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the one thing I think Hyundai still cant get is the interior. it doesn't have that wow factor. this doesn't look upscale to me.
I thought $32k was a lot of money until I started thinking about a loaded Accord V6 or Altima or Camry ... I think this interior is good enough for that class.
The A4 Premium (base) is about the same price with no options. Has a better interior but not nearly the same number of bells and whistles. The 328i (F30) starts higher than this and as we saw in the 3-series thread it's capable of hitting $50k if you load it up.
I see your point but I think that for the class it's good enough.
As an older sibling of the multi-talented Sonata, the Hyundai Azera doesn't have it easy. Think about the four big brothers in the Jackson 5 who knew they were really members of the Jackson 1+4. Not only is the Sonata Hyundai's best-selling model, with 225,961 sold in 2011, but it's arguably the brand's most impressive offering. From the 198-hp, 35-mpg-highway GLS whose equipment and performance belie its "base" descriptor, to the 274-hp, 34-mpg-highway 2.0T that melds sporty dynamics with small-car mileage, the Sonata is a force to be reckoned with. Just ask Accord, Altima, and Camry. And what about the Azera? See, you've already forgotten about it -- that's the power of Sonata Effect.
So strong is Sonata Effect that Hyundai stopped building the previous-gen Azera in November 2010, even though that production run needed to cover all Azera sales for calendar 2011. Thus, only 1524 of the premium front-drivers were sold last year, or about half the number moved in 2010. Hyundai's mindset: The Sonatas, especially the 2.0T, can more than satisfy shoppers of the aged Azera, whose standard 3.3-liter V-6 made a sub-2.0T 260 horsepower. Plus, Hyundai knew the next-gen Azera, aka the Grandeur in Korea, was waiting in the wings.
Unlike the frumpier, boxier previous gen, the all-new 2012 Hyundai Azera adopts Hyundai's fluidic sculpture design language, looking like a Sonata that has graduated with honors from fashion school. The overall style is more upscale, thanks to bumper-integrated tailpipes, sweeping front LED daytime running lamps, available 19-inch wheels, and a rear three-quarter character hump a la the Equus. Despite its $32,875 opening sticker, the Azera looks like a pricier piece, a fact its more expensive competition -- e.g., the $36,490 Acura TL and $37,600 Lexus ES 350 -- will be displeased to hear.
Speaking of those foes, the Azera has them beat, at least on paper. In addition to its direct-injected 293-hp, 255-lb-ft, 3.3-liter V-6 outclassing that of the TL (280 hp, 254 lb-ft) and ES (268, 248), the Azera boasts more passenger (107.0 cubic feet) and cargo volume (16.3) than either, and comparable, if not better, combined fuel economy (23 mpg). At the test track, the smooth 24-valve engine and seamless six-speed automatic collaborated to deliver 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds at 94.0 mph, placing the Azera behind the Acura (6.2, 14.6 at 96.9) and Lexus (6.3, 14.7 at 97.6), which means the dominance on paper didn't translate to the pavement. But at least it placed ahead of the last Sonata 2.0T we tested (7.0, 15.4 at 91.5). The Azera's lateral accel of 0.82 g and 60-0 braking of 120 feet are respectable but not significant in light of the TL (0.83 g, 125 feet), ES (0.80, 117), and Sonata 2.0T (0.81, 123 feet).
Out in the real world, the Azera is proof positive that Hyundai has made strides -- albeit small ones -- to improve chassis dynamics. The ride, while not as coddling as that of an ES, comes across about as firm as a TL's and strikes a nice balance between luxury and sport, though over coarse pavement it's still a bit busy. Surprisingly, under aggressive cornering, the Azera exhibits sharp turn-in and moderate body roll, both of which are rather uncommon for the segment. (Credit the SACHS continuously variable dampers.) Brake feel, too, is excellent, and steering effort from the electric-power rack feels more natural and linear than that of the Sonata, although it's still far from the most communicative helm in a front-drive V-6 sedan (think Mazda6).
Per Hyundai’s usual value strategy, the Azera packs a dazzling array of niceties for the money. Standard items include navigation, front and rear heated leather seats, push-button start, nine airbags, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone and audio, 450-watt audio with satellite radio, and 18-inch alloys. For another $4000, a Technology Package adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, HID headlamps, a power-adjustable steering wheel, cooled front seats, 550-watt Infinity audio, and a power rear sunshade. So even fully loaded, the $36,875 Azera comes in at roughly the base price of the ES, which, when comparably equipped, rings the register close to 46 large.
Hyundai sees Sonata owners who want a more premium sedan as a key group of prospective Azera shoppers. Luckily for those folks, the Azera's cabin, like its exterior, strikes a strong resemblance to the Sonata's, thanks to a Y-shaped center stack/dash layout. Yet, the materials, save for the uninspiring gray plastic on the center console, are a clear notch above. The glove-soft leather seating surfaces seem straight out of a Genesis.
Wish list? The nav screen, at 7 inches, could benefit from a size bump as well as a console-mounted rotary knob controller. As it is, the touch-screen-only operation requires constant reaching and also renders a display riddled with fingerprints. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters would be welcome, since the few enthusiasts who do spend $30K-plus deserve the convenience. Then there's the eager stability control system, which sees trail braking as a very naughty practice. Raising the ESC's threshold would help highlight the capable chassis. Last, a blind-spot monitor befits a sedan in this class, if only because the next-gen ES will offer one.
All in all, the Azera is a skillfully executed offering that should put the competition on high alert. With a new version of the ES just months away, we’ll know soon enough how the haute Hyundai stacks up. For now, though, just think of it as one super Sonata.
Redesigned Hyundai Azera for world markets, but not U.S.Manufacturer image
CARS.COM — Hyundai made unsurprising news official today, announcing a 2018 brand lineup that gives the hook to the slow-selling Azera full-size V-6 sedan.
Hyundai said as much last fall when it announced a redesigned Azera for South Korea and global markets, though it told Cars.com in an email at the time that it had not slammed the door on a U.S. launch. The new Azera flagship for the Hyundai brand went on sale in South Korea, where it is known as the Grandeur, in November.
Hyundai said then that a U.S. decision would be "announced in due course." That time came today when Hyundai released a 2018 roster listing Azera's U.S. market availability as "discontinued."
U.S. buyers who want a sedan bigger or fancier than the Hyundai Sonata mid-size — or 1 with more than 4-cylinder power — will still have choices from the Hyundai company, with its premium Genesis brand's G80 sedan and corporate sibling Kia's redesigned 2017 Cadenza full-size sedan. The 2017 Azera starts at $34,995, while the 2017 G80 starts at $42,350 and the 2017 Cadenza starts at $32,890. Meanwhile, the starting price for the refreshed 2018 Sonata is up $500 to $22,935, and it tops out with the Limited 2.0T that starts at $33,335. (All prices include a destination charge.)
2017 Hyundai AzeraManufacturer image
There was little business case to continue the current Azera. Just 241 were sold in June. Sales in the 1st 6 months of 2017 were a meager 1,792, down 30.4 percent from the period a year ago and lagging the Cadenza's 2,655.
Sales of competing near-luxury full-size sedans have suffered, as well, as buyers flocked to SUVs and mid-size sedans have gotten bigger. Still, Toyota, for example, has sold 16,735 Avalons year to date; Chevrolet has sold 31,312 impalas; and Nissan has sold 31,519 Maximas.
You still can get a new Azera for now, however, and likely could get a deal. As of today, Cars.com listings showed 808 new 2017 Azeras and 127 new 2016 Azeras.
Last one I remember seeing was when the redesigned Sonata came out, mistook the Azera for one before the 'new' Sonata was on the road. Either they're so 'under the radar' that they aren't noticeable, or they just aren't selling, or both.
Last one I remember seeing was when the redesigned Sonata came out, mistook the Azera for one before the 'new' Sonata was on the road.
I think I did the same. I was thinking how big but also sharp-looking the new Sonata was. Turned out to be the Azera.
Originally Posted by 00TL-P3.2
Either they're so 'under the radar' that they aren't noticeable, or they just aren't selling, or both.
Even though I only remember seeing and acknowledging 2 or 3 on the streets, I'm going to go with "under the radar" considering I've seen at least 2 RLX's on the road and the Azera has outsold the RLX by at least 2 to 1. I probably get them mixed up with the Sonata still.
It wasn’t too long ago that Hyundai stunned almost everyone with the dramatic redesign of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. It looks like that trend is going to continue, as teasers of the 2020 Hyundai Azera promise yet another fascinating sedan.
As previewed by Hyundai’s global Twitter account, the upcoming redesigned Hyundai Azera—which is sold as the Hyundai Grandeur in many global markets—is finally up to the standard a flagship executive sedan should be at.
The car features a new grille that’s integrated with the headlight units, with light appearing to beam through the grille polygons surrounding the headlight units
In the back is more fancy lighting, with a single curved rear taillight. Paired with the front, the new design makes for some instantly recognizable signatures for the car.
Don’t get too attached, though. Hyundai stopped selling the Azera executive sedan in the U.S. back in 2017 after introducing its new luxury brand, Genesis, with a lineup of its own moderately styled sedans.
The Azera never really sold well here (They once sold -1 Azeras in a month. Negative one.), but also, it never really looked this good, either. Hell, even the current Hyundai lineup doesn’t look this interesting.
While it doesn’t seem like we’ll be getting this new, hot Azera back in the U.S., it’s nice to know that Hyundai may be on a roll with its design department, and that should hopefully trickle over to stuff we can buy.
Genesis. The Veloster N. The new Sonata. iMax N drift bus. What a wild turnaround Hyundai’s had in the last few years.
Hyundai introduced the Grandeur back in 1986 as its flagship model, but the large sedan lost that status a decade later when the Dynasty was launched as a range-topping car. The latter was discontinued a decade later, which effectively meant the Grandeur was once again the cream of the crop in Hyundai’s lineup. In its sixth generation since 2016, the posh sedan is getting a major mid-cycle refresh in South Korea as previously indicated by the teaser images.
Retired in 2017 from the U.S. market, the Azera / Grandeur looks just as special as the all-new Sonata and proves once again that Hyundai has upped its game in terms of design. With an intricate front grille featuring elements that light up, the company’s crown jewel is anything but bland. The new face might make you think this is an all-new car, but in reality, it’s a significant facelift applied to a vehicle that has been around for about three years.
The massive changes applied at the front go beyond the fancy grille pattern as Hyundai has also installed a pair of sharper headlights in the same vein as those of the smaller 2020 Sonata, thus ditching the more rounded clusters of the pre-facelift model. The designers also took some time to tweak the front bumper, which now looks a tad more aggressive.
At the back, the previous Grandeur already had a full-width LED light strip, but it has been reinterpreted for the facelift with curved edges and dare we say it lends the derrière a more sophisticated look. Overall, we could easily see Genesis’ badge on this car as the exterior design sends out a premium vibe worthy of Hyundai’s luxury brand.
Stepping inside, the changes are also quite significant as we’re noticing a fully digital instrument cluster joined by a display for the infotainment system, with both measuring 12.3 inches. The center console has lost some of the traditional controls since those have been integrated into a secondary touch display. Even the air vents have changed since they’re now considerably slimmer and less visible by blending better with the dashboard. The thick and large gear lever for the automatic transmission has been replaced by buttons to enable a cleaner design of the lower center console.
Hyundai South Korea has also published technical specifications regarding its updated flagship, which will be powered by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s also a hybrid model combining a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with a 38-kW electric motor, a six-speed automatic gearbox, and a lithium-ion battery pack. Alternatively, the LPi 3.0 model runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Being positioned at the top of Hyundai’s hierarchy, it goes without saying the 2020 Grandeur comes loaded with features. Wheels as large as 19 inches are available, along with goodies like a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. The list goes on with full LED headlights and electric seats, not to mention a plethora of safety and assistance systems as you’d expect from a flagship car.
Hyundai is already taking orders for the 2020 Grandeur in South Korea.
Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the bold new design of its seventh-generation Grandeur, badged as Azera in markets outside Korea, flagship sedan. The all-new model comes six years after the sixth generation launched in 2016.
Since its original debut as Hyundai's high-end sedan in 1986, Grandeur has led the Korean sedan market, with design and innovations that stand for success and premium quality. The seventh-generation Grandeur has evolved into a model with a new level of refinement and sophistication, full of innovative design cues and high-tech details, which reflects the great transformation happening in the mobility sector without losing sight of the model's tremendous heritage.
"The seventh-generation Grandeur expresses our respect for the past and commitment to move on to the future," said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. "We are creating a new standard for the premium sedan market through emotive design and a refined customer experience."
Creating an exterior design that perfectly fuses art and technology
The All-New Hyundai Grandeur's exterior design takes inspiration from previous models and applies Hyundai Motor's philosophy to reflect on its past while setting a course for the future.
One of the model's most prominent aspects is its pure volume and excellent sense of proportions that balance premium and dynamic styling attributes. The All-New Grandeur is defined by a Seamless Horizon Lamp inspired by the first light of dawn, accentuating the model's wide stance and harmonizing with its parametric jewel grill. The Seamless Horizon Lamp is a perfect fusion of technology and art and characterizes Grandeur's future-focused design sensibility.
The large sedan's pure volume is accentuated by a single character line that runs smoothly and horizontally from the headlamps to the rear combination lamp over clean, uncluttered body sides with frameless doors and auto-flush handles that reflect the model's contemporary style and refinement.
Hyundai Grandeur's stretched wheelbase harmonizes with the boldly receding cowl point and C-pillar to provide an excellent sense of spaciousness as well as dynamic and sporty proportions.
The 'Seamless Horizon' design is also applied to the signature combination lamp that spans the taut rear end, emphasizing the model's slim yet confident stance.
An interior that serves as an oasis for relaxation and recovery
For the All-New Grandeur, Hyundai Motor created a wrap-around interior space trimmed in premium and sustainable materials to provide a clean, comfortable respite for busy lives.
The ambient mood lighting spreads softly across the door trim and the front of the dashboard, and interactive lighting on the upper right of the integrated display provides a new user experience. The pattern details on the door trim are designed with a delicate Korean aesthetic. Together, these elements provide passengers a calming space for relaxation and recovery.
The steering wheel was also inspired by the single-spoke design of the first-generation Grandeur and reborn in its current form by integrating and rearranging controls to provide a more optimized layout for the driver. With the gear knob moved to the steering wheel, the console space provides neat and clean storage conveniences and wireless charging tailored for diverse customer lifestyles and connectivity needs.
On the sleekly styled interior surfaces, designers applied real wood, aluminum and naturally dyed Napa leather quilted in a traditional Korean pattern to provide further differentiation and refinement. The sedan's interior and exterior abound with sustainable materials. In addition to eco-process Napa leather, there is hygienic, anti-bacterial leather applied to various touchpoints.
02-15-2012, 10:16 AM
Audi A4 also can build up to $50k no problem. 
Discontinued
