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HYUNDAI XG Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1999
Engines: Gasoline
HYUNDAI XG photo gallery

Hyundai introduced the XG in 1999 as an entry-level luxury car. Four years later, in 2003, the vehicle received a facelift that boosted its power and improved its image.

Hyundai was trying to fight in the big league with vehicles such as the Nissan Altima or Toyota Avalon, but it didn't have the right wheels to do that. So, it re-invented itself with the XG lineup. Strangely, it showed the H-badge and the lettering only on the trunk lid, while from the front, nobody could tell what brand was. The XG350 came in 2003 with design and engineering modifications, which helped the car against its competitors.

From the front, the chromed grille with vertical slats was the most prominent part. It stood out with the pined-out design, flanked on the sides by the new, clear-glass covered headlights. The front bumper featured an elegant lower grille with horizontal lines and a set of fog-lights on the outer sides. In the back, the taillights featured a new design with vertical reversing lights.

Inside, the XG350 featured heated leather bucket seats as standard. The wood-trims on the center console, dashboard, and door panels were also standard. Hyundai dared to make the doors without frames for the windows, which made it stand apart from its competitors. There was plenty of room in the back for three adults, but the bench featured a two-passenger profile pattern.

Under the hood, Hyundai installed a 3.5-liter V6 engine that featured a drive-by-wire gas pedal instead of the previously used cable-based system. That was needed to improve passengers' comfort. A five-speed automatic transmission was the only option for the XG350.

full description and technical specifications
HYUNDAI XG photo gallery

Hyundai introduced the Grandeur on the market in 1986 and, by 1999, it reached the third generation and changed its name into XG.

The Korean carmaker didn't want to stay behind and introduced new models as soon as it felt like the older one was suffering from a constant drop in sales. It looked like its R&D team worked three shifts and burned the midnight oil with all three of them. In 1998 it introduced the XG as a mid-size executive vehicle ready to battle against some premium carmakers worldwide.

Its exterior design looked fresh, with slightly swept-back headlights and a flat, vertical, pined-out grille adorned with vertical chromed slats. There was no Hyundai badge on it. The only place where the company name was seen was on a chromed slat on the trunk lid. Its frameless windows were unique on the segment, apart from Subaru, who played in a different league.

Inside, the carmaker profiled the rear bench for two adults but advertised the car with five seating positions. It offered an adequate room for those in the back and for the front occupants as well. Hyundai installed an Infinity premium sound system in the center stack so the occupants would be pleased to spend more hours inside the car. Even though not all the plastics and trims were at the same level as those from the premium-segment, they were of a higher quality than on the rest of the Hyundai's range.

Under the hood, the Korean carmaker installed a choice of two engines, depending on the market. Both versions were paired to an automatic transmission.

full description and technical specifications