Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand Genesis unveiled its electrification-based off-roader X Gran Equator concept car on the 15th (local time), marking its world premiere. Launched in 2015 with two sedan models, Genesis has expanded its lineup of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) from subcompact to mid-size over the past decade, but it had not introduced an off-roader.
The X Gran Equator concept car, unveiled by Genesis at the Genesis House New York, a brand cultural space in Manhattan, New York, is an electrification-based off-roader SUV. The name Equator is derived from Arabic, meaning strong, agile, and beautiful. It signifies the intention to maintain Genesis's elegance even in extreme conditions. Luc Donckerwolke, chief executive officer of global design at Hyundai Motor Group, noted that it is the result of the harmony of opposing elements.
The X Gran Equator concept car, about the size of Genesis's mid-size SUV GV80, had a taller body and different proportions compared to other models. While existing Genesis SUVs feature a streamlined design, the concept car has an elongated front and angular C-pillars, which connect the roof line to the trunk line.
As an off-roader concept car, it features a roof rack and specialized 24-inch tires made of a material that can prevent damage. Inside, the design includes four central circular displays and a passenger seat safety bar, signaling its identity as an off-roader vehicle.
It remains uncertain whether the X Gran Equator will go into production. There are currently no set plans for mass production. Donckerwolke said, "If you ask whether Genesis can showcase off-road performance in the luxury institutional sector, the answer is 'yes'," and presented a video of it being used as a working vehicle in the urban air mobility project. If mass production occurs, the first market is expected to be the U.S., known as the home of off-roading. The competition is anticipated to be the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
On the same day, Genesis also unveiled a full-sized high-performance racing car, the 'GMR-001 Hypercar.' It has been about four months since Genesis announced the launch of its racing team, 'Genesis Magma Racing,' showcasing a half-size model. This vehicle, which will be used in actual racing, features Genesis's unique dual-line design and an arching line that extends from the front to the rear. The lower part of the vehicle has been designed to ensure smooth airflow.