[Test Drive] The Secret to Hyundai Grandeur's Popularity in the '100,000 Units Club' Again This Year

Exterior Divides Opinions but Interior 'Satisfying'
Maximum Output 290 Horsepower · Maximum Torque 35 kg·m
Smooth and Sleek Driving Experience Impressive

The New Grandeur front and rear (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The best-selling vehicle in South Korea this year is the Hyundai Motor Company’s Grandeur. It recorded sales of over 100,000 units from the beginning of the year through August, significantly surpassing models like the Porter, K5, and Avante, which each sold around 60,000 units. Despite approaching one year since its launch, it continues to maintain monthly sales well over 10,000 units, sustaining its unwavering popularity. Although opinions on its exterior were divided at the beginning of its release, this did not seem to hinder the Grandeur’s success.

On the 23rd of last month, I personally test-drove the Grandeur on a round trip of approximately 150 km from Seoul to Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The test vehicle was the 3.3 gasoline model.

Now that the New Grandeur can be frequently seen on the roads, its exterior design feels quite familiar. However, the front design, which was controversial since the partial facelift model was released a year ago, still feels bold and striking. The Grandeur has blurred the boundary between the bumper and the grille. The integrated grille with flowing curves is densely packed with diamond-shaped patterns. A distinctive feature is the headlamps that extend into the grille. The test vehicle’s dark color made this less jarring, but when seeing a light-colored Grandeur on the road, this unfamiliar design stands out even more.

The New Grandeur (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

Although the exterior has undergone significant changes, the true value of the Grandeur is demonstrated inside. Hyundai has repeatedly emphasized that they put considerable effort into the interior design of the Grandeur from the time of its launch. Indeed, the interior of the Grandeur is highly satisfying in terms of layout and design. The spacious 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an equally sized navigation screen are seamlessly connected, creating a clean and sophisticated look. Below that, a small additional display allows for touch control of the climate system. Furthermore, all the usual elements found on a typical vehicle’s center fascia, such as various control buttons and air vents, are designed to blend into the background, resulting in an overall neat and luxurious feel.

Despite being a partial facelift model, the New Grandeur has increased in size compared to its predecessor. It measures 4,990 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,470 mm in height. The wheelbase has been extended by 40 mm to 2,885 mm. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the rear seat space is generously ample, true to the Grandeur’s reputation. Even tall adult men can enjoy the space comfortably.

The New Grandeur (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

The Grandeur 3.3 gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 290 horsepower and a peak torque of 35 kg·m. Experiencing the Grandeur through repeated high- and low-speed driving, it stood out as a vehicle with smooth and refined movement rather than a sudden burst of acceleration. That said, its acceleration capability is not lacking. Even when increasing speed on the highway, it does not feel underpowered. As a mid-to-large class vehicle, its heavy and stable driving impression is notable.

The Grandeur is also equipped with an air purification system consisting of a fine dust detection sensor and a micro air filter. The sensor monitors the interior air quality in real time and informs occupants of the pollution level inside the vehicle. Since the vehicle itself purifies the air, there is no need to open windows for ventilation, reducing inconvenience. For the first time in Hyundai vehicles, the front collision avoidance assist with intersection turning technology has been introduced. This technology prevents collisions with oncoming vehicles when making left turns at intersections.

The price of the Grandeur ranges from the low 30 million KRW to the mid-40 million KRW range. The 3.3 gasoline model tested this time is priced between 35.78 million and 43.49 million KRW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.