2014 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: The Brand’s Flagship Luxury Sedan

Highlights: This is Hyundai’s first attempt to go after the BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This Hyundai offers rear power operated seats, a first for a Hyundai.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $ 68,920 (Base Model starts at $61,920)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags (front, side impact seat mounted, rear, knee, side curtain and roof mounted); ABS, Tire Pressure Monitoring System; Electronic Stability Control; Blind Spot; Front and Rear Parking Assist Aids with cross traffic alert; a Rear Parking Camera; Lane Departure Warning System; a Radar Activated Cruise Control System; and a Pre Collision Warning System 

Standard Equipment: Standard Audio: a 17-speaker AM/FM/CD/HD Radio with Satellite radio

MP3: Yes

More New York Auto Show Debuts From Audi To Scion

The 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite will become the first minivan to have a built-in vacuum system.

The Hyundai Equus. the brand's flagship, receives a new suspension system, a redesigned grille, LED headlights and other luxury ammenities to compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-Series.

The Dodge Durango receives a few updgrades along with LED headlights and taillights.

What Will These New Rides Be Worth In 3 to 5 Years?

2011 Hyundai Equus MSRP: $58,000 - $64,500*

36-Month/ 60-Month

Hyundai Equus:  50%/ 34%

Hyundai Avg. 52%/ 36%

Premium Luxury Avg. Segment  46%/ 30%

At the end of three years, the Equus is expected to be worth 50 percent of its MSRP in 3 years and 34 percent of its MSRP in 5 years. The Equus is entering the luxury car segment, competing against the top-end Lexus and Mercedes.  Overall this vehicle will be worth more than its competitors after the third and fifth year.

2011 Ford Explorer MSRP: $28,190 -$39,190*

36-Month / 60-Month

Ford Explorer 47%/ 30%

Ford Avg. 47% /33%

Midsize SUV Avg. Segment  47%/ 34%

At the end of three years, the Ford Explorer is no longer a SUV, it is now based off a car platform -- also known as a crossover. The Explorer is expected to be worth 47 percent of its MSRP in 3 years and 30 percent of its MSRP in 5 years. In 5 years, the Explorer is expected to be slightly less than its competitors. This vehicle will be on par with other vehicles in this segment in three years, but be slightly less of other vehicles in this segment in 5 years.

2011 Chevy Cruze MSRP: $16,275- $21,975*

36-Month/ 60-Month
-
Chevrolet Cruze 50%/ 34%

Chevrolet Avg: 45%/ 32%

Mid Compact Car Avg Segment: 54% / 39%

At the end of three years, the Cruze is expected to be worth 50 percent of its MSRP in 3 years and 34 percent of its MSRP in 5 years. The Cruze competes against the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The Cruze is estimated to be worth slightly less than other vehicles in this segment at the end of both three years and five years.

 

Hyundai's New Lexus-Fighter Priced $ 7,000 Less Than the Class-Leading LS 460

Hyundai's new 8-cylinder Lexus-fighter, the Equus, goes on sale in December. Out of the gate pricing for the all-new upscale Hyundai starts at $58,000.

Lexus' top of the line 2011 LS 460 starts out at $65,380, approximately $7,300 more than the Hyundai Equus.  Will this price spread allow Hyundai's copycat to steal sales from the Lexus?



Every Equus comes standard with “At Your Service,” Hyundai's revolutionary approach to the luxury ownership experience that provides complimentary valet service and covers all maintenance needs for 5 years or 60,000 miles.  With “At Your Service,” Hyundai Equus owners enjoy no-charge maintenance, including complimentary oil and filter changes, brake pads and rotors, wiper blades, and battery.  Valet pickup and drop-off is provided for all warranty, maintenance and service repairs, and a Genesis or Equus replacement vehicle is provided while the owner’s car is at the dealership.

While the Lexus only offers free maintenance for the first-year of ownership, a loaner vehicle is available during the vehicle's warranty period of 4 years or 50,000 miles. The Lexus distinguishes itself from the Equus, offering lane changing technology, a park assist system and radar-controlled cruise control. Unlike the Equus, the Lexus is also available in a long wheel base model and hybrid model. A long-wheel base Equus is available outside of the U. S.

3 New Luxury Imports Hitting the Streets Soon

All-New Kia Cadenza (replaces the Amanti)

Arrival Date: 2011

What Makes It Special: First Kia to offer a 290-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, 20-inch rims, and a three-panel panoramic roof. The Cadenza will also be equipped with a rear camera, which will be displayed on the rear-view mirror. This could possibly be the most expensive Kia to ever be sold in America, when it arrives.

Estimated Price Range: $30K and up!

Redesigned BMW 5-Series

Arrival Date: Spring 2010
What Makes It Special: A new parallel-park assist system and a distance warning system, which uses sensors to provide a top-view image and frontal collision warning that automatically applies the brakes ...... A hybrid is expected to join the line up in the near future.....
Estimated Price Range: $47,000 and up (should be priced 3% to 5% more than the current model)

All-New Hyundai Equus
Arrival Date: Fall or Winter of 2010
What Makes It Special: A lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel and a rear seat that massages the passenger's back will be standard features on this upscale Mercedes and Lexus fighter ...... Oh, a built-in cooler keeps beverages cold, too. Hyundai will introduce a $100,000 stretched Equus in the near future. Just in case you're not sold on Hyundai or Kia, which is also connected to the brand, being a true luxury player, check out our earlier review of Hyundai's Genesis sedan.
Estimated Price Range: $60,000 and up