2012 Hyundai Azera: Photo Gallery

The 2012 Hyundai Azera is the latest model to wear the carmaker’s fluid design language. The styling looks more natural here than on the Sonata, which is a smaller car.

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

The sharp lines don't mean there isn't an abundance of interior room though.

Comments

Features: A
Styling: B+
Price: Im sure it will get an A
Interior styling: C+

the nav screen is overwhelmed by the dash and looks an inch or two too small. The center stack doesn't look luxurious and actually looks worse than Sonata center stack. Why base interior on Elantra vs Sonata? Dont get that.

A Toyota Avalon for people who still have life in them.
A Buick for those who can not stand the Buick stigma.

And it is nice they used the 3.3, so the KIA rear drive car can use the 3.5 V6 & 4.0 V8
Smart thinking

Sharp!!! This should have been a midcycle update for the Sonata. I don't see where Azera really fits in with the Sonata, Genesis, and Equus. Too many large cars for one brand and a dealer showroom. The old Azera never sold so why bring it back...

jay:

This will be much cheaper than Genesis, but I do agree there will be overlap between this and Sonata- especially since they are always touting the fact that the Sonata is a "large car" by EPA standards. Im sure this will represent a much better value than Genesis V6 and it looks better.

Agree as to whether or not they really NEED this car in their lineup. But it will be plusher than Sonata and with a V6 which a lot of Sonata buyers still wanted. This will compete with LaCrosse V6, Avalon V6, Passat V6 and will probably be cross shopped by even some ES and TL buyers as a cheaper alternative. And I don't mean just cheaper in price....this is not comparable to either of those but I do think some people that would consider an ES or TL will buy it.

Street price on a loaded one of these (after intro)should be right at about $31k. About $4k above the Sonata Limited turbo street price.

Now, do I believe that it will sell in sufficient numbers to justify it's existence a few years from now.....No. Lack of sales and CAFE standards will probably eliminate this large car with V6.

Or for a comparo here is what you get for 65k, same interior specs as the Azera and a whopping 240hp!!!
Model
2012 BMW 5-Series
Tier & Trims
Style 528i
Options
Black Dakota Leather $1450.00
Cold Weather Package $1050.00
Premium Package Required
Convenience Package $1700.00
Active ventilated seat package $2950.00
Premium Package 2 $4900.00
Sport automatic transmission w/ shift paddles $500.00
Comfort Access keyless entry $1000.00
Power rear sunshade w/ rear manual side window shades $575.00
Heated front seats $500.00
Multi-contour seats Required
Navigation system $1900.00
iPod & USB adapter $400.00
Rear-view camera $400.00
Xenon headlights $900.00
Adaptive light control Required
Park Distance Control Required

Total: $65,826(MSRP)

These options get you close to what the Azera will feature for probably a loaded price of 36k. Again same interior specs and 53hp less. You can keep the badge status, I will take the Azera and 30k

True indeed Keith, the stuff you can get on semi affordable cars makes real premium cars seem like total rip offs. The fact that cars like the 5 and E class sell in such high numbers are a testament to the power of leasing (because most people cannot afford to finance such cars) and the need for brand status. The 528i is one of the most absurdly priced sedans on the market considering what you get.

That interior is a cheap looking mess IMO. I agree with whoever said it looks like a bigger Elantra inside, and I think it Elantra's interior looks cheap too(although it's excusable in that price range and I love the elantra). The part where the upper dash meets the lower dash at the climate controls is weird. And Faux carbon fiber? Seriously? Why do we have the carbon fiber, and the faux brushed nickel, AND the darker, deeper brushed nickel with the tan interior?

This is probably going to undercut the competition, but if were my money I would take a Lacrosse, Taurus, save a little and just get a Sonata.

Well said, Keith and Sheth. I see so many people driving 528s and I presume they are clueless in knowing what they could have gotten. 240hp is a joke. The 328 is already underpowered nevermind the same engine in a bigger and heavier car.

Broq:

I said that and this interior is not on par with Lacrosse or even 300. Why would they make it look more like the elantra than the Sonata? Hyundai has improved its interiors big time but when you sit in them they dont FEEL premium, even if they look pretty good in pics. The buttons, switchgear and details are not as good as what you get in a modern VW, Ford or GM product. They are as good as Toyota though.

Sheth:
Are you actually Dave the editor for cars.com? You seem to have insight/response on every article/posting...lol

Ok. I've posted on the Azera before, because I've been watching it for almost a year as the Grandeur in other markets. I know a lot about this car! The US got jipped when it comes to options! It is the same car, but there are many things we did not get that other markets have. Here are a few: Nicer center stack with WAY better styling, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, supervision gauge cluster, heated steering wheel, around view monitor, electronic parking break, power folding exterior mirrors. Also, three different engine choices. I have hundreds of pics if anyone wants to see what we all missed out on. Thanks for reading.