Photo: Youtube Screenshot | OtoExpert
Hyundai is one of the few automakers that hasn’t abandoned traditional passenger cars in the U.S. Its current lineup includes the Elantra, Sonata, and the battery-electric Ioniq 6, and it has other similar cars in foreign markets.
One of them is called the Hyundai Grandeur, and it is a mid-size sedan marketed in Korea. It may not tell you much, but this was the best-selling new car in the Asian country last year, as the company managed to sell well over 110,000 units.
Even though the seventh-generation Hyundai Grandeur isn’t even two years old yet, the automaker recently updated it. The changes aren’t significant, but they do include a few extra bits inside and a black exterior package. Lane Keeping Assist 2 has been added to all versions of the car, which also gets steering wheel sensing and a revamped climate control system that supports OTA updates. One odd inclusion is the fire extinguisher in the cabin.
The range comprises Premium, Exclusive and Calligraphy levels, with the latter benefitting from quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a new head-up display. As for the aforementioned Black Exterior Package, it brings a dark look to the grille, logos and wheels and can be combined with the all-black finish for a more sinister look.
Photo: Youtube Screenshot | OtoExpert
Numerous powertrain options are available for the Hyundai Grandeur in Korea, including gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) versions of the 3.5-liter V6, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit, and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid. Prices start at the equivalent of less than $30,000 and go up to nearly $40,000 for the top-of-the-line model.
We wouldn’t hold our breath for the Hyundai Grandeur to return to the U.S. as the Azera, a model that was sold in our market until 2017. Plus, since it’s still relatively fresh (less than two years old), we expect Hyundai to keep it in its current form for at least another two years, with a mid-cycle refresh likely a year or two away. The next generation is likely due toward the end of the decade if Hyundai decides to stick with it.
However, while an all-new Hyundai Grandeur is still not in the works, one rendering artist has decided to give it a shot. We’re talking about OtoExpert on YouTube, who created this stunning machine that looks like it’s worthy of a sci-fi movie. It’s a four-door coupe-like proposition with a typical front fascia, a clean profile, front-hinged rear doors (suicide), large wheels, and an overall black look, and it’s very cool to look at.
We would be proud to welcome him to our market, especially if he maintains his ICE recipe, although it would probably sell with Electric vehicle power, too. So, which one would you choose?