2010 Hyundai Equus: Interior Shots Surface

It is always in the run up to a major motor show that leaks begin to surface. Such is the case with the much talked about 2010 Hyundai Equus. The executive-level luxury car will be shown off as a second generation in March.

We got a taste of the exterior two days ago, when the Equus was shown off to journalists in Korea. So confident is Hyundai in the competitiveness of their executive car, that they gave the journos the opportunity to do a side by side comparison with the Lexus LS460L and the Mercedes-Benz S350.

Now we get a peek at the interior, showing a 2 + 2 configuration kitted out with leather upholstery and a nicely toned wood trim. Piano black lacquer also looks to be available. Rear passengers get the benefit of a center console with several different compartments, buttons and controls. These presumably control a separate climate system, and the audio system.

In front, a large LCD screen is built into the dash, but not dominated by too many buttons, as so many center consoles are these days. The driver has quick access to features on an upgraded steering wheel. Also included is the Driver Information System, Hyundai's answer to iDrive. Multi-directional seating is functioned by the buttons built into the door sill.

Supposedly, this car has a 17-speaker Lexicon music system cranking out 500 watts of sound. If that doesn't cushion you, maybe the nine airbags will.

Hyundai has yet to confirm the appearance of the new 2010 Hyundai Equus at the Geneva Motor Show, but the car is due to go on sale that same week. With a little luck, we'll get to play around with this thing in a few weeks.