2011 Hyundai Equus: $64,500

[rickaren]

2011 Hyundai Equus Priced at $58,000

Oct 20, 2010

Hyundai just announced pricing details for its all-new Equus sedan. It will start at $58,000 and rise to $64,500 for the highest trim level. That’s pricey for a Hyundai, but one heck of a deal for a luxury large car.

“Compared with its ultra-luxurious competition – the Audi A8, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series — the Equus cost $10,000 to $30,000 less,” reports Kicking Tires. “In fact, the Equus’ pricing is more in line with a comparably equipped Cadillac DTS ($59,875) or Infiniti M56 ($57,900).”

Until now, Hyundai has been focused on manufacturing solid, yet inexpensive, cars. With the exception of the significantly less expensive Genesis, the Equus will be the automaker’s first foray into this class of competition.

And Hyundai is playing hardball -- taking the luxury game seriously.

According to USA Today: “The Equus will be offered in two trims: Signature and Ultimate. Each trim comes with a 385-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.”

Meanwhile, Consumer Reports describes its interior as “hushed” and “top notch.” Inside Line reports: “The list of standard equipment in the base Equus … adaptive headlights; adaptive cruise control; 12-way power driver and 10-way power passenger seats (with heating and cooling, plus massage for the driver); reclining rear seats (with heating); a leather-wrapped dash; real wood interior trim; a 608-watt, Lexicon 7.1 surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers; and a navigation system with XM traffic updates.”

The Equus’ valet service plan is even more impressive. “Buyers won't have to set foot in a dealership to purchase or even service their Equuses,” explains the Los Angeles Times. “Hyundai will dispatch a vehicle to a customer's home for a test drive. Service is valet-style -- Hyundai will pick up the car and drop off a loaner until the owner's Equus is returned. Appointments can be made electronically through the Apple iPad that serves as the owner's manual and is included with each Equus lease or purchase.”

Shoppers in the market for a luxury large sedan, but not able to fork over the extra dough for a luxury nameplate like Audi or BMW, should seriously consider the new Equus. It’ll hit dealer lots in December.

LINK: 2011 Hyundai Equus Priced at $58,000 - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews