A Korean full-size luxury sedan? That's what most people ask themselves when they first hear of the 2011 Hyundai Equus. Then they start thinking about Hyundai, and its start in the U.S. But anyone familiar with the last several years of Hyundai proucts knows the carmaker has made unprecedented leaps in quality and design over that time. The 2011 Hyundai Equus is the pinnacle of that charge to the top.
Like the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and Wagon, the Equus earns its place on our list of Best Car To Buy nominees in part through sheer value. Priced $20,000-$50,000 below its segment competitors, the Equus is a steal, especially once you familiarize yourself with all it has to offer.
From the iPad-as-owner's-manual tech hotness to the curb appeal of the exterior design, nothing about the Equus belies its low pricing. Sure, it's somewhat derivative of cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS, but it picks and chooses the best of those cars' features and lines, weaving them into a new, if not quite distinctive, package.
Inside, it's packed with excellent, Lexus-grade materials, nuanced details, and more high-tech gear than your average Best Buy. A heated, massaging rear seat--passenger side only, as it's intended as a chauffeur-driven limo--a big LCD center console screen, another for the rear passengers, and all of te safety, convenience, and infotainment features you'd expect of a luxury sedan.
The suspension is the most significant upgrade, as noted by Marty Padgett in his "third drive" review, as huge changes were made in the setup from the initial Korean-market test cars that first made the rounds on our roads as exhibition vehicles. Dynamics that rival its German and Japanese competitors coupled with ride comfort suiting a sedan of its size, the 2011 Hyundai Equus is the complete package--at a fraction of the usual price.
Check out our official page for more on MotorAuthority's Best Car To Buy Award and the other nominees.
