Long Drives Without Fuel Worries: The New Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

Hyundai's latest offering, The New Grandeur Hybrid, is redefining expectations for full-size sedans. During a recent highway test drive, this hybrid powerhouse achieved an impressive 22 km/L (about 51.7 mpg). It maintains the spacious interior and quiet ride Grandeur is known for while rivaling the efficiency of smaller hybrid sedans.

I put the new Grandeur Hybrid through its paces on a 214 km (about 133-mile) round trip from Yongin to Chungju Lake, evaluating its performance, fuel efficiency, and the innovative driving experience enabled by Hyundai's next-gen infotainment system, Pleos Connect.

Steady Cruising Yields 22 km/L (51.7 mpg), Showcasing Long-Distance Prowess

The hybrid's competitive edge lies in its fuel efficiency. To gauge how driving conditions affect economy, I varied my driving style on the outbound and return legs. The main test route covered 214 km (about 133 miles) round-trip between Yongin and Chungju Lake. I opted for a night drive to ensure a comfortable experience.

Heading to Chungju Lake, I drove more aggressively, keeping pace with highway traffic. Despite frequent overtaking and acceleration, the transition between electric motor and gas engine remained smooth, with minimal discomfort during power delivery. This leg yielded 16.9 km/L (about 39.7 mpg), an impressive figure for a full-size sedan.

For the return trip, I engaged the smart cruise control and maintained a steady speed at the limit. The results exceeded expectations, with the trip computer showing a final economy of 22 km/L (51.7 mpg). This performance was particularly noteworthy given the continuous use of air conditioning in the summer heat. It's a game-changing feature for frequent long-distance commuters or road trip enthusiasts.

The Grandeur Hybrid's quietness was equally impressive. Hyundai's next-gen hybrid system, featuring engine stop angle control and motor phase reversal control, minimized vibration and noise even when the gas engine engaged. Transitions from a stop and acceleration from low to high speeds felt seamless. The near-electric vehicle driving experience significantly reduced fatigue on long drives.

The most significant update in this refreshed model is the interior. Hyundai's next-gen infotainment platform, Pleos Connect, debuts alongside Gleo, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant. Gleo quickly became the most-used feature during the drive.

"Gleo, find a café near Chungju Lake. Recommend a good restaurant on the way. Lower the AC temperature by one degree."

Unlike traditional voice systems requiring specific commands, Gleo responded naturally to conversational requests. It seamlessly handled everything from local searches to real-time navigation and vehicle controls. This significantly reduced the need to manually operate the touchscreen while driving, enhancing both convenience and safety.

The smart vision roof also integrates with Gleo. Voice commands allow adjustment of the roof's transparency, enabling drivers to modify the cabin's openness and shading without taking their hands off the wheel.

The Grandeur's spacious interior remains a key strength. The generous rear seat accommodations are perfect for family road trips and meet the demands of executive transport. The horizontal dashboard and refined interior design prioritize comfort over flash, while the smart vision sunroof balances openness with effective sun protection through its adjustable transparency.

Premium Features Justify 64 million KRW Price Tag For Top-Tier Calligraphy Model

The fully-loaded Calligraphy trim of the Grandeur Hybrid is priced at 64.39 million KRW (approximately 45,000 USD). While some initial reactions noted the price as steep, the market has focused on the vehicle's overall value proposition. Nearly half of all orders are for hybrid models, with a high take rate for the range-topping Calligraphy trim.

After experiencing the vehicle firsthand, the reasons for its popularity became clear. The combination of spaciousness, excellent fuel efficiency, near-silent operation, and cutting-edge user experience powered by generative AI creates a compelling package.

While a 60 million KRW (about 42,000 USD) price tag is substantial, the reduced fuel costs and enhanced comfort on long drives offer tangible benefits. The new Grandeur Hybrid has evolved beyond a mere fuel-efficient full-size sedan; it's now the smartest Grandeur, excelling in efficiency, space utilization, and software capabilities.

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