Hyundai has no plans to reintroduce the Grandeur, its once-familiar large sedan, to the Australian market. Despite the model’s continued success in Korea and the Middle East, declining demand for this vehicle class in Australia makes a return unlikely.
Market Realities and Declining Sedan Sales
Hyundai Australia’s product planning manager, Tim Rodgers, openly admits the Grandeur aligns with his personal preferences but acknowledges the market isn’t driving demand for such vehicles. The Australian large sedan segment is shrinking rapidly: mainstream models recorded just 201 sales in 2025, while premium options reached 1959 units.
This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer preference toward SUVs and, increasingly, electric vehicles. The Grandeur, positioned above the Sonata in Hyundai’s lineup, would compete with established luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (519 units sold in 2025) and BMW 5 Series.
The Grandeur’s Position and History
The Grandeur, also known as the Azera outside Korea, is essentially a low-slung version of the popular Palisade SUV, sharing the same platform but offering different powertrain options – including a 3.5L V6 and a turbocharged hybrid. Its size (5.035m long) rivals the BMW 5 Series, and its appointments are more premium than many competitors like the Skoda Superb.
Originally a rebadged Mitsubishi in the late 1980s, the Grandeur has evolved into a status symbol in South Korea, even with Hyundai’s luxury Genesis brand now established. Australia previously sold generations three and four (1999-2011), but slow sales led to its removal. The i45 sedan, a rebadged Sonata, was a short-lived replacement before being discontinued in 2013.
The Future: Electrification and the Ioniq 6
While Hyundai won’t revive the Grandeur, the company is focusing on electric alternatives. The facelifted Ioniq 6 streamliner sedan is confirmed for Australia, though specific details remain unclear. The high-performance Ioniq 6 N is also set to arrive, signaling a move toward electrification as the brand’s flagship sedan offering.
The shift away from traditional sedans is clear : Hyundai’s own Genesis G80 sold only 41 units in 2025, less than half the volume of the Porsche Taycan. Despite the Sonata’s continued presence, even it lacks a hybrid powertrain in Australia.
The Grandeur’s absence in Australia highlights a fundamental change in consumer demand. With the market prioritizing SUVs and electric vehicles, Hyundai is adapting by focusing on electrified models rather than reviving older nameplates.
