Automotive
Despite already having the Genesis luxury brand, Hyundai decided to create a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 2012. The result was the Hyundai Equus, a surprisingly affordable luxury vehicle.
The car’s design was so sophisticated that observers often mistook it for a more prestigious or obscure brand, rather than recognizing it as a Hyundai. Interestingly, the Equus did not prominently display the typical Hyundai ‘H’ emblem; instead, it simply bore the ‘Equus’ nameplate, which could even be omitted entirely at the owner’s request.
Externally, the large, opulent sedan often led to confusion about its true identity. Some mistook it for a Lexus or a special edition Mercedes-Benz. Its headlight design was particularly noteworthy, blending elements reminiscent of both the S-Class and the Lexus LS series. The vehicle offered two wheelbase options: a standard 3045 mm (120") version and an extended 3345 mm (131.7") variant, providing exceptional legroom. Rear seating configurations included either a three-person bench or two individual seats with a built-in refrigerator between them.
Mechanically, the Equus was equipped with a powerful V8 gasoline engine that matched the output of the Mercedes-Benz S500 – a deliberate choice that was hard to ignore. Despite its impressive qualities, the car failed to attract sufficient buyers, leading to its discontinuation in 2016.
