When is a luxury Hyundai not a Genesis? At that time Grandeur. The large sedan enters its seventh generation with a very different design from its predecessor. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, it’s sold in some markets as the Azera. The United States was one of them until the automaker discontinued it in 2017 by deciding not to carry previous-generation cars. A substantial facelift arrived in late 2019, and now, the all-new model is here.
In typical Hyundai/Kia/Genesis fashion, no technical specifications are available at this time. Some of the official images provided show the Grandeur 2023 with a bold exterior design featuring a front fascia similar to the futuristic looking Staria minivan. An LED light bar spans the entire width of the front while the actual headlights are mounted lower in separate clusters on the bumper to flank the large grille.
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The side profile reveals door handles that stay flush with the body when not in use while the quarter glass serves as a visual nod to the original Grandeur from 1986. That’s not a Hyundai alone, but rather a reworked version of the Mitsubishi Debonair. If you recall, the South Korean brand modernized the Mk1 in November 2021 when it launched the electric Heritage Series Grandeur.
The long rear doors strongly suggest the new Grandeur has an extended wheelbase for more rear legroom. For reference, the previous generation measures 2,885 millimeters (113.6 inches) between axles and has an overall length of 4,990 mm (196.5 inches). Now it might be placed between the Genesis G80 and G90 in terms of size.
The sleek design continues at the rear where the full-width light bar echoes the one at the front. The gently curved trunk lid houses the rearview camera in the center, above the protruding “Grandeur” inscription. To keep the look clean, the Hyundai hid the exhaust tip under the bumper and we noticed the absence of a parking sensor. Granted, this isn’t an actual image, so the original likely had the sensor integrated into the glossy black blade that surrounds the entire car.
As for the interior, it is also a big change from the previous generation model. It gets a dual screen setup above the dashboard along with a third screen mounted lower on the center console where the driver and passenger control climate settings. It seems that the design of the steering wheel follows the first Grandeur while the rear passengers have their own controls mounted between the seats.
Ambient lighting on the door cards gives the cabin a cozy feel while the seats are wrapped in what Hyundai describes as eco Nappa leather combined with hygienic and anti-bacterial leather at some of the touch points. Other striking features include separate audio controls, a dual panel sunroof and electrically operated front seats with attractively shaped headrests.
Full details should be revealed in the coming weeks before the market launch which is likely set in early 2023.
