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Power delivery is linear and smooth, with intake noise easily eclipsing any exhaust note out back.
And while the steering is of the electrically assisted variety, it is not lifeless, since the rack-and-pinion retains the hydraulic actuation muscle that makes steering feel natural.
Thrust is hearty from anywhere on the tachometer and Hyundai claims a 6.4-second 0-to-60-mph capability.
The air suspension, with its selectable ride height, makes for a comfortable ride, although pressing the sport button on the console—which is said to sharpen the suspension, steering, and transmission—has a negligible effect.
It’s powerful enough, too. It doesn’t have the tire-squealing torque of the turbocharged BMW V8 in a 750Li, but neither does the six-cylinder found in the 740Li that still costs $15G more than an Equus, so you can deal.
PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Power delivery is linear and smooth, with intake noise easily eclipsing any exhaust note out back.
Autoblog
And while the steering is of the electrically assisted variety, it is not lifeless, since the rack-and-pinion retains the hydraulic actuation muscle that makes steering feel natural.
Inside Line
Thrust is hearty from anywhere on the tachometer and Hyundai claims a 6.4-second 0-to-60-mph capability.
Automobile
The air suspension, with its selectable ride height, makes for a comfortable ride, although pressing the sport button on the console—which is said to sharpen the suspension, steering, and transmission—has a negligible effect.
Car and Driver
It’s powerful enough, too. It doesn’t have the tire-squealing torque of the turbocharged BMW V8 in a 750Li, but neither does the six-cylinder found in the 740Li that still costs $15G more than an Equus, so you can deal.
Fox Car Report
Compared to V-8 luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Lexus, and others, the 2013 Hyundai Equus measures up closely spec for spec—and it offers acceleration that's just as strong and refined. But it still doesn't come very close to matching those rivals in handling.
Last year Hyundai gave the Equus an all-new Tau V-8, displacing 5.0 liters and making 429 horsepower. With the new eight-speed automatic transmission that accompanies the new engine, it can now do the dash to 60 mph in around six seconds, which is closely on pace with the BMW 7-Series, the Lexus LS and the Mercedes S Class. The drivetrain hustles this big sedan up to highway speeds quickly, accompanied by a brawny V-8 burble and ripple.
In handling (and ride quality), the Equus feels positioned directly against the Lexus LS; it's clearly more softly sprung than German luxury sedans, yet the combination of a well-tuned air suspension and otherwise relatively soft chassis settings make this a car that brings security on the highway, or in high-speed sweepers. But make sudden changes in direction at lower speed or brake suddenly, and the Equus' weight becomes apparent, with some excess body motion or nosedive.
While we're still not all that impressed with the electric power steering in Hyundai's more affordable front-wheel-drive cars, the electrohydraulic steering in the 2013 Equus is actually quite good, pairing the linear, consistent feel that hydraulics allow with a 'geared-down,' weighted feel on center that allows it to feel precise and easy to place in tight places.
There is a Sport mode--engaged with a button on the center console--that's supposed to sharpen the steering feel, transmission shift points, and throttle mapping, although the difference between modes is minimal.
Conclusion
With a strong V-8 powertrain, the Equus muscles securely into the luxury-car radar--but its handling is more Lexus LS than BMW.
