Genesis is at it once more, making promising ideas that depart us hoping for a manufacturing model. Latest efforts have revolved round a shocking coupe and convertible G90 duo, whereas the brand new X Gran Equator is radically completely different. The idea debuts this week on the New York Auto Present, making us wonder if Hyundai’s luxurious division is coming after the Rivian R1S or the electrical Mercedes G-Class.
Though Genesis doesn’t explicitly say it’s an EV, the totally enclosed underbody and absence of an exhaust counsel there’s no gasoline engine, regardless of the imposingly lengthy hood. Is it a wagon or an SUV? We reckon it’s someplace in between, harking back to the Audi Steppenwolf idea from 25 years in the past. The X Gran Equator apparently “defies conventional SUV conventions” and incorporates a sensible break up tailgate, a uncommon function in immediately’s cost-cutting period.
Picture by: Genesis
The newest idea is a big departure from the GV90-previewing Neolun launched eventually yr’s present within the Massive Apple. Genesis doubles down on its signature “two traces” lighting motif, with twin strips extending practically your entire width of the fenders. The whole lot concerning the X Gran Equator is supersized, together with its 24-inch beadlock wheels.
The large alloys might not be perfect for overlanding, however automakers are inclined to exaggerate particulars on idea automobiles. Ought to a manufacturing model occur (fingers crossed), Genesis will possible go for extra resonable wheels to swimsuit off-road driving. The intricate spoke design, mirrored on the roof rails, seems nice, however certainly they are a ache to wash.
As a substitute of a large panoramic roof, the X Gran Equator will get a four-piece glass structure, which recollects the Ineos Grenadier’s dual-panel setup. Whereas the entrance doorways have pop-out handles, the rear ones do not. Accessing the again doorways seems to be finished by urgent a small rectangular button mounted on the C-pillars.
Picture by: Genesis
Inside, it’s refreshing to see Genesis resisting the urge to slap in a pill and name it a day. There’s no outsized middle display screen; as an alternative, 4 digital dials sit in the course of the dashboard. Three smaller spherical shows in entrance of the driving force function the instrument cluster. The middle console incorporates a small number of bodily buttons, together with one for an off-road mode.
Genesis imagines the X Gran Equator strictly as a four-seater, with giant middle consoles between the seats incorporating seize handles, additionally discovered on the B-pillars and the passenger aspect of the sprint. The door handles sit unusually low, whereas the standard glovebox has been changed by twin containers with leather-based straps.
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Supply: Genesis
We’re curious concerning the switches on the roof, possible used to open the 4 glass roof sections, until they management sunblinds. Different neat touches embody swiveling entrance seats and a terrain mode selector on the steering wheel. The inside is notably extra restrained than a few of Genesis’ current ideas, which can counsel a road-going mannequin is being thought-about.
Nonetheless, the model says the X Gran Equator is “not confirmed for manufacturing.” Nevertheless, a few of its options, just like the break up tailgate and roof rails, might make their means onto a automobile you possibly can really purchase.
