No doubt about it, the Equus is not a car to be dealt lightly with.

Befitting its name as Hyundai’s premium brand, it oozes a certain presence. The model I drove was a 3800 cc facelift unveiled in November last year, and encased in a tasteful silver-gray body.

But before we go into the performance, let’s be clear that the design could really be better.

Granted, the Equus is usually reserved for chief executives and other corporate heavyweights or other people of the sort. And yes, the latest 2013 model does look sexier ― at least in black ― than its predecessors, but it’s still not my idea of class. 

The lines are far from deft, especially the rear, which is difficult to distinguish from the Genesis. Perhaps that was my own fault, but all of Hyundai’s premium cars look the same to me.

The two things I did appreciate were the refurbished LED head and taillights, and the elimination of unnecessary chrome moldings.

So I’ve had my rant about design. On to what this machine can do.

The price tag for the Equus starts from 68 million won to more than double that, depending on the trim and whether it is a “sedan” or a “limousine.”

The 3.8 Premium model was reliable and pulled its weight in all road conditions, including (mildly) off-road.

Thanks to horsepower and torque that reach a maximum 334 and 40.3 kg-m, respectively, the car moved with ease, despite measuring almost 2 meters wide, 1.5 meters tall, and more than 5 meters long.

While it was hard to feel the surge of power when stepping on the gas (there’s also no perceptible difference between normal and sports mode), it certainly didn’t lack any power when climbing uphill.

Cornering and steering was a cinch, with the accelerator and brakes responding just the way I liked: not too fast and perfect on the timing, even when I pulled it to a screeching halt several times to test the performance.

Another surprise was fuel efficiency. In spite of my less-than-smooth driving habits, the car gave me a constant 8-9 kilometers per liter throughout the weeklong test drive ― economy I had not expected from a V6 3800 cc engine.

The car also was remarkably adaptable, even on somewhat rocky roads. The electronic suspension was also one of the softest I’ve experienced.

Inside, front and rear leg room is extensive, with the rear seats automatically adjustable.

The center console held enough buttons and knobs to remind one of an aircraft cockpit, but they really were easy to maneuver, mostly because they’re so helpfully labeled.

One thing I didn’t understand was the knob for controlling the touch screen. This goes for all cars that have chosen to install this irritating piece of machinery. It does nothing for me and I find it much easier to operate the touch screen with my fingers, although I understand this may be more dangerous while driving.

All in all, minus the design, I would say the Equus would make a comfortable and reliable car for most daily and corporate needs.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)