Hyundai Equus

First generation (LZ; 1999–2009)

In 1999, Hyundai Motors and Mitsubishi Motors presented their full-size sedan. Hyundai said that it was making a full-size sedan to compete with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series in the Korean market. In reality, it was competing against its domestic rival, SsangYong Chairman. Hyundai had great success with the Equus in Korea, but very few were exported to other countries. One was exported for the 2001 New York International Auto Show to gauge the reaction of U.S. consumers. Hyundai identified the car to the U.S. consumers as the Hyundai LZ450 luxury sedan.

The first generation was designed by Mitsubishi Motors, who had their own version called the Proudia. It was jointly manufactured by both companies. The first-generation model was introduced in 1999 as a front-wheel-drive car measuring 5.1 metres (200.8 in) long and 1.9 metres (74.8 in) wide. A long-wheelbase limousine model was available exclusively for the Korean domestic market, and at ₩92,510,000 South Korean won for the 2008 model with a V8 and no options, was the most expensive model in the company's lineup. The first-generation Equus extended-length limousine was also mechanically related to the Mitsubishi Dignity limousine for the Japanese market. The first-generation Equus were sold in South Korea, China, and the Middle East. A very limited number, badged as the Centennial, were made available for some western European markets in the early and mid-2000s. At first, there were two engine types: a 3.5 Sigma V6 and 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine. After a few months, the 3.0 Sigma V6 engine type was added. Two versions were available: a sedan (3.0, 3.5 and 4.5) and a limousine (3.5 and 4.5). In Japan, under the name of Mitsubishi Dignity (limousine version) and Mitsubishi Proudia (sedan version), about 2,000 units were sold. Specifically, the 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine was a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) type engine, which was designed and developed by Mitsubishi Motors. This engine was optimized for premium unleaded gasoline fuel, but there was little opportunity to get this type of fuel in Korea at that time. So, most of these engines used normal unleaded gasoline fuel and then had significant performance issues, resulting in complaints from drivers. Finally, Hyundai Motors modified this engine from a GDI Type to a MPI (Multi Point Injection) type to solve the issue. It added curtain airbags in 2001 and active head restraints in 2002.

New Equus

In 2003, Hyundai presented their 'New Equus', changing the hood design and some of interior. A 7 inch screen for the rear seat, Xenon headlamps, front parking sensors, etc. were newly offered. Mitsubishi Motors ended the production of Mitsubishi Proudia and Mitsubishi Dignity, unlike Hyundai. It introduced seat ventilation cooling and heating, climate control with air purifier (2003), Alcantara leather seats (2007). From 2005, 3.0 and 3.5 Sigma V6 engine types were changed to 3.3 and 3.8 Lambda V6 engine types which were designed and developed by Hyundai Motors. But the automatic transmission was not changed. Hyundai officially ceased the production of 1st generation Equus in November 2009. A new bigger, rear-wheel drive Equus was launched in March 2009.

Limousine model

A limousine model was made for the Korean market. Equus Limousines have been used by famous company owners in Korea as well as foreign VIPs.

Initial version

The second generation Equus, codename "VI", was unveiled in Grand Hyatt Seoul. Unlike the old Equus, the VI has a rear-wheel drive architecture, a longer wheelbase, and a different engine. The VI is based on an all-new platform, that has been entirely developed by Hyundai Motor Corporation. Although the car has nothing in common with the previous Equus, the VI takes only the name from old Equus, because the name 'Equus' has prestige in Korea.

The Korean domestic market Equus comes as a 3.8L "Prime" and a 4.6L "Prestige" in South Korea. It is the most expensive model in the company's lineup. It launched in the People's Republic of China in August 2009. The Hyundai Equus was listed in the '10 exciting cars for 2010' from Forbes.

US model was announced in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and was unveiled in 2010 New York Auto Show. Early US model includes the same 4.6L V8 engine as the Genesis except with 10 hp (7 kW) more than the current version. This puts the total engine output at 385 hp (287 kW) with 333 lb·ft (451 N·m). The North American Equus features a badge attached on the hood as opposed to the hood ornament, the grille features a horizontal grid pattern like its Genesis sibling as opposed to the vertical one on international models, and an included iPad device with an Equus user's guide application pre-installed as opposed to a traditional owner's manual.

It was the first Hyundai with an Electronically-controlled Air Suspension (EAS) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC). Also first Hyundai with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) collision avoidance system that optimally manages Electronic stability control, the electronic parking brake, radar smart cruise control and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety.

Equus Limousine

The long-wheelbase version Equus was unveiled in September 2009. It is 300 mm (11.8 in) longer than the sedan version. Engine choices include Lambda 3.8L and Tau 5.0L engines. The limousine model has an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille, as well as features such as a power-driven footrest, rear-seat leg support and a massage system.

Hyundai also developed an armoured vehicle based on the limousine, with an enlarged 5.5L version of the V8 engine. On September 2009, Hyundai delivered three bulletproof limousine versions of the luxury sedan Equus to the South Korea Presidential Security Service to be used as the official state car. Hyundai designed this vehicle with a special alloy, with an automatic cooling system in case of fire as well as bulletproof windows.

The first-built armoured limousine was donated to Blue House. A modified Hyundai Equus was donated to Costa Rica and is currently used as the presidential car.

At the moment, the limousine is currently available only in South Korea and Russia. The Russian version will have the same price tag as the South Korean version.

RMR Signature Edition Equus

It is a concept vehicle customized by Rhys Millen Racing, based on Equus with 4.6 Tau engine. It included bolt-on RMR Signature Edition air intake and stainless exhaust, increased engine power by 30 hp, RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 SEMA show.

DUB Edition Hyundai Equus

It is a version of 2011 Equus sedan built by Mummbles Marketing and DUB Magazine. It included Trex DUB Design mesh grille, DUB Design custom body kit, tinted windows and tail lights, and a custom two-tone, gloss black-and-matte charcoal body colour, DUB Edition custom suspension, 24-inch TIS modular style 10 wheels with Pirelli Pzero Nero Tires, custom trunk enclosure with Infinity Kappa audio (9 Infinity Kappa Series speakers, KAPPA ONE mono and KAPPA FOUR four-channel amplifiers), DUB Design custom leather and suede upholstery, DUB Design illuminated headliner and custom rear bucket seats.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 SEMA show.

Engines

South Korean models include Lambda 3.8 MPi, Tau 4.6 MPi (366PS), Tau 5.0 MPi engines.

US models include only Tau 4.6 MPi (390PS) engine.

Transmission

All models included ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control.

2012 model year update

2012 model vehicles include 8-speed automatic transmission, introduction of GDI engines. It was also revealed that the Hyundai Equus will be receiving a 5.0L V8 with 429 hp (320 kW) and 376 lb·ft (510 N·m). This engine will be an option for the Equus after January 2011. This engine will also be placed in the facelifted 2012 Hyundai Genesis.

Korean models went on sale in 2012.

EQUUS by HERMES (2013)

It is a limited (3 units) version of 2013 Hyundai Equus limousine built in collaboration with French fashion label Hermès.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Seoul Motor Show.

Body style

US, Canadian models include only sedan (VS500).

South Korean models include sedan (VS380, VS500) and limousine (VL380, VL500).

Engines

US, Canadian models include only Tau 5.0 GDi (435PS) engine.

South Korean models include Lambda 3.8 GDi, Tau 5.0 GDi (416PS) engines.

Transmission

All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Production

In 2012-12-17, an armoured Equus Limousine was delivered to Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon at the UN Headquarters in New York, U.S.

2014 model year update

Changes include new 19-inch, turbine-blade polished silver wheel design, new front bumper fascia and grille design, new side mirrors and tail lamp graphics, standard LED fog lamps, new Night Shadow Brown exterior color, completely redesigned instrumental panel and center stack, redesigned center console and shift lever design, revised steering wheel control layout with vehicle settings, new ivory leather interior colour, new genuine wood trim selections, redesigned rear seat center console controls, revised tuning for both enhanced ride comfort and handling, sport mode receives crisper damper tuning for improved body control, normal mode receives enhanced ride comfort, snow mode added to drive mode system, revised front suspension bushings, standard Assurance Connected Care & Blue Link, larger 7-inch TFT LCD cluster display (Signature), 12.3-inch fully digital TFT LCD cluster display (Ultimate), larger 9.2-inch upper center stack LCD display, climate control system offers three distinct cabin temperature zones, standard smart cruise control with stop/start (from 0 mph), proximity smart key with both key fob and card-key types, dual 9.2-inch rear seat entertainment monitors, power door closure, power lumbar for rear outboard seats, standard Assurance Connected Care (3-year complimentary services), standard Rear Cross-traffic Alert, standard Blind Spot Detection (BSD), heads-up display, vehicle multi-view camera system.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 New York Auto Show.

US models went on sale in 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles. Early models included Tau 5.0 GDi.

Production

In 2013, a shipment of 61 2014 Hyundai Equus sedans carried by Korean freighter Morning Spruce destined to United States was adrift for days after the ship had lost engine power in Pacific Ocean.

In 2014-03-11, an Equus sedan was used in Chilean Government inauguration ceremony.

Body style

US, Canadian models include only sedan (VS500).

South Korean models include sedan (VS380, VS500) and limousine (VL380, VL500).

Engines

US, Canadian models include only Tau 5.0 GDi (435PS) engine.

South Korean models include Lambda 3.8 GDi, Tau 5.0 GDi (416PS) engines.

Transmission

All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Discontinuation

2016 is the last model year for both the Hyundai Equus and Genesis due to the beginning of the new Genesis division being added for the Hyundai Motor Company and its models the Genesis G80 and G90 which will replace the Hyundai Genesis and Equus.