Hyundai's Stunning New Flagship Sedan Will Make You Say, Genesis Who?

Hyundai has revealed the Grandeur, a new sedan for Korea and other global markets.This is the evolution of Hyundai’s large sedan that was previously sold in the U.S. as the Azera.Its stunning design and posh interior look appropriate for for a Genesis luxury model.

Hyundai doesn’t think that flagships should be exclusive to luxury brands, as that’s what the company is calling its seventh-generation Grandeur large sedan—and this newly redesigned model appears to have the presence to live up to the title. The Grandeur has been around in Korea for decades, but only two generations were sold in the U.S., where it was called the Azera and sold from 2006 until 2017. We don’t think it will be making its return to our market anytime soon, but the new model’s design makes us wish it was coming here.

Few mechanical details are available at this point, but we assume that the Grandeur continues to use a transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive platform, surprising considering its dash-to-axle ratio and elegant proportions that look distinctly rear-wheel drive and premium. The slim, full-width headlight and taillight LED bars are reminiscent of other Hyundai models such as the Staria van and look modern and high-tech. The most interesting design element is the B-pillar treatment that incorporates a rear quarter window in a nod to the original 1980s Grandeur, which Hyundai recently celebrated with a restomod EV treatment. The interior looks to have a distinctly lounge-like feel, with cushy-looking seats and a minimally intrusive, flat dashboard that creates an airy cabin atmosphere.

We’d guess that the new Grandeur will share its powertrains with the related Kia K8 large sedan, which offers a 296-hp 3.5-liter V-6 along with smaller 2.5-liter and turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engines. All-wheel drive will likely be available.

The Grandeur is not likely to come to the U.S., as the large sedan segment has all but died out here. But if Hyundai wants a competitor to the new Toyota Crown, a new Grandeur/Azera would surely find at least a few interested customers—as long as it doesn’t encroach too much on Genesis’ territory.

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