Hyundai Grandeur
The Hyundai Grandeur is Hyundai’s flagship executive sedan, introduced in 1986 and produced in seven generations. In Korea it’s called Grandeur, while in most other markets it’s sold as the Hyundai Azera. In the early years it was also sold as the Mitsubishi Debonair, as part of a technology-sharing deal with Mitsubishi.
- First generation (1986–1992): The Grandeur started as a rebadged Mitsubishi Debonair, built in Ulsan, Korea. It used 2.0-liter and later 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines with both manual and automatic transmissions.
- Second generation (1992–1998): Known as LX, it continued the Debonair-based approach with more engines (including a V6) and a longer wheelbase, still assembled in Korea.
- Third generation (1998–2005): Called XG, Hyundai developed more of the car in-house. It shared DNA with the Mitsubishi Debonair and Kia Opirus, and was assembled in Korea, with additional production in Turkey and Taiwan. Engine choices ranged from 2.0 to 3.5 liters, offered with manual or automatic transmissions.
- Fourth generation (2005–2011): The TG Grandeur came as a more modern, larger sedan. In the United States it was sold as the Azera. It offered several petrol and V6 engine options and automatic transmissions, along with more premium features.
- Fifth generation (2011–2016/2017): Known as the HG, this redesign moved the Grandeur further up-market with a new look and more technology. It was marketed as the Azera in many markets. A plug-in/eco-friendly approach appeared later with hybrid variants.
- Sixth generation (2016–2022): The IG Grandeur featured a bolder design and added a hybrid version in 2017. Diesel engines were dropped in many markets by 2018, and Hyundai focused the model more on premium comfort. A facelift in 2019 updated styling and tech.
- Seventh generation (2022–present): The GN7 revamped Grandeur again to be larger and more tech-enabled. It offers gasoline engines (2.5 and 3.5-liter options), a 1.6-liter hybrid, and a LPG version, plus an 8-speed automatic transmission in hybrids and 6-speed in some gasoline variants. It introduces advanced features such as digital keys, cameras, and refined interior design. This generation is mainly sold outside the United States, where the Genesis luxury brand handles Hyundai’s higher-end sedans.
Overall, the Grandeur/Azera has long served as Hyundai’s flagship sedan, evolving from a Mitsubishi-based luxury car to Hyundai’s own luxury lineup. In the U.S. market, the Azera was phased out around 2017 as Genesis became Hyundai’s premier luxury brand, while the Grandeur continues to be a leading model in Korea and some other regions.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 15:48 (CET).