Hyundai Equus, Genesis, and Genesis Coupe to Receive All-Wheel Drive

While in California this week taking our first turn behind the wheel of the new Equus luxury sedan, we got confirmation from Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik that the big barge will be getting all-wheel drive in the near future, as will its platform-mate, the Genesis, and the Genesis’s nameplate-mate, the Genesis coupe.

Hyundai currently offers all-wheel drive only on its SUVs and crossovers; the migration of the technology to car platforms likely is a move intended to bump the brand’s perceived status. The Equus aims for flagships from the world’s established luxury brands—most of whom offer all-wheel drive on not only their range toppers, but other models throughout their lineups. The availability of AWD on Hyundai cars means that the Equus gives up less to the BMW 7-series and Mercedes S550, both of which offer four driven wheels. Similarly, Hyundai can now claim the Genesis as a model-for-model competitor for the 5-series and E-class. That, and people in the Snowbelt like the reassurance of all-wheel drive.

While nobody even at Hyundai would claim the Genesis coupe as a competitor to the 3-series and Infiniti G coupes—which offer AWD—available all-wheel drive gives the car a leg up on other affordable sporty coupes like the Nissan 370Z, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro.

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