2012 Hyundai Equus vs. Its Competition

2012 Hyundai Equus
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

Hyundai's rapid climb up the social ladder can't be good for Lexus, which did the same thing 20 years ago and now has a direct competitor for its pretty, well-crafted LS sedan.

Like the Equus, the LS is still a little benign compared with uberluxury sedans like the Jaguar XJ, a stunning piece of glitz with much less rear-seat head room than it once had.

The big German sellers are in the same size class, but it's hard to think of someone stepping down from the BMW 7-Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class into an Equus if they're at all brand-snobbish--and the same holds true for the Audi A8, which has fab features like Google Earth maps, but a completely forgettable look.

2012 Hyundai Equus2012 Hyundai Equus
Browse Used Listings		2011 Audi A8 L 4-door Sedan Angular Front Exterior View2012 Audi A8
Browse Used Listings		2012 BMW 7-Series 4-door Sedan 750i RWD Angular Front Exterior View2012 BMW 7-Series
Browse Used Listings		2012 Jaguar XJ 4-door Sedan XJL Supercharged Angular Front Exterior View2012 Jaguar XJ
Browse Used Listings		2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class 4-door Sedan 3.5L V6 Hybrid RWD Angular Front Exterior View2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.4
The 2012 Hyundai Equus sounds like a warning shot--not literally, of course--over the bow of Lexus and Infiniti.
8.8
The 2012 Audi A8 models might still be fighting for the most prestige among flagships, but they're in the top tier from inside, thanks to their impeccable cabin, innovative cabin tech, and a lean, athletic driving feel.
9.4
The 2012 BMW 7-Series is the Bavarian automaker's flagship model, and it cleverly wraps vast interior space, industry-leading tech, and the expected BMW fleet-footedness.
8.8
Cutting its ties with its illustrious and not so charmed past, the 2012 Jaguar XJ now rocks a swinging style that really suits its dynamic handling.
9.2
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a wide range of personalities--all of them superbly comfortably, some of them outrageously powerful.
MSRP From    
$59,000$78,750$71,000$73,700$91,850
Gas Mileage    
16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy14 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy12 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Gas V8Gas V8Turbocharged Gas I6Gas V8Gas/Electric V6
EPA Class    
Large CarsLargeLargeLarge CarLarge
Style Name    
4-Door Sedan Signature4-Door Sedan4-Door Sedan 740i RWD4-Door Sedan4-Door Sedan S 400 Hybrid RWD
Drivetrain    
Rear Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
55555
Passenger Doors    
4N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
4 Door SedanSedan4-Door Sedan4 Door Sedan4 Door Sedan
Transmission    
Automatic w/Manual ShiftAutomatic w/Manual ShiftAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomatic
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Hyundai Equus vs. 2012 Audi A82012 Hyundai Equus vs. 2012 BMW 7-Series2012 Hyundai Equus vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ2012 Hyundai Equus vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class