2014 Hyundai Equus Video

It wouldn't surprise Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays if you weren't familiar with Hyundai's low-selling flagship luxury sedan, but you might be surprised by the luxuriousness inside the redesigned 2014 Equus, debuting this week at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Tech features like new climate controls, a 9.2-inch touch-screen and simulated gauges display Hyundai's desire to compete with BMW and Lexus, and the high-end offerings aren't just reserved for the front seat. Backseat passengers have a pair of 9.2-inch screens of their own, as well as abundant space and a host of individualized comfort features.

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While the new Equus' luxury upgrades are obvious, its predecessor's powertrain goes unchanged, and you might find reported exterior alterations downright undetectable. Watch the video below and see if you can tell the difference.

2014 Hyundai Equus: Up Close

Hyundai's foray into the premium luxury market with the Genesis was a bigger success than most people expected. The next experiment was the Equus, which has just received an update for the 2014 model year. Unless you're a hardcore Korean luxury-car fan, however, you'll be hard-pressed to spot the cars' differences from the outside.

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The car's shape was and continues to be conservative, with a long flowing form that mimics rivals Lexus and BMW more than a little bit. New headlights, grille and taillight graphics are quite nice, but don't appear appreciably different.

2014 Hyundai Equus at the 2013 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Lexus LS, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series
• Looks like: The current Equus, almost exactly
• Drivetrain: 5.0-liter V-8 producing 429 hp and 376 lbs.-ft. of torque, eight-speed automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: To be announced

Hyundai's flagship sedan gets its first big refresh for the North American market this year, with the new 2014 model unveiled at the New York International Auto Show this week. The changes are moderate and are a refinement of the current sedan, which has been an experiment for Hyundai in the premium luxury sedan segment.

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Its exterior styling doesn't look all that different — only the front bumper, grille, lights and mirrors have been revised. Inside, the changes go a little deeper, with a new instrument panel, gauge cluster, center console, steering wheel and wood trim choices. A 9.2-inch touch-screen is standard in the center console and there's another one in the gauge cluster.

2014 Hyundai Equus to Debut at 2013 New York Auto Show

Hyundai's premium sedan will get a refresh for 2014. We'll meet the revised Equus later this month at the 2013 New York International Auto Show.

Hyundai promises the large sedan will have "more than 30 new and enhanced features" for 2014. Highlights include updated styling, new interior materials and additional safety features.

No word yet on powertrain. The current model uses a 429-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, up from 2011's 385-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic. Hyundai's largest sedan joined the lineup for model-year 2011; it returned unchanged for 2013.

Check back with us after Hyundai pulls the wraps off the 2014 Equus on March 27th.

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Hyundai Teaser Reveals Future of Premium Sedan

Hyundai is best known for its affordable offerings from the Accent subcompact to Sonata midsize sedan. But its larger and more expensive Genesis and Equus sedans have always aimed at the premium market.

At next week's 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Hyundai will unveil the HCD-14 concept teased above. The sleek silhouette hints at a fastback style like the Audi A7 while the company says it will pack gesture-based controls — think Xbox 360 — and an engaging driving experience.

We'll have more from the Detroit auto show next week when the HCD-14 debuts at 3 p.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 14.

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2012 Hyundai Equus Video

If you're looking for rear-seat amenities at the ultra-luxury level but at midlevel luxury prices, the 2012 Hyundai Equus is where it's at, according to Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays. Even so, while there are certainly some top notch luxury features found in the Equus, the model can't keep up with the perennial favorite of wealthy car shoppers, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mays says.

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Cars.com Reviews the 2012 Hyundai Equus

The Equus delivers Hyundai into the luxury-car market, but a few things are missing from Hyundai's large sedan, according to Cars.com Managing Editor David Thomas. A potent V-8 and a supple ride are among the car's strengths, but an interior trailing other luxury sedans is a glaring weakness, he says.

2012 Hyundai Equus Review

2012 Hyundai Equus: Car Seat Check

If you already feel like a chauffeur for your kids, ferrying them around in the Equus will make you feel right at home. Hyundai's largest sedan has a cavernous backseat with power reclining functionality. Premium materials and plenty of comfort and convenience features make this car more than comfortable for both front and backseat occupants.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat.

Kia Names New Flagship

Previously codenamed KH and then known as the K9, Kia's new flagship sedan will be called Quoris when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this year.

The large sedan went on sale in Korea earlier this spring. The Quoris is Kia's first rear-wheel-drive sedan, but it's no surprise since corporate cousin, Hyundai, has been in the near-luxury rear-wheel-drive market for a few years now with its Genesis and Equus sedans.

Coming Soon: Kia's K9 Flagship

Two weeks ago, Kia announced plans to bring a rear-wheel-drive flagship to market, marking the South Korean automaker's first foray into the large luxury sedan segment. Previously codenamed KH, we now know the sedan will be called K9 when it goes on sale in its home country during the first half of the year.

But that's not what we'll call it in the States -- if and when it comes here. According to Kia's statement, "the Korean market name will be 'K9' -- while the name for export markets, as well as overseas launch timings, will be revealed later this year.”