Extended-Length Hyundai Equus by Hermes Shown at Seoul Motor Show

An extended-length Hyundai Equus sedan customized by Hermes of Paris was shown at the Seoul auto show last week, reaffirming the automaker’s premium aspirations. Featuring a complete interior makeover as well as some exterior updates, the Equus by Hermes shows that Hyundai offers a nearly complete global lineup, from subcompact hatchback to extended-wheelbase special-edition full-size luxury sedan.

Hermes covered the Equus’ interior in leather of similar quality and workmanship as the company’s Birkin leather bags that can cost between $9000 and $15,000. The exterior features a special top coating. Hyundai hopes the one-off Equus will appeal to the ultra-rich around the globe. In total, Hermes customized three Equus sedans for the automaker. Five years ago, Hyundai asked Prada to customize three Genesis luxury sedans, which were displayed in downtown Seoul in a specially made glass tower.

Earlier in the week, the refreshed 2014 Hyundai Equus was unveiled at the New York auto show. While the ultra-luxury market may be a tough segment to enter, the automaker claims the Equus is a strong seller in South Korea where the new President Park Geun Hye chose the Equus to ride to her inauguration last month. The U.S.-spec 2014 Hyundai Equus has tweaked exterior styling and a number of improvements inside the cabin.

Should Hyundai consider a limited-edition Equus for the U.S. market like the Equus by Hermes?

Should the Hyundai Equus Be Offered in Long-Wheelbase Form?

During the last decade, Hyundai has moved its vehicles upmarket and entered rear-drive sports car and premium sedan segments. At the Seoul auto show last week, the Korean automaker showed an extended-length Equus sedan customized by Hermes of Paris, and after seeing the refreshed 2014 Equus, we’re wondering if Hyundai should consider offering a long-wheelbase version to really get the attention of American flagship luxury sedan buyers.

Currently, the Equus rides on a 119.9-inch wheelbase and measures 203.1 inches overall; dimensions that put it on par with the standard-wheelbase versions of its European bogies, such as the Audi A8 (117.8/202.2), BMW 7 Series (120.9/199.8), Jaguar XJ (119.4/201.9), and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (124.6/206.5 – S-Class is LWB-only in the U.S.). Each of the European models offers a long-wheelbase version that averages just over 5 inches more wheelbase and overall length.

Although Hyundai didn’t share the dimensions of the extended-length Equus by Hermes, that car appeared to have a stretch around the B-pillar – like a small limousine. Hyundai says the Equus is a strong seller in South Korea, where the new President Park Geun Hye chose the Equus to ride to her inauguration last month.

Should Hyundai offer the Equus in long-wheelbase form for the U.S. market? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.