Hyundai Equus coming to U.S. by mid 2010 with $60,000 Price Tag

Having won the 2009 North American Car of the Year award for its Genesis Sedan, Hyundai is hoping to capitalize on this success. Therefore, Hyundai is expecting to bring the second-generation Hyundai Equus to U.S. by July of next year, with a price below $60,000. As a luxury saloon, the price is really competitive. The Equus is hoped to compete the Lexus LS 460 which starts at about US$64,700 with shipping, as well as the Mercedes Benz S-Class.

In fact, the Hyundai Equus has already been sold in South Korea. And it’s priced from $50,000 but a fully loaded version can range up to $81,000 in price.

However, the Americans won’t have to wait until next year to see the Equus. At April’s New York Auto Show, Hyundai displayed its flagship to help gauge the public's reaction and find out how much people would actually be willing to pay for it. It’s confirmed that there are about 100 Equus units which will be being tested by dealers and consumers in the US this summer.

The Equus is based on the same RWD platform as the award winning Hyundai Genesis. Power is from the same engines in the Genesis, a 286hp (213kW) 3.8-litre Lambda V6 and the 361hp (269kW) 4.6-litre Tau V8. Only the V8 is earmarked for the US. A long-wheelbase model will eventually be offered, complete with a brand new 5.0L version of the Tau V8. This new 5.0L unit is likely to be the sole powertrain used for U.S. versions.

Measuring in at a generous 5,160mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,495mm in height, the Equus certainly has the luxury saloon size factor. Some of the possible options include tilting rear seats, massagers and TV screens in the rear seats.