Hyundai Grandeur Production Model? Don’t Get Your Hopes Up
Hyundai makes a few notable sedans, but one of its most iconic models is the upscale Grandeur. This luxury-specced car was finally brought to America after the debut of its fourth-gen model in 2005. Also known as the Hyundai Azera, it would stay on the U.S. market until the 2017 model year.
The Azera was likely phased out stateside so Hyundai could shift its attention to the luxury Genesis brand. However, the Hyundai Grandeur is still sold in other countries and is due for a stylish redesign very soon. Is there any chance the Grandeur might make an appearance in the U.S.?
This Hyundai Grandeur concept looks promising
The new Grandeur design gained traction after Hyundai gave a sneak peek in October 2022. The recessed door handles and revised C-pillars are callbacks to the first-generation Grandeur. This latest Hyundai Grandeur is also planned to have a receding cowl point and a stretched wheelbase.
The new Grandeur concept sports the automaker’s Seamless Horizon exterior design showcased by Hyundai’s recently redesigned models. That includes razor-thin headlight and taillight bars with proper lighting cubes underneath, plus a jewel-patterned grille. The concept also shows us updated wheel designs.
What kind of features will the next-gen Hyundai Grandeur include?
Top Electric SUV says the new Hyundai Grandeur should have hybrid and full-electric powertrain options. Specs haven’t been revealed yet, but MotorTrend suspects this sedan might be as powerful as the 2023 Genesis G80. The electric variant would have twin electric motors generating 365 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, plus 282 miles of range.
MotorTrend thinks it’s even more likely that the Grandeur will share the G80’s standard 300-hp turbo-four engine. The Genesis G80 also offers a twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp on tap. Both of these come with standard FWD, while the electrified G80 is exclusively AWD.
Hyundai has confirmed that the Grandeur will have quilted Nappa leather seats for each of its five passengers. This seating material is manufactured with antibacterial properties and is sustainably sourced. Meanwhile, interior photos showcase the new Grandeur’s brushed aluminum accents, several soft-touch surfaces, and real wood trim.
In another homage to the first-generation Grandeur, the single-spoke steering wheel returns with a modern redesign. Convenient controls for drive mode selection and audio functions are situated on each side. You also get more center storage space in the cabin because the steering wheel now houses the Grandeur’s gear knob.
The Hyundai Grandeur also features interactive lighting on the passenger-side dashboard and soft ambient lighting from the door trims. The concept photos reveal a moonroof and a large center console. The rear row’s center seat features a foldable armrest with its own storage compartment.
The digital gauge cluster, center infotainment screen, and passenger display are all seamlessly integrated for an experience akin to Genesis and Mercedes-Benz interfaces. The passenger screen looks like it’s there for aesthetic purposes, though it may double as a usable touchscreen in higher trims.
Additionally, there’s even a small touchscreen directly under the center display where you can configure seating adjustments and temperature settings. The Hyundai Grandeur will also include a standard wireless charging pad in addition to USB ports.
The new Grandeur probably won’t come to the U.S.
If the Hyundai Grandeur were released here, it would occupy a similar space in the market as the Genesis G80. While the two aren’t carbon copies (especially in terms of proposed interior design), the G80 is more familiar to luxury car shoppers, making it an unlikely addition to the North American lineup.
Additionally, the Hyundai Grandeur would come at a premium price that isn’t the norm for this economical segment. Hyundai probably wants to focus on marketing its more affordable (and popular) models in the U.S., such as the Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs.
