Hyundai Grandeur/Azera GN7

Once the icon of the late 80s, the Hyundai Grandeur is now on its seventh generation and this all-new model is all about honoring the past while embracing the future in the age of a new normal where sedans are becoming endangered species thanks to the rise of the crossovers.

2023 Hyundai Grandeur

2023 Hyundai Grandeur

Priced at 37,160,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-new, seventh-generation, Hyundai Grandeur is all about the past, present, and future colliding together in this bold new take of Hyundai's flagship saloon that became the status symbol for every Korean businessman when the first model was launched in 1986.

Beginning with the design, the front view of the all-new Grandeur features a Staria-styled nose because the people who designed it were enamored by the Staria's futuristic looks so they decided to copy it on the new Grandeur. Apart from the Staria-styled nose, the rear view draws inspiration from the IONIQ 6 while the side view is heavily inspired by the first-generation Grandeur. They're right about celebrating the Grandeur lineage with this design, though.

2023 Hyundai Grandeur interior

On the inside, the all-new Grandeur is all about futuristic in every detail as the dashboard features two touch screens; above for the connected car Navigation Cockpit (making its debut on this car) and below for climate control, which adds complexity for those who got their hands cleaned with their hand sanitizer. There are two knobs that can adjust the volume or change radio stations, a set of buttons for easy use, HUD, and a steering wheel reminiscent of the one from the first-generation Grandeur. What's complexing is that the gear lever is now positioned below the steering wheel, an ode to the first-generation Grandeur as well.

While the driver's side is all business, the passenger space is the real standout for the all-new Grandeur because of its slightly longer wheelbase compared to the previous IG model, meaning it's got more space for the VIPs to relax in their sweet spot. As for boot space, it's not so bad for carrying even the most sensitive stuff bosses can only understand.

2023 Hyundai Grandeur

Because it now runs on the same bits and bobs from the Kia K8, the all-new Grandeur is subtler and more enjoyable to drive than the previous model, making it the most sophisticated Grandeur to drive. Coupled with the electronically controlled suspension with road preview and HTRAC all-wheel-drive, the Grandeur delivers the impression of driving an outrageously-priced European import, which is rather surprising for a Korean-made luxury sedan. Although not in a Mercedes level of luxuriousness, it's a bit Audi-ish to drive, to be honest.

Like the Kia K8, the Grandeur GN7 features four powertrains such as the Smartstream 2.5L petrol engine producing 198PS of power, the Smartstream LPG 3.5L engine produces 240PS of power, and 7.8km/L of combined fuel economy, the hybrid variant with the Smartstream 1.6L turbo hybrid engine on it produces 180PS of power and 18km/L of combined fuel economy, and the flagship Smartstream G 3.5L petrol engine producing 300PS of power and 10.4km/L of combined fuel economy. All variants are mated to an 8-speed AT while the hybrid variant is mated to a six-speed AT.

In the interest of safety, the Grandeur GN7 features the latest version of Hyundai Smart Sense, which features numerous active safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blindspot View Monitor, Safe Exit Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and many more.

The Hyundai Grandeur GN7 is all about honoring the past while embracing the future in the age of a new normal. Having been around for 36 years, this latest generation is proof that the Grandeur is here to stay, whatever it takes, and looks like the Koreans are not kidding with it. The sedan that redefined South Korea is now reborn.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Kia K7 (2nd gen) vs. Hyundai Grandeur (6th gen) - 2020 minor change

Kia's K7 and Hyundai's Grandeur, in their current generation, are now on their 2020 model years with their minor changes sporting bold new looks while retaining their same experiences for the drivers ever since they went on sale three years ago.

2020 Kia K7 Premier

First off, let's take a look at the facelifted second-generation Kia K7. Starting at 30,940,000 Korean Won (around $31,000), the K7 Premier, as they called it, features a distinctively new look inside and out, and new engine choices, not to mention the added tech involved.

Starting at the design, Kia must have done a good job revising the second-generation K7 for the 2020 model year. Tthe trademark Tiger Nose grille now sized like the grilles from the BMW 8-Series while the DRLs now aligning with the grille for a more dramatic look. On the back, Kia copied the rear view of the Genesis G90 while slapping some Kia credentials on it, making it harder for people to distinguish between the two cars in terms of rear views insights.

2020 Kia K7 Premier interior

The interior has been heavily redesigned on this minor change except for the steering wheel, which is a carry-over from the pre-facelifted model. The new interior throws away the analog clock from the pre-facelifted model, which is rather obvious for this model, while implementing a much longer touch screen which is updated on the go and works with the camera feature in case of sweet potatoes on the road, the K9-inspired digital instrumental panel which works with the Behind View Monitor, and a more comfortable seats for a more luxurious feel. Of course, it may be a Kia but it's about as luxurious as a BMW 3-Series of course.

In addition to the 2.2L diesel engine and 3.0L GDi engine with 266PS of power and R-MDPS, the K7 Premier comes with a brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which combines the qualities of a gasoline direct injection and multi-port injection engines into one efficient packaging. This new engine produces a high-performance class-ish 198PS of power and 25.3kgfm of torque with combined fuel economy is expected from 11.1 to 11.9km/L. 

2020 Kia K7 Premier Hybrid

Those who are looking for a fuel-efficient ride to work may consider a hybrid variant which bolts the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery, not to mention a six-speed AT on it to make it slightly more engaging to drive than any Japanese midsize hybrids, although the 16.2km/L combined fuel economy wasn't enough to upset its Japanese rivals.

Apart from the engine choices, the K7 Premier still comes with the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension, making it as handy as expensive European imports on the go. Not bad for a poor-man's K9.

Of course, it wouldn't be a luxury car of today without tech and the K7 Premier offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well as UVO connectivity, giving it plenty of reasons to explore the gadgetry lurking through this semi-luxury car for the businessmen working in the Gangnam offices.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur

If you think that the facelifted Kia K7 is very 3-Series-ish, the facelifted, sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur might change your mind over budget luxury cars.

Priced at 32,940,000 Korean Won (around $33,000), the facelifted Grandeur is more expensive than the K7 relative but what makes it more unique is the styling this minor change delivers. Drawing inspiration from the Le Fil Concept, the facelifted Grandeur features a unique front face where the edges of the massive grille lit up, giving it a more concept car feel for a production car. Apart from the unique front view, the rear view's massively revised with a Kia Stinger-inspired rear view, which is rather unorthodox for a Hyundai.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur interior

Just like the Kia K7 Premier, the Grandeur's minor change featured a brand new interior which looks like a mashup between the Lexus LS's and the Hyundai Palisade's, that's for sure, not to mention the steering wheel which looks like the Kia K9's, but long story short because questionable interior design aside, it works like every luxury midsize saloon should be thanks to its numerous gadgets offered, the smartphone connectivity, the plush leather seats, the gear buttons, the JBL sound systems, and more. Everything that will please the luxury car buyers for more.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

The facelifted Hyundai Grandeur is offered in a choice of various powertrain choices ranging from the brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which offers similar fuel efficiency as the Kia K7 Premier, the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery for the hybrid variant, the more powerful 3.3L V6 engine with a sporty 290PS of power output, and a 3.0 LPi engine for fleet purposes.

Apart from the engine choices that made the Grandeur different to its K7 relative, they share some similar technology with safety comes first and convenience later. You get the point, of course.

So, which would you pick? For pricing, the K7 is the pick but if you consider a more powerful luxury car on a budget, consider the Grandeur with the 3.3L engine on it. Either way, they behave like expensive European imports and these two recently facelifted models are something Korean businessmen would want to have for all the right or the wrong barrels.

Photo: Kia Motors/Hyundai Motor Company

Sixth-Generation Hyundai Grandeur (IG) Hybrid

2018 Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

Last November, Hyundai launched the latest sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur to commemorate three decades of one of Hyundai's longest-running nameplates in history with innovation fit for today's drivers. Following the arrival of the sixth-generation model, which comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, the hybrid variant has arrived for this generation for those who value fuel efficiency without giving up performance.

It looks the same as the normal sixth-generation Grandeur. You still have the same old front view, same old Charger-esque rear view, and the classy interior fit enough for a cut-price luxury saloon, but the Grandeur Hybrid is powered by the Theta II 2.4L petrol engine connected to an electric motor and a li-ion battery as well as being mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It produces 159ps of power output while the electric motor produces 38kw of power, resulting to a combined power output is 210PS and combined fuel efficiency of 16.2km/L. Take note that these figures is as similar to its compatriot, the Kia K7 Hybrid, which has the same powertrain as this.

Like the normal Grandeur, the Grandeur Hybrid features Hyundai SmartSense, which comprises of numerous safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Detection, Driver Attention Alert, Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitor.

The all-new Grandeur Hybrid starts at 36,830,000 Korean Won and it's slightly more costly than the previous Grandeur Hybrid as well as the Kia K7 Hybrid. Sounds too odd for the pricing of the car that promises fuel efficiency, performance, and tech delivered for today's drivers in South Korea.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Sixth-Generation Hyundai Grandeur (IG)

The first-generation Grandeur came out in South Korea since July 1986 and now, Hyundai celebrates 30 years of Hyundai Grandeur with a brand new sixth-generation Grandeur luxury saloon. With evolution, thirty years in the making, this new Grandeur keeps one of Korea's oldest nameplate strong and alive while demanding the trends of tomorrow's world. So, how will the new model serve as the icing on top of its 30th birthday cake?

2017 Hyundai Grandeur

The Grandeur has been the hallmark of Hyundai Motor Company for three decades and for the new version, it's innovation infused with heritage from its predecessors. Reading through thirty years of the Grandeur will have further understanding why this car was made and by getting to know more about the sixth-generation Grandeur is just the half of the story because there are some things you didn't know about.

Starting with the design. At first glance, it looks vaguely similar to the fourth-generation Grandeur if you squint your view into it but on the back, you will notice that the rear lamps look vaguely similar to the Dodge Charger as well, so it's like East meets West in a culinary kind of way.

2017 Hyundai Grandeur interior

Step inside and the new Grandeur equates is creature comforts to the European luxury saloons. Connoisseurs of all kinds can spend their time getting to know about its interior but for speedo boys, its a complete nightmare because like all cars of today and tomorrow, the sat-nav's now totally irreplaceable, the CD player is now hidden under the armrest, and that's it. You can't replace every bit and bob on the dashboard because the designers are very serious about dashboards getting fiddled by speedo boys so they're taking serious measures to keep the dashboard virtually speedo boy-proof.

Speaking of which, the sat-nav can be integrated with different kinds of smartphones. For iPhone users, they can use its Apple CarPlay connectivity but for Android users, they need to download the new mappyAUTO app on Google Play and then use MirrorLink to get the mappyAUTO app as well. With the mappyAUTO, Android users can keep track with their navigation purposes as well as using Street View before heading through it.

2017 Hyundai Grandeur

What's under the hood is what matters for the customers and for the brand new Grandeur, customers can choose either a 3.0 GDi or 2.4 GDi petrol engines, or a 2.2 diesel engine. The most powerful version is the 3.0L GDi engine producing 266PS of power and 31.4kg-m but the most torquiest is the 2.2 diesel engine with 45kg-m of torque. While the 2.4L petrol only has a 6-speed, both the 3.0L GDi and the 2.2 CRDi-VGT engine are mated with an 8-speed gearbox, a first for the Grandeur.

Although the engines served just another half of the story, there's one thing you will notice. Now, have you ever saw a web movie called "Teuggeun (특근)"? The new Grandeur made is special appearance in the said web movie and some saw the part where the Grandeur chasing down a monster machine in the woods. Sounds cool, right? But the way it behaves is nothing as seen in the web film because in reality, it's just basically a typical normal saloon behaving in a Hyundai Sonata kind of way. It maybe subtle to drive but its sporty character is almost never and it cannot be taken very seriously to do any attempt in any movie stunt behavior, which is very ill-advised.

2017 Hyundai Grandeur

Anyway, skipping to that matter, the sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur marks the debut of the new suite of safety tech called Hyundai SmartSense. It comprises of Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Detection, Driver Attention Alert, Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitor. These features show undeniable proof that the new model combines tradition with innovation for over thirty years.

Should you buy it? The new Hyundai Grandeur starts at 30,550,000 up to 38,700,000 Korean Won, which is less expensive than its compatriot, the latest Kia K7, of course. It's also less expensive to its Korea-only relative, the Aslan, as well. So, for thirty years of progress, has the sixth-generation Grandeur worthy enough to blow its thirty candles? Don't be hasty but it's a good fun finding out. Still, this is more than enough to celebrate 30 years of Hyundai Grandeur and for this new model, it blends its 30-year history with a vision for the future and what you're looking at here is a car that keeps writing down through the pages of history.

Available colors: White Cream, Ion Silver, Luna Grey, Pantera Grey, Midnight Black, Valentine Red, Grand Blue, Suede Bronze, and Khaki Metal.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company  

Hyundai Grandeur/Azera Hybrid

2014 Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

2014 Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

Since its launch in January 2011, the 5G Grandeur is a step further for Hyundai's luxury premium FWD saloon car that sometimes doesn't fare well against the competition. Now, Hyundai wants to make the Grandeur or Azera even more economical and more...silent by unveiling the first ever Grandeur Hybrid.

You get the same premium amenities as the normal petrol version but for the hybrid, the Theta II 2.4 MPI engine, which generates in a normal 159PS of power output, is connected to a 35kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Put these together and the total output is a healthy 204PS of power, making it a bit less of a city-car class, more of a high-performance car class. Unlike most hybrids that do come with the dull CVT gearbox like for instance, the Toyota Crown or the Lexus IS or the Toyota Camry, this hybrid version of the Grandeur/Azera is mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Not quite as sporty as it seems but still it's worth responsive than a CVT-mated hybrid however, in terms of fuel economy, the Grandeur Hybrid gets a moderate 16.0km/L. That's about less than its rivals from Toyota but still, it's more fuel efficient than its petrol equivalents.

The new Grandeur Hybrid starts at 34,600,000 KRW and it's available at four different colors; White Crystal, Sleek Silver, Black Diamond, and Aquamarine.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Pedal-powered 5G Grandeur in China!?

In country like China, where the Hyundai 5G Grandeur sold as the Azera, those guys created a pedal-powered version of the Hyundai 5G Grandeur that made everyone fooled that this was a 5G Grandeur.

It was some kind of a Korean luxury car minus the luxury features because this is a pedal-powered version but whoever done it must have meant it.

The new Around View Monitor on the 5G Grandeur 3.3 GDi Celebrity

Around View Monitor developed exclusively
for the 2012 Hyundai Grandeur 3.3 GDi Celebrity

The new Around View Monitor offered exclusively on the 2012 Hyundai 5G Grandeur HG330 Celebrity says that this is the first Korean car to get such technology for enhanced parking safety. What I say is, that Hyundai snagged this technology from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., because this technology was used on cars such as the Nissan Skyline Crossover (Infiniti EX), Infiniti QX56, and the Nissan Elgrand.

Anyway, the Hyundai 5G Grandeur HG330 Celebrity's Around View Monitor uses separate cameras to display the image of a vehicle from above. This provides the Grandeur to confirm it's relation to the lines around the parking space. With the Around View Monitor, the owner can position the Grandeur Celebrity for parallel parking or park the car in a smart way with ease.

Source: http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=21&pidx=652

3.3 GDI

2012 Hyundai Grandeur HG330 Celebrity

2012 Kia K7 3.3 GDi

The Hyundai 5G Grandeur and the Kia K7 finally received their much awaited 3.3L GDi engine! The new 3.3. GDi engine has a power output of 294PS/6400rpm, 35.3kg-m/5200rpm of torque output, and the fuel economy of 10.9km/L. They are both equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission.

SCOOP:

Kia K7 3.3 GDi: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1488

Hyundai Grandeur HG330 Celebrity: http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=30&pidx=650

Wow, both the Kia K7 and the Hyundai Grandeur gained the most powerful V6 engine as an advantage to take out the likelihood of Renault Samsung's ALL NEW SM7! Because of such conditions in our country, don't expect seeing both of these at the Philippines soon! I wonder if some of our gray market buddies such as Hancars or Pitstop Motors got that memo...

Hyundai Grandeur/Azera HG

In one episode of the KBS Action Drama, The Fugitive Plan B, in order to escape Jiwoo and Jini from the goons, they need a getaway car, and the getaway car Jiwoo and Jini unveiled was none other than the fifth-generation Hyundai Grandeur (Azera in some markets) HG. It is a shocker why the new Grandeur made a surprise appearance on The Fugitive Plan B, but now you can reminsce Jiwoo's escape because the new Hyundai Grandeur HG was unveiled on January 13, 2011!

2012 Hyundai Grandeur

Dubbed as 5G Grandeur (5G stands for fifth-generation), Hyundai's legendary premium medium-sized sedan is now evolved into the most sophisticated luxury medium-sized premium sedan since the first one debuted in 1986, then the second one in 1992, following with the Grandeur XG in 1998, and the previous Grandeur TG in 2005. For 25 years, the Grandeur will forever be known as the "Crown of South Korea" because of its historical events and this 5G Grandeur is the ultimate in the history of Grandeur-ism. Possible rivals can be the Kia K7, Nissan Fuga, Toyota Mark X, Nissan Teana, Audi A6, Toyota Crown, BMW 5-Series, or even the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

2012 Hyundai Grandeur interior

With Hyundai's trademark design, Fluidic Sculpture, as seen on the Tucson iX, YF Sonata, Avante/Elantra MD, and the Accent RB, the new 5G Grandeur achieved the best design flow that brings its Kia K7 cousin to shame. Looking at the front, it looks like an enlarged version of the YF Sonata's front. On the rear view, the rear lamps shaped like the Maserati GranTurismo, Subaru Impreza Hatchback, and the seventh-generation Mitsubishi Galant combined. The design of the new Grandeur is just one of the reasons why this premium sedan would be called the perfect Korean sedan. On the interior, hospitality comes standard because the new Grandeur is fully loaded with luxurious conveniences both the driver and the passenger, such as premium NAPPA leather seats, information display, optional navigation system, premium audio system, heated seats, climate control, and some of the features that leaves them saying "what is hospitality in Korean?"

As an eco-car, the new Grandeur is outfitted with two Gasoline Direct injection (GDi) engines available for the South Korean market. First is the entry level Theta II GDi 2.4-litre engine (found on the YF Sonata) that produces a power output of 201 PS and the fuel economy of 12.8km/L while the flagship model is armed with the all new Lambda II GDi 3.0-litre engine that produces a majestic 270 PS of power output while fuel economy is at the modest 11.6km/L. Two GDi engines are offered on the 5G Grandeur but which of these is their pick? The GDi 2.4-litre variant is made for eco-car lovers while the GDi 3.0-litre variant is made for power-seekers. Both of these are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For safety, the 5G Grandeur comes with Vehicle Dynamic Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Emergency Stop Signal, Smart Parking Assist System, and nine airbags on the inside. You can feel safe and secured inside the new Grandeur.

My thoughts about the Grandeur:

Adopting the Grand Glide concept, the new Hyundai Grandeur is the pinnacle of the premium medium-sized sedan category and it will take on the Kia K7, Renault Samsung SM7 (new model coming soon!), and the GM Daewoo Alpheon (Buick LaCrosse). With its new GDi engine, things go smooth for the new Grandeur thanks to its majestic power, impressive fuel economy, and the progress of being the most elegant Korean sedan most Koreans would love to take a spin for joy.

In my opinion, I think HARI may not be able to bring the new Grandeur as the Azera due to its poor sales and the YF Sonata will be the pinnacle of HARI's lineup aside from the prestigious RWD sedan, the Genesis. The 5G Grandeur is on sale in South Korea now and soon in North America, and other countries as well.

If you get your hands on the 5G Grandeur, you'll be more like Jiwoo from The Fugitive Plan B.



Photo: Hyundai Motor Company