2011 Hyundai Equus

Power reclining rear seats
Who wouldn't love the ability to recline in a car with your feet up and watch a movie while someone else drives? The seat massagers are a nice touch as well.

Lexicon 7.1 Discrete Logic 7 surround sound system
While 2011 Hyundai Equus'17 speakers might seem like overkill, we applaud their superb sound quality, which completes the luxurious in-cabin experience.

We have to admit that the 2011 Hyundai Equus in Ultimate trim is far more fun to be driven in than to drive, thanks to the two-person executive rear seating. Legroom and headroom is abundant for all occupants, and the leather seating surfaces and wood trim are top-notch, especially considering the price point of the Equus. A rear bench seat comes standard in the Signature trim level, which provides ample accommodation for three adults, but the Ultimate trim level converts the configuration into two seats divided by a center console complete with climate controls, a refrigerator and an eight-inch monitor. Think of it as business class on an airplane, except it's in a car.

At first glance, the 2011 Hyundai Equus looks like a mash-up of its European rivals. It bears a striking resemblance to the S-Class due to defining character lines and large front grille. Likewise, the Equus shares similar taillights with the BMW 7 Series and incorporates LED lights underneath the HID headlights, a la the Audi A8. Doppelganger characteristics aside, what's important is that the new Equus doesn't look like a Hyundai. Foregoing the same fluidic sculpture design language as its Hyundai stablemates, the Equus puts a more mature, more luxurious foot forward with imposing wheels arches, a large, ribbed grille up front, and dual chrome exhaust finishers at the rear. Rolling stock is limited to 19-inch wheels and tires for both trim levels.

A 4.6-liter V8 engine is the sole engine for the 2011 Hyundai Equus and is mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. In addition to providing smooth acceleration and enough power to scoot the large sedan to 60 mph in about six seconds, the potent V8 returns impressive highway mileage numbers, besting both the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes S-Class.

4.6-liter V6
385 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
333 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 (Automatic transmission)

The 2011 Hyundai Equus Signature opens at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just under $59,000. Stepping up to the Ultimate trim level brings the price up to just over $65,000, a number that's well under any of the Equus competitors in the flagship sedan category. These competitors include the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. If you're looking to get the best deal on your Equus, be sure to check out kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price before going to the local Hyundai dealership. As far as resale value, the Hyundai Equus fares well against its competition, with projected values on par with its European rivals.

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