While Hyundai premiered its restyled 2014 Equus in New York, at the Seoul Motor Show today, the Korean carmaker unveiled a special edition of its limousine, designed in collaboration with Hermes French fashion house “Hermes”.

Based on the 2012 model year version, the “Equus by Hermes” is a more luxurious edition of the long-wheelbase model, with the exterior tweaks and the cabin styled and customized by Hermes designers.

Hyundai says the project is the results of two years of work from designers and researchers in the company’s pursuit of a “modern premium” car. The interior focuses on the harmony of colors and features more than 20 items that were produced specifically for this car. Needless to say, everything was hand-made by Hermes artisans. The entire interior is lined with different types of leather chosen by Hermes, with the door panels being lined with crocodile leather, of the same type used by Hermes for some of its famous handbags.

Designers drew inspiration from aircraft interiors to design the rear center console of the car, which includes a folding table and four-cup holders, plus a water bottle compartment and a large storage space where a travel blanket can be kept.

Only three Equus by Hermes models have been built, none of which is for sale. Hyundai says it doesn’t plan to launch it on the market, and only aims to improve the brand image by associating it with a well-known, established European luxury brand.

Hyundai’s first attempt to associate with a fashion house was with Prada, which co-designed a limited-edition line of Genesis sedans. However, only a third of the 1,200 cars made were sold.

By Dan Mihalascu

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