations wisely. We won’t feel any kinds of gear hunting between 3rd and 6th, while 1st/2nd and 7th/8th have geared exceptionally well. All are willing to up and downshifts, without all the annoying traits with trillion gearbox. No wonder those Korean engineers are ready to come out with a 10-speed variety in the next few years. Given Hyundai’s engineering prowess, we would believe the 10-speed will likely lead the pack.
Handling: If you are thinking Equus is a driver instead of a passenger’s upper luxury car, you are in the wrong car. While it definitely not having the same agile road manners as the likes of Audi A8, its far from being cumbersome. The whole driving experience is of a silky smooth luxury car, with soft suspension cushioned enough for the rear passengers. As with the 4.6 I tested earlier, 5.0 remains with the underdamping issue with its air suspension. That’s means it doesn’t absorb the bumps and roughness as cushiness and suppleness as its German rivals, even with its advanced damping system. The saving grace is the suspension is soft enough to absorb the bumps without feeling like a wet noodle. To put this into perspective, Equus’s riding quality is mirrored those of a Lexus LS460 instead of a Mercedes S550. Dial in inheritant softness through the suspension geometry and spring rates are what the Korean engineers are looking for, during the tuning process of the Equus. Push the Equus through the twisties, it exhibits pronounced body rolls. While the electronic stability control has acted reasonably well to tempt both under and oversteer. The steering feels vague even though its quite precise coming out of driver’s hands.
Brakes: Given Equus’s 2-toned curb weight, its braking performance has to be judged as downright impressive. The stopping distance is short, while pedal feels solid and reassurring. Even after a couple of harsh stops, it remains fade-free. ABS acts up on the right time at the right place seal up the whole equation.
Interior: The use of quality leather and plastic materials continue in Equus. I love the use of soft-touch plastic on the dashboard and door panels, while there are wood trim to add warmth and classy to the environment. Those leather seats are well-foamed, as it provides excellent thigh, back and side supports. The 8-inch screen is large and initutive for anyone to check on Equus’s current status, as well as serve as a back-up camera while parking this beast in your neighboring golf course.’
Along with two comfortable rear seats. Our Ultimate comes with heated and cooled seats, center refrigator and entertainment system. All have wrap up in a luxury yet understated package.
Last but not least is the great sound from Lexicon’s 17-speaker stereo system.
Conclusion: Hyundai is an evolving company. Their latest move on Equus powertrain has proven the fact that this company is simply unstoppable. Upping the power count from 385hp to 429hp in just a short year has shown how eager they want to pit Equus at the top of everyone’s shopping list, even if Hyundai has admit Equus is never been able to match the superpower’s sales volume. While they still haven’t got the handling and ride compromise right, so does the lack of customization through Equus’s option list. But we can be damn sure, the next generation of Equus will get all these issues solved. Given Hyundai’s track record, it should be able to match or even exceed any of its peers.
Competitions:
Audi A8
BMW 7-Series
Mercedes S-Class
Lexus LS460
Jaguar XJ
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Hyundai Equus 5.0
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5