Hyundai Grandeur
The Hyundai Grandeur, also known as the Hyundai Azera in North America, is a full-size sedan first introduced in 1986 by Hyundai Motor Company. The Grandeur has seen multiple generations and has been marketed under different names in various regions. The model was aimed at offering a more premium alternative to Hyundai's standard lineup, often competing with other luxury sedans in its class.
First generation (1986–1992)
change| First generation | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | L |
| Also called | Mitsubishi Debonair |
| Production | 1986–1992 |
| Assembly | South Korea: Ulsan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,735 mm (107.7 in) |
| Length | 4,865 mm (191.5 in) |
| Width | 1,725 mm (67.9 in) |
| Height | 1,430 mm (56.3 in) 1,450 mm (57.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,409–1,540 kg (3,106–3,395 lb) |
The Hyundai Grandeur first generation was a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Debonair produced by Hyundai. It was initially launched with a 2.0L SOHC MPI engine, the same engine used in the first generation Hyundai Sonata, and in 1987, a 2.4L SOHC MPI engine was added. In 1991, to better compete with the Daewoo Imperial, a 3.0L V6 engine model was introduced. Before the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the luxury car market in South Korea was dominated by Daewoo Motors and its Royale Series. Hyundai’s top offering in Korea at the time was the locally built Ford Granada Mark II. However, the Daewoo Royale was leading the market, and Hyundai needed a more competitive luxury model.
Initially, Hyundai tried to create a unique design for its luxury vehicle, but facing strong competition from Daewoo, they decided to collaborate with Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi was also looking to update its Debonair, a model that had not been significantly revised since its launch in 1964. Mitsubishi agreed to share the platform, internal configuration, and engine with Hyundai.
As an official sponsor of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Hyundai used this opportunity to introduce the Grandeur to executives and important guests. Due to its strong Mitsubishi-based design and quality, the Grandeur quickly became popular in South Korea.
Second generation (1992–1998)
change| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | LX |
| Also called | Mitsubishi Debonair |
| Production | 1992–1998 |
| Assembly | Ulsan, South Korea |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Mitsubishi Debonair Hyundai Dynasty |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm (108.1 in) |
| Length | 4,980 mm (196.1 in) |
| Width | 1,810 mm (71.3 in) |
| Height | 1,435–1,445 mm (56.5–56.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,540–1,730 kg (3,395–3,814 lb) |
The second generation of the Hyundai Grandeur was developed in partnership with Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi provided the powertrain, and Hyundai designed the body and interior. Production lasted from September 1992 to 1998.
The Grandeur came with V6 engines (2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.5L) and became a major success in Korea, replacing the first generation. However, the same model sold in Japan under the Mitsubishi name was less successful, leading to its early discontinuation there.
The success of this model in Korea made it a symbol of status, often used by politicians and wealthy businesspeople.
Third generation (1998-2005)
change| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | XG |
| Also called | Hyundai XG Hyundai XG25 Hyundai XG30 Hyundai XG300 Hyundai XG350 Hyundai Grandeur XG (South Korea) |
| Production | 1998–2005 |
| Model years | 2001 (XG300) 2002–2005 (XG350) |
| Assembly |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Length | 4,865 mm (191.5 in) (1998–2002) 4,875 mm (191.9 in) (2002–2005) |
| Width | 1,825 mm (71.9 in) |
| Height | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,425–1,729 kg (3,142–3,812 lb) |
The third-generation Hyundai Grandeur, marketed as the XG in North America and Japan, was fully developed by Hyundai after learning from the previous generations, which were rebadged Mitsubishi Debonairs. The Kia Opirus (or Amanti in North America) shared a modified version of the Grandeur/XG platform. After this generation, Hyundai developed future models independently, using the knowledge gained from earlier versions. The XG name was also applied to the domestic Hyundai Trajet, which used the same platform as the Grandeur XG.
Fourth generation (2005–2011)
change| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | TG |
| Also called | Hyundai Azera |
| Production | 2005–2011 |
| Model years | 2006–2011 |
| Assembly | Asan, South Korea |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Related | Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Veracruz/ix55 Kia Optima/Magentis/Lotze Kia Carens/Rondo Kia Sorento |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm (109.4 in) |
| Length | 4,895–4,910 mm (192.7–193.3 in) |
| Width | 1,850–1,865 mm (72.8–73.4 in) |
| Height | 1,490–1,500 mm (58.7–59.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,565–1,730 kg (3,450–3,814 lb) |
The fourth generation of the Hyundai Azera, known as the Hyundai Grandeur in South Korea, was introduced in 2005 and produced until 2011. It was positioned as a more luxurious offering than the Sonata and was equipped with various high-end features such as a V6 engine, advanced safety features, and a premium interior. This generation was also sold in North America as the Hyundai Azera.
Fifith Generation (2011-2017)
change| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Hyundai Grandeur (HG; pre-facelift) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | HG |
| Also called | Hyundai Azera |
| Production | 2011–2016 (petrol, LPG and diesel) 2013–2017 (hybrid) |
| Model years | 2012–2017 |
| Assembly | Asan, South Korea |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Platform | Y6 platform |
| Related | Hyundai Aslan Kia Cadenza Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm (112.0 in) |
| Length | 4,910 mm (193.3 in) 4,920 mm (193.7 in) |
| Width | 1,860 mm (73.2 in) |
| Height | 1,470 mm (57.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,500–1,700 kg (3,307–3,748 lb) |
The fifth-generation Hyundai Azera (known as Grandeur in South Korea) was unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2012 model. It was developed over three and a half years with a budget of $450 million. The Azera was positioned between the Sonata and the rear-wheel-drive Genesis in terms of size and features.
The design followed Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” philosophy, and it offered both four-cylinder and V6 engine options. In South Korea, it was available with various powertrains, including a 2.4L GDI four-cylinder, 3.0L GDI V6, and a diesel engine, as well as a hybrid version. The hybrid model featured a 2.4L engine paired with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.
In terms of features, the Azera included technologies such as adaptive cruise control, semi-automatic parking assist, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection. It was a direct competitor to cars like the Ford Taurus, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, and entry-level luxury sedans such as the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima the car suffred a facelift in 2014.
Sixth Generation(2016-2022)
change| Sixth generation | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid (IG; pre-facelift) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | IG |
| Also called | Hyundai Azera |
| Production | 2016–2022 |
| Model years | 2018–2023 (Middle East) |
| Assembly | South Korea: Asan (Hyundai Motor Asan Plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Platform | Y7 platform (pre-facelift) N platform (facelift) |
| Related | Kia Cadenza Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Electric motor | 52 PS (38 kW; 51 hp) Electric motor |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic |
| Hybrid drivetrain | HEV |
| Battery | High-voltage Li-ion battery |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm (112.0 in) (pre-facelift) 2,885 mm (113.6 in) (facelift) |
| Length | 4,930 mm (194.1 in) (pre-facelift) 4,990 mm (196.5 in) (facelift) |
| Width | 1,865 mm (73.4 in) (pre-facelift) 1,875 mm (73.8 in) (facelift) |
| Height | 1,470–1,480 mm (57.9–58.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,550–1,647 kg (3,417–3,631 lb) (2.4L/2.5L) 1,616–1,719 kg (3,563–3,790 lb) (3.0L/3.3L/3.5L) 1,675 kg (3,693 lb) (Hybrid) |
The sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur was unveiled on October 27, 2016. It was not sold in North America due to low sales of the previous model. In South Korea, it became the best-selling vehicle in its category, with around 132,000 units sold in 2017. A hybrid model was introduced in March 2017, but the 2.2-liter diesel engine was discontinued in 2018.
In November 2019, the Grandeur received a facelift, which included a larger grill, new headlights and taillights, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The new model also featured an updated powertrain with a 2.5L Smartstream engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Seventh Generation (2022-present)
change| Seventh generation | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | GN7 |
| Also called | Hyundai Azera |
| Production | November 2022 – present[3] |
| Model years | 2024–present (Middle East) |
| Assembly | South Korea: Asan (Hyundai Motor Asan Plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | |
| Platform | Hyundai-Kia N3 platform |
| Related | Kia K8 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Electric motor | Permanent magnet synchronous |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic |
| Hybrid drivetrain | Parallel hybrid (HEV) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,895 mm (114.0 in) |
| Length | 5,035 mm (198.2 in) |
| Width | 1,880 mm (74.0 in) |
| Height | 1,460 mm (57.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,620–1,800 kg (3,571–3,968 lb) |
The seventh-generation Hyundai Grandeur was released in South Korea on November 14, 2022. It is slightly larger than the previous model, with a length of 5,035 mm and a longer wheelbase and rear overhang.
The exterior features a full-width horizontal layout for the DRL and turn signals, while the interior includes ambient mood lighting and a design inspired by Korean culture. The Grandeur also offers advanced tech features like a new infotainment system, fingerprint authentication, and a hybrid model with an enhanced drive motor for better performance.
Awards
changeThe Hyundai Azera was named "Best New Family Car (over CAN$35,000)" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.
Other websites
change- Official US Site Archived 2007-01-26 at the Wayback Machine
- AutoGuideWiki.com - Hyundai Azera Archived 2006-10-10 at the Wayback Machine
- RoadTests.com - Hyundai Azera Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ "國產 HYUNDAI XG Q20 2.0 房車正式發表". 汽車線上情報 Auto-Online.
- ↑ "현대 트라제XG / 고급차 분위기에 승차감도 좋아 / 소음 없고 힘 좋지만 비싼게 흠" [Hyundai Trajet XG / The atmosphere of a luxury car and the ride comfort are good / No noise and power is good, but expensive is a drawback]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). 1999-11-18. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
- ↑ "Hyundai to Launch Grandeur Heritage-Inspired EV Sedan in 2023". thekoreancarblog.com. 22 November 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2022.