Hyundai: From Cheap Excels to Luxurious Equus and Genesis G90
When the first Hyundai Excels hit American streets in 1986, they were shockingly cheap, undercutting even the wretched Yugo GV and the miserable Subaru STD three-door hatch with four-on-the-floor manual. Even the horrifically obsolete Chevy Chevette cost more than the Excel. But who would have thought that someday, Hyundai would produce a big, ostentatious luxury sedan with serious V8 power available in the US market? The Equus and Genesis G90 are proof that Hyundai has come a long way since the days of the Excel.
Hyundai’s Journey to Luxury
During the 1990s, Hyundai’s reputation improved significantly, and memories of those shoddy Excels faded. At home in Korea, Hyundai had been selling credible luxury machinery, often based on Mitsubishi hardware. In 2009, the Hyundai Genesis showed up in the US market as a credible luxury sedan and sold quite well. The second-generation Equus debuted in South Korea as a 2010 model and was shipped across the Pacific to North America as a 2011 model. The MSRP for the cheapest version was $58,900 (about $81,136 in 2023 dollars).
Equus: A Luxury Sedan That Could Rival Lexus LS 460
The Equus first appeared in North America as a 2011 model and was a credible competitor to the Lexus LS 460. In 2014, I reviewed the Equus Ultimate and thought it was damn near as nice as the Lexus LS 460. It was more than ten grand cheaper, too (though almost certainly not built as well). However, not many were sold, and starting in the 2017 model year, the successor to the Equus became the Genesis G90.
Genesis G90: A New Era of Luxury
The Genesis G90 is a luxury sedan that represents a new era for Hyundai. It’s a flagship model that competes with the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi A8. The G90 is available with two engine options: a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 365 horsepower and a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available.
The G90’s interior is spacious and luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced technology. Standard features include a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 17-speaker Lexicon sound system, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control. The G90 also has an impressive safety rating, with a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Finding an Equus in a Car Graveyard
It’s rare to find a luxury car as new as the Equus in a car graveyard, especially one that hasn’t been in a serious accident. However, I found one in a car graveyard in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a few weeks back. The airbags weren’t deployed, and most of the front body parts had been purchased by junkyard shoppers.
It’s unclear why an 11-year-old Equus met such a fate. Perhaps it was due to mechanical issues or expensive repairs. Regardless of the reason, it’s a reminder that even luxury cars can end up in the junkyard.
Conclusion
Hyundai has come a long way since the days of the Excel. The Equus and Genesis G90 are proof that Hyundai can produce credible luxury sedans that can compete with the best in the market. While it’s sad to see an Equus in a car graveyard, it’s a reminder that even luxury cars can meet an unfortunate fate.
