Hyundai Stretches to £80,000 with New Equus - VIDEO ENHANCED

HIGH WYCOMBE, UK - October 1, 2009: The most sophisticated and luxurious Hyundai ever has just been launched in South Korea. The long-wheelbase version of the Equus saloon is the largest and most expensive vehicle in the Hyundai line-up, rivalling the likes of the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class. Prices for the Equus Limousine start at approximately £70,000 and go up to £80,000.

Passenger comfort was at the forefront of the design criteria and as a result the new model offers passengers unparalleled levels of interior space and luxury. The vehicle is longer than major competitors by as much as 310 mm, with up to 376 mm more backseat legroom.

The new model is fitted with the most powerful engine ever built for a Hyundai production car – a 5.0-litre V8. With a maximum output of 400PS and a torque rating of 500Nm, the Equus outperforms competitors such as the Lexus LS460L by 20PS and the Mercedes S500L by 12PS.

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It’s not just the driver that will find something substantial under his right foot. Rear passengers will find they have the world’s first power-driven footrest, seat leg support, relax posture control and a massage system. This sort of comfort isn’t usually found anywhere outside of an aircraft’s first class lounge.

Hyundai has also developed a bulletproof version of the car and has delivered three units to the Korean President. Hyundai is the first Korean company to develop a bulletproof car with its own technology.

The Equus is primarily aimed at Hyundai’s domestic Korean market. Potential export markets are currently being assessed, but the car is unlikely to be imported to the UK officially.