More often than not, building better vehicles comes at a price but Hyundai’s clientele may not be very happy about the company’s pricing strategy with the brand-new 2012 Azera that starts at $32,000 (€24,500), not including an $875 delivery and handling fee that pushes the price to $32,875.

Granted, the redesigned Azera costs $4,725 less than the 2012 Lexus ES350 ($36,725), but it’s also $6,605 more expensive than its predecessor and only $2,400 cheaper than Hyundai’s more upscale and powerful Genesis V6 sedan, which features a 333HP 3.3-liter engine linked to an 8-speed auto.

If you add the optional Technology Package, which includes several goods such as 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps and a panoramic sunroof, the Azera costs $36,000 excluding the destination and handling fee.

In the States, the Azera will be offered exclusively with Hyundai’s Lambda II 3.3-liter V6 delivering 293-horses that’s matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Hyundai says the 2012 Azera returns a fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Sales of the new Azera will begin in April.

Standard and Optional Features

  • 3.3L GDI DOHC V6 with 293 horsepower
  • 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC
  • Active ECO system
  • 18-inch alloy wheels and tires (P245/45VR)
  • Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist
  • Impact-absorbing front seats
  • Advanced front airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and driver’s knee airbag
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • SACHS ASD suspension
  • Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • Automatic headlight control with delay off feature
  • Front fog lights
  • Integrated dual exhaust
  • Chrome insert body side moldings and exterior door handles
  • Heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators
  • Solar control windshield and glass
  • Proximity entry with push-button start
  • Leather seating with heated front and rear seats
  • Power driver seat and front passenger seat
  • Manual tilt and telescopic steering column
  • Leather steering wheel and shift knob
  • AM/FM/HD Radio/XM/CD/MP3 audio with iPod / USB and auxiliary input jacks
  • Dimension premium speakers with subwoofer and external amplifier
  • Navigation system with touchscreen display
  • Rearview backup camera
  • Blue Link Telematics
  • Dual Automatic Temperature Control
  • Floor console-mounted rear vents
  • Cruise control
  • Bluetooth hands-free phone system with phonebook transfer
  • Electrochromic mirror with compass and HomeLink
  • Power windows with front auto up/down
  • Interior door panels with bottle holders in all four doors

Technology Package ($4,000 MSRP):

  • 19-inch alloy wheels and tires(P245/40VR)
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • HID Xenon headlights
  • Power rear sunshade
  • Manual side window sunshades
  • Infinity premium speakers with subwoofer and external amplifier
  • Power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column
  • Integrated Memory System (IMS): Power driver’s seat, exterior mirrors, and steering column
  • Driver’s seat cushion extension
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Rear parking assistance sensors
  • Interior ambient lighting

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