Hyundai's New Large Sedan – Not For Us

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Along with an updated version of the Grandeur (aka the Azera), Hyundai has revealed the new “AG” large sedan, which will be a flagship, but also slot below the Genesis and above the Grandeur.

Technical specifications are unknown, but one thing is for certain: the AG will not be coming to North America. Hyundai is apparently feeling the pinch from “import” brands in its home market of South Korea, and the AG is meant to be a response to growing sales from non-domestic brands.

According to Automotive News, free trade agreements have sent import sales skyrocketing, with German brands providing intense competition to local players. Overall, imports make up as much as 13 percent of South Korea’s car market, which was closed until 1987.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Iamwho2k Iamwho2k on May 29, 2014

    Hyundai is learning from the Germans on how to cut the pie in increasingly thinner slices.

  • TOTitan TOTitan on May 30, 2014

    OK already. I get that Hyundai/Kia has their interiors and reliability down pat, however not a single comment has been about how they drive. Are they fun to drive? How does the steering, brakes, and high speed stability compare to the Germans? From my experience they don't even come close. If you like the way Toyotas drive, buy a Hyundai/Kia. You will get a better Toyota for less money. However if you really enjoy driving, want to be able to stop from high speed more than once, want a suspension that shrugs off speed bumps and potholes, and like driving roads like Mulholland Hwy just for fun, buy a BMW, Audi, or Benz. Ultimately you still get what you pay for.

    • Bd2 Bd2 on May 30, 2014

      Depends on what German - and the new Genesis is pretty much on par with the bloated 5 Series and E Class for driving dynamics (if they really want handling, they should get the CTS V-Sport). And the AG is directed at older, upper-middle/upper class women - who I doubt care about driving dynamics (only care about a plush ride), esp. when they're probably stuck in stop and go traffic in Seoul or one of the other large cities in SKorea (that is, if they don't have a driver). Again, basically, this is the Lexus ES and LaCrosse/Alpheon competitor.

  • TOTitan TOTitan on May 31, 2014

    bd2 your right. My german is a bmw 335d. With the shocking level of performance and economy the car has it doesnt really have many peers.

  • CT_Jake CT_Jake on May 31, 2014

    The 2015 base Genesis is now about 15% higher than the 2014 base. Do you think folks will go for that? It will certainly make the Azera seem more appealing if it's pricing remains relatively the same for 2015. I like the profile of the Genesis, but designers seems to not give a whit about rear seat passengers' visibility. This design element is getting so wide spread that it has lost a lot of its original appeal - at least for me.

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