The interior of the New Grandeur highlights Hyundai’s new design philosophy, ‘Sensuous Sportiness.’ The most important feature is that the cabin aims to be a luxurious lounge, with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system, and the latest user-friendly Graphic User Interface(GUI). Then how was the infotainment system like in the past? Generations of the Hyundai Grandeur reveal the history of the infotainment system.
The First-generation Grandeur
The center fascia of the first-generation Grandeur houses 2-DIN audio with multiple features.
The center fascia contains each and every feature of a vehicle. So, it has to look neat and be user-friendly. Audio and climate control systems are arranged in a row, and there were two types of the audio system - 1-DIN and 2-DIN. DIN refers to a size 178mm x 50mm opening that a radio fits into. It used to be the industry standard. DOUBLE DIN is the same width of 178mm but is 100mm instead of 50mm. A bigger DIN meant higher quality since more features required more spaces for compartments and buttons.
When the first-generation Grandeur was revealed back in 1986, most of the cars contained 1-DIN audio. But Grandeur housed a double cassette and CD player. Its 2-DIN audio system also featured an equalizer for advanced sound quality. Dolby Sound and MTL features for playing metal or chrome cassette tapes were also available. Now all these technologies are history, but they were considered rare back in the 1980s.
The 2.4l-model and the 3.0l-model have one more interesting feature - the chassis controller. This was for controlling the smoothness of steering and suspensions. The first-generation Grandeur was indeed one-of-a-kind.
The Second-generation New Grandeur
The New Grandeur had the climate control system with a digital monitor, and it could work as TV and a Video CD player from the 1998 model.
The second-generation New Grandeur housed a 2-DIN audio system featuring a cassette/CD player with a more sophisticated sound equalizer. Now the passengers could set the different outputs for each audio frequency. The cassette player also contained the auto-reverse machine in it. All these features were available for the 2.5L-model and up. The digital clock above the center fascia changed into the analog one for more luxurious looks.
There were two different climate control systems based on the trim options - the scroll-dial type or the monitor type. The new Grandeur started to house a 5-inch monitor behind the center console and another 4-inch monitor under the center fascia. The monitor was compatible with TV, trip computers, and video CDs.
The Third-generation Grandeur(XG)
The advanced trim housed a monitor in the middle of the center fascia with the Telematics service.
The third-generation Grandeur XG housed the JBL Sound System for improved audio. It became more cost-effective and changed the position of the monitor. Compared to its predecessor having the monitor under the center fascia, The Grandeur XG improved visibility by putting the monitor right in the middle of the center fascia and became more user-friendly.
The face-lifted 2003 New Grandeur XG contains MOZEN, the telematics service. The term ‘telematics’ is a compound word, which combines ‘telecommunication’ and ‘informatics’. The call center operators give all the information that the drivers need - navigation, news, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
The Fourth-generation Grandeur(TG)
The fourth-generation Grandeur(TG) with a 7-inch touch screen
The fourth-generation Grandeur(TG) shows a more ergonomic design. The features are also user-friendly - more touchscreen buttons, 3D navigation, and a DVD player.
The center fascia came with three options with each different design - a monitor-less audio system, a regular navigation system, and MOZEN. A regular navigation system with a DVD player had a unique design showing the climate control integrated into the center fascia. This fourth-generation Grandeur was the first model housing bluetooth with touchscreen phone call system.
The Fifth-generation Grandeur(HG)
The infotainment system became essential since the fifth-generation Grandeur(HG).
The fifth-generation Grandeur(HG) first contained the concept of ‘infotainment.’ It is a compound word that combines ‘information’ and ‘entertainment.’ The fifth-generation Grandeur had an 8-inch widescreen with improved user-interface. For better driver attention, the monitor was placed right next to the cluster.
The fifth-generation Grandeur(HG) has Bluelink system, which is the brand name of Hyundai’s connected car service. Developed from its predecessor system MOZEN, Bluelink had more safety features such as automatic airbag alert or burglar alarm. The users could download the Bluelink app on their smartphones for more convenient features like remote engine start or navigation. The fifth-generation Grandeur also had Surround View Monitor(SVM) for 360-degree-view.
The Sixth-generation Grandeur(IG)
The floating-type display is available from the sixth-generation Grandeur.
The sixth-generation Grandeur had a floating-type monitor above the dashboard. With its Human Machine Interface(HMI), the model featured improved visibility, usability, and safety.
The biggest change was that the sixth-generation Grandeur came with free 5-year use of Bluelink service for various connected car features. Users could upgrade new maps and software for free.
The navigation system offered the best and fastest routes, and the infotainment system also featured real-time location sharing and a voice command system Kakao-i for more accurate traffic information, weather forecast, restaurant locations, or radio channels.
The New Face-lifted Sixth-generation Grandeur
The seamless design of the infotainment system integrating into the cluster brought a simple and futuristic mood.
The face-lifted 6th-generation New Grandeur had even bigger changes inside and out. The 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system suited with the luxurious lounge-theme cabin. Its seamless design brought a simple and futuristic mood.
The new infotainment system featured a bigger screen with New Aqua GUI Blue-colored lighting for the transparent and cozy oceanic vibe. The smart features contained automatic navigation update service, voice command control Kakao-i, and Car-to-Home.
The New Grandeur offers advanced User Experience with its 12.3-inch infotainment system.
The infotainment system included not only a road navigation function but also a ‘Sounds of Nature’ function with six themes, automatic wireless navigation updates, and natural language voice recognition function. This cutting-edge infotainment system guaranteed superior smart driving experiences. The air purification system was equipped with dual-zone full automatic air conditioning and a touch-based air conditioning controller. A fine dust sensor monitored the quality of the air inside the car in real-time, offering constant updates on air quality on the screen. Once the fine dust concentration reaches a certain point, the air-purifying function is activated automatically to ensure a clean and fresh environment inside the vehicle. The center console contained a wireless smartphone charging tray.
In the past, cars were merely a means of transportation. Now, however, things have changed. Cars reflect various lifestyles and they offer much more convenient features. This is why infotainment systems evolve, and Grandeur, Hyundai’s flagship sedan, will offer an even more convenient life.
