US-Specs 2014 Equus Launched In New York – What’s Changed?
Hyundai tkes the wraps off its 2014 Equus flagship sedan at the 2013 New York Auto Show!
When Hyundai Motor America revealed the Equus luxury sedan a few years ago, people scoffed at the idea of it being able to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, or Jaguar XJ, among others.
What may have seemed ridiculous then, now looks like an incredibly astute move.
Hyundai chose the 2013 New York Auto Show as the place to unveil the newly updated 2014 Equus.
2014 Hyundai Equus Pictures
2014 Equus Changes
The changes on the outside are subtle, but on the inside it gets a redesigned instrument panel and upgraded cabin materials. It also comes with an improved suspension, as well as a host of safety technologies and upgrades.
The exterior features a new front fascia and grille that are similar to that of the Azera which was released last year. The addition of turbine-blade polished silver wheels and LED fog lamps set off the new look.
The center stack has been redesigned and the instrument panel has a sleeker look. The cabin gets a new ivory leather theme, premium wood trim and new rear center console controls.
Safety Features
The 2014 Equus luxury sedan also comes with a laundry list of safety features, many of which come standard.
Those include a Blind Spot Detection System, a lane departure warning system, a Rear Cross-traffic Alert System, and smart cruise control. The Equus Ultimate model also comes with heads-up display and a multi-view camera system.
Hyundai Equus Engine, Suspension
One thing that stays the same with the 2014 Equus is the powertrain.
It sticks with the 5,0L “Tau” V8 which generates 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque.
The 2013 Equus model showed that this engine delivered its power with supreme confidence, not to mention a more assertive sound than is usually found in a luxury sedan.
Also staying put is the suspension system and continuous damping. The damping system has actually been revised so that drivers will experience more of a difference between Sport and Normal modes. A Snow drive mode has also been added into the mix.
You expect a lot of the interior in a luxury car, and the Equus delivers there, too. It really is hard to tell the difference between the Equus and other luxury models, despite the fact that Hyundai charge a whole lot less.
There is ample leg and head room to be found in the front and back (even more so than the Lexus LS 460).
There are also additional seat controls in the rear, such as the ability to change navigation settings, assuming of course that you are being driven by someone else.
Sitting in the rear may be the best option if you go for the Equus Ultimate. There you will find features like cooled rear seat, power rear sunshades, power lumbar adjustment in back, power door closers, and an upgraded rear entertainment system, as well as a new forward-view cornering camera, a head-up display, and big 12.3-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster for the driver.
Other than that, the features remain pretty much the same. That said, you still get a lot more for your money than you do with comparable luxury sedans. Across the line you will find a navigation system, BlueLink telematics system, and 17-speaker Lexicon surround sound.
Stay tuned for more news about the 2014 Hyundai Equus premium sedan!
