Confirmed: Hyundai Equus Coming to U.S

There you have it. For months, Hyundai has been inching towards announcing a U.S release of the Hyundai Equus full-size luxury sedan. It was shown at the New York International Auto Show, and then cars were sent to Hyundai dealers around the country to gauge potential consumer reaction. Apparently it has been quite good, because we now have the official word on the car, direct from Hyundai.

Here's the quote from Hyundai's CEO John Krafcik: "It hinged on the Genesis.... if the Genesis did well we could bring the Equus." I guess the Genesis was the forerunner and now that Hyundai has deemed it a success, it is deciding to push the envelope even further. Success of Azera led them to introduce the Genesis, success of the Genesis led them to introduce the Equus.

I had a chance to check out the Genesis recently, and it is a good looking vehicle, if a bit generi. (just look at the badge-less grille). The specifications list is excellent, however. It remains to be seen in our testing if it offers a true luxury experience. But we do know that it is rear-wheel drive, and that counts for a lot.

So the Equus is coming, possibly as soon as next year. Edmunds Inside Line pegs the price between $48K and $58K, although that is all just speculation at this point. I'm very interested to see how it's sales numbers work out, as well as the inevitable magazine comparison tests with the stalwarts of the luxury segment.