Hyundai has introduced a new luxury sedan called the Aslan. For sale in its home market of South Korea only, it splits the difference in size between Genesis and the Azera.
The Aslan (meaning “lion” in Turkish) is powered by two versions of Hyundai’s GDi direct-injection V6es. The base version gets a 3.0L generating 270hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, while an optional 3.5L produces 270hp and 255 lb-ft. The sole transmission option, a 6-speed automatic, sends power to the front wheels.
Styling, derived from Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, is reminiscent of the 2015 Sonata up front, with a prominent vertical-bar chrome grille and swept-back headlights lined with LED running lights. However, the Aslan’s side profile is that of a traditional sedan, with a longer hood, more acutely inclined windshield and longer trunk deck than the Sonata. Curiously the taillights scream Kia rather than Hyundai.
The cabin is surprisingly luxurious, swathed in leather and wood trim and designed in the image of traditional luxury sedans rather than a family car moving upmarket. An 8-inch multifunction screen is integrated smoothly into the dashboard, sitting just above a premium sound system by Lexicon.
The Aslan will be available in South Korean showrooms by month’s end starting at approximately $37,000. 2,200 have already been pre-ordered. At those prices, it would make a decent Toyota Avalon rival if it were sold in the US.
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