Hyundai tried pushing upmarket sedans on American shoppers a couple decades ago, but the brand was probably still a little too close to the first-generation Excel history to convince buyers to fork over big bucks on a big sedan. But overseas, cars like the Hyundai Grandeur – also called the Azera in some markets – have more cachet. That'll be especially true of those who sneak a glimpse of the updated 2027 model, whose tweaked exterior and massive cabin updates put it a lot closer to a Genesis sedan than that humble Excel of the 1980s. Big Changes For The Big Sedan The Grandeur (sold here a decade ago as the Azera) is Hyundai's flagship vehicle in the markets where it's sold, including South Korea and the Middle East. With that status comes some pretty appealing, if subtle, design changes on the outside. The hood is longer, and the grille shape has been tweaked for a more shark-like appearance, according to the company. The headlight pods now reside at the top of the grille, arrayed in a thin line of LEDs rather than the outgoing model's bulkier look. And on the rear, Hyundai hid the Grandeur's turn signals within the chrome taillight garnish for a more sophisticated, tech-forward appearance.2027 Hyundai Grandeur Exterior Front 3:4But even though the exterior changes are primarily limited to brightwork and illumination, interior designers really did a number on the full-size sedan. Gone is the beveled plinth that comprised the instrument cluster and infotainment, replaced with a downsized gauge display and an upsized center touchscreen measuring 17 inches across. The electronics package uses Hyundai's new Pleos Connect software, which debuted on the recently revealed Ioniq 3. Freed of its bulky twin-screen displays, the dashboard now cascades toward the passengers, dressed in what looks like stitched leather. Tufting appears on the door panels for a cozy, grandma's-couch feel. Still Not Headed To America Although the facelifted 2027 Hyundai Grandeur would have the full-size sedan class all to itself – given the demise of the Ford Taurus, Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon, and Nissan Maxima – we seriously doubt the automaker would consider resuscitating the four-door for our market. Although there are some signs of life, sedans aren't huge business in America, with more and more automakers switching to crossover-ish products. For example, Toyota replaced the hugely spacious Avalon with the Crown, trading a fair amount of interior room for a high-riding, sedan/SUV stance. Hyundai likely wouldn't want to invest the money federalizing a car that may not sell very well anyway.HyundaiSecondly, with an interior that nice and styling that unique, the Grandeur might step on the toes of the Genesis luxury brand. Priced about 25 percent higher than the Sonata in its home market, an American Hyundai flagship could start at $32,000 or so, rising to $50,000 fully loaded. That would put it around $10,000 under the entry-level Genesis G80, while offering more features, rear-seat room, and trunk space. If the 2027 Grandeur were a sales success in the US, it might come at the expense of Genesis.So we'll continue to admire the stately, floaty front-drive sedan from afar. The 2027 Grandeur reminds us that, for now, Hyundai is building better Buicks than Buick, whose brand has transitioned to a crossover-heavy lineup until a sedan finally makes its return.Source: Hyundai