2017 Hyundai Equus: An In-Depth Luxury Sedan Review
The 2017 Hyundai Equus is a luxury sedan offering a refined blend of comfort, advanced technology, and performance. Featuring a powerful V8 engine, premium interior materials, and innovative safety features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, it provides a compelling alternative to European rivals at a competitive price point. Its technologically rich cabin, balanced ride quality, and extensive safety suite make it an ideal choice for those seeking luxury, comfort, and modern connectivity in a spacious sedan.
Comprehensive Review of the 2017 Hyundai Equus
Exploring the Features and Performance of the 2017 Hyundai Equus
The 2017 Hyundai Equus stands out as a flagship luxury sedan that boasts a blend of high-end comfort, advanced technology, and impressive performance metrics. Notably, it introduces a state-of-the-art hands-free power trunk that opens automatically when you approach the vehicle, adding a touch of modern convenience to its already refined design. While this feature signifies Hyundai’s push into luxury innovations, the overall aesthetic and functionality of the Equus remain familiar, aligning with the expectations of traditional luxury vehicle owners. This model marked Hyundai’s renewed efforts to challenge established European luxury brands and carve a niche in the premium sedan segment.
When Hyundai announced the 2017 Equus, questions arose regarding its ability to contend with renowned rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8. Despite skepticism, the Equus has garnered recognition for its durability, luxurious interior, comfort, and cost-effectiveness, making it a compelling option for consumers seeking a premium experience without exorbitant prices.
The pricing for the 2017 Equus varies depending on selected features and packages, but overall, it offers a competitive alternative to other high-end sedans. Inside, the vehicle’s cabin is adorned with premium materials, including plush leather upholstery, richly grained wood accents, a meticulously trimmed headliner, and reinforced body pillars, all designed to give an ambiance of opulence and sophistication. The interior is thoughtfully equipped with features that enhance comfort and convenience, such as a 17-speaker Lexicon surround sound system for audiophiles, an advanced navigation system, ventilated and heated front seats, and a power-operated rear window shade, giving passengers a customizable and luxurious ride experience.
Additional amenities include a surround-view parking camera system, which provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, and a rear-seat entertainment system that ensures passenger comfort during long trips. The interior features high-quality leather and elegant wood trim, emphasizing craftsmanship and luxury. Despite its premium nature, some driving dynamics such as handling, steering feedback, and braking performance may not fully align with those of more sport-oriented or strictly performance-focused luxury sedans, as the Equus emphasizes comfort over agility.
The 2017 Equus is powered by a robust 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering an impressive 429 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, the vehicle offers a smooth and powerful driving experience suited for highway cruising and city commuting alike. Fuel efficiency is reasonable for its class, with an EPA combined rating of 18 mpg—15 mpg in urban environments and 23 mpg on highways—highlighting its balance between power and fuel economy. On open roads, the Equus excels as a spacious, comfortable, and quiet luxury sedan.
The ride quality of the Equus strikes a harmonious balance between softness and stability, prioritizing passenger comfort on diverse road surfaces. This is supported by a well-tuned suspension system that absorbs road imperfections efficiently without compromising handling stability.
In terms of technological innovation, the 2017 Hyundai Equus incorporates numerous modern features. Safety and driver-assistance technologies include lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle is equipped with Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, which offers a suite of connected services, including remote vehicle access, emergency assistance, and vehicle tracking. Navigation is integrated with real-time traffic updates, and connectivity is facilitated through Bluetooth and a large 9.2-inch central touchscreen display, making information and entertainment readily accessible.
The premium audio experience is further enhanced by the 17-speaker Lexicon surround sound system, satellite radio, a six-CD changer, auxiliary jack, HD radio, and USB interface, catering to audiophiles and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Standard safety features encompass anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear side curtain airbags, parking sensors, a driver knee airbag, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Additional driver-assist features include lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision systems, all integrated with shared sensor technology that works seamlessly with adaptive cruise control. The Blue Link system ensures that drivers have access to emergency services, remote vehicle management, geofencing, and stolen vehicle recovery services, emphasizing Hyundai’s commitment to safety and connectivity.
