Buy/Drive/Burn: Unpopular V8 Sedans From 2016

Corey Lewis
by Corey Lewis
buy drive burn unpopular v8 sedans from 2016

Commenter Chocolatedeath is absolutely adamant we talk about today’s trio of unpopular sedans. They’ve all got V8s, rear-drive, and found few buyers in their day, but that won’t stop us from choosing one among them to take home.

So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at Chocolatedeath’s car comparison, shall we?

Hyundai Equus

Believe it or not, the Equus debuted a full decade ago at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The second-generation Equus was the first to arrive in North America, and did so for the 2011 model year with a large 4.6-liter V8 engine. Only first-year versions had the 4.6L; after that the top-spec 5.0-liter Tau V8 took its place.

Important engine figures included 429 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque (if filled with premium fuel). The Equus was 203 inches long in sedan guise, but the available limo version was not imported to North America. All-wheel drive was never an option with Equus, and all versions utilized the same eight-speed automatic between 2012 and 2016. Equus was replaced in 2017 by the superior Genesis G90.

Infiniti Q70

The Q70’s design hailed from 2011, when two new versions of the brand’s M sedan debuted as the M35 and M56. Underneath, the new M used an “enhanced” and stretched version of Nissan’s rear-drive FM platform that debuted with the G35 in 2003. With new, swoopy styling replacing the blocky looks of the outgoing M, the new M became the (two inches) larger car it always wanted to be.

There was a slight refresh and name change in 2013 as Infiniti transitioned from various alphabet soup to Q-everything. The M37 became Q70 3.7, the M56 became Q70 5.6, and exterior length remained the same at 194.7 inches. A long-wheelbase version was available from 2014 onward. Four-wheel drive was also optional, making the Q70’s configurations the most comprehensive of our trio. Today’s selection is the Q70 5.6, in standard wheelbase and with rear-drive. A seven-speed auto sends 420 horses and 417 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. The Q70 was cancelled after the 2019 model year without replacement, because Infiniti has never once proffered a large(ish) luxury sedan customers wanted to buy.

Kia K900

At home the K900 was named K9, but for North America a couple zeroes were added to its badge. New for the 2013 model year, the K900 shared a platform with the above Equus as well as the smaller, first-generation Genesis sedan. The 200-inch K900 benefited from a later introduction than the Equus, and used the same GDI version of the 5.0-liter Tau V8.

Much like the Equus, the K900 used an eight-speed automatic transmission, and was available only in rear-drive configuration. Unlike the Equus, the K900 wore big KIA badges on it, which tended to ruin any luxury aspirations. This issue was reflected in Canadian sales figures, which totaled 96 between 2014 and 2018. The K900 was replaced in 2019 by a second generation which looks more upscale and Mercedes-Bentley like.

Two large sedans, one large-medium sedan, limited consumer desirability. Which one gets the Buy in 2016?

[Images: Kia, Infiniti, Hyundai]

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  • Jeff S Jeff S on Jun 02, 2020

    Looks are subjective. I don't mind the looks so much as the fact that it is a Chinese made vehicle with a premium price. The looks are not polarizing but they are nothing to write home about--meh, meh, meh. Most of today's vehicles have blah styling and are offered in blah colors. Reminds me of the song "Little Boxes" all are ticky tacky like. Not offensive but you could put a Kia name or a BMW/Mercedes name on them at it is hard to tell the difference.

  • Dahammer Dahammer on Jul 01, 2020

    Buy Equus; I just saw a 2017 G90 Premium with the 5.0 V8 and 38k miles offered for $40k. This car had a sticker price of $85,000 three years ago. Drive: Equus, 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, this is a 2.5 ton vehicle. Burn: Infiniti and K9000, both ugly as sin. Another one here who can't understand the Hyundai hate. I'm driving a loaded 2012 Genesis I picked up two years ago with 36k miles for about 35% of list. I just saw a 2013 R Spec with the 5.0 V8 being offered for $14,500 with 65k miles. This has a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds, there's no replacement for displacement.

  • Sayahh Is it 1974 or 1794? The article is inconsistent.
  • Laura I just buy a Hyndai Elantra SEL, and My car started to have issues with the AC dont work the air sometimes is really hot and later cold and also I heard a noice in the engine so I went to the dealer for the first service and explain what was hapenning to the AC they told me that the car was getting hot because the vent is not working I didnt know that the car was getting hot because it doesnt show nothing no sign no beep nothing I was surprise and also I notice that it needed engine oil, I think that something is wrong with this car because is a model 23 and I just got it on April only 5 months use. is this normal ? Also my daughter bought the same model and she went for a trip and the car also got hot and it didnt show up in the system she called them and they said to take the car to the dealer for a check up I think that if the cars are new they shouldnt be having this problems.
  • JamesGarfield What charging network does the Polestar use?
  • JamesGarfield Re: Getting away from union plantsAbout a dozen years or so ago, Caterpillar built a huge new engine plant, just down the road here in Seguin TX. Story has it, Caterpillar came to Seguin City council in advance, and told them their plans. Then they asked for no advanced publicity from Seguin, until announcement day. This new plant was gonna be a non-union replacement for a couple of union plants in IL and SC, and Cat didn't want to stir up union problems until the plan was set. They told Seguin, If you about blab this in advance, we'll walk. Well, Seguin kept quiet as instructed, and the plan went through, with all the usual expected tax abatements given.Plant construction began, but the Caterpillar name was conspicuously absent from anywhere on the site. Instead, the plant was described as being a collective of various contractors and suppliers for Caterpillar. Which in fact, it was. Then comes the day, with the big new plant fully operationa!, that Caterpillar comes in and announces, Hey, Yeah it's our plant, and the Caterpillar name boldly goes up on the front. All you contractor folks, welcome aboard, you're now Caterpillar employees. Then, Cat turns and announces they are closing those two union plants immediately, and will be transporting all the heavy manufacturing equipment to Seguin. None of the union workers, just the equipment. And today, the Caterpillar plant sits out there, humming away happily, making engines for the industry and good paying jobs for us. I'd call that a winner.
  • Stuki Moi What Subaru taketh away in costs, dealers will no doubt add right back in adjustments.... Fat chance Subaru will offer a sufficient supply of them.
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