Genesis has unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept at the New York Auto Show, an off-road-inspired large luxury SUV with a uniquely designed interior.
Genesis is currently preparing to launch a production version of the Neolun concept as a flagship luxury SUV for the brand. This new X Gran Equator Concept could foreshadow a running mate to that vehicle with a brawnier design focused on all-terrain performance.
The X Gran Equator Concept looks like a more rugged version of last year’s Neolun concept. Genesis says the X Gran Equator Concept was inspired by the “rugged spirit of overlanding.” The overall shape recalls vintage off-road vehicles like older Range Rovers while still retaining a futuristic look. It features exaggerated proportions with a very long dash-to-axle ratio that results in an extended hood. Wheels are pushed all the way to the corners, giving it a solid, well-planted stance.
Both head and taillights feature the brand’s now iconic dual-level lights that wrap all the way to the sides of the vehicle, extending all the way to the front doors and rear wheel wells, respectively. Bodysides are kept simple and smooth and are surprisingly devoid of extraneous off-roading trim. Genesis is clearly trying to make a name for themselves as a purveyor of clean, minimal design. The rear of the X Gran Equator Concept features a split tailgate design, again recalling those found on classic off-roading vehicles.
Befitting a concept vehicle of its stature, the X Gran Equator Concept gets huge 24-inch wheels that feature a more rugged interpretation of the company’s other wheel designs, including exposed screw embellishments.
The interior of the X Gran Equator Concept is where things really get interesting, bucking the all-screen trend of most concepts, arriving with an analogue-inspired, button-laden design.
There is no main central touchscreen. Instead, there are four smaller color displays incorporated into the center of the dash in round binnacles meant to recall the circular gauges of vintage off-roaders.
Below these gauges are numerous large toggle-style switches for various functions as well as what looks to be an evolution of the revolving translucent shifter featured in the Genesis GV60 EV (potentially serving as an indication that this concept is an EV, though Genesis did not go so far as to confirm that). Two beautifully designed boxes reside in the space usually taken up by a glovebox and bring to mind images of high-end luggage design.
The driver’s display behind the steering wheel takes a similar approach to the central displays, with three small circular screens mounted in a side-by-side arrangement that expertly pairs an analog look with modern functionality. The steering wheel itself is of a dual-spoke design featuring a combination of physical buttons with two smaller knobs mounted below the central airbag cover.
The rest of the cabin is resplendent in a combination of grey-blue and light cream-colored leather. Both front and rear seats look equally luxurious, with plenty of quilted detailing and intricate design details. Rear accommodations are strictly for two, with dual captain chairs with a chunky center console separating them, complete with more toggle switches and two bottle holders.
Each occupant gets their own small glass roof above their head, along with individual shades for those who have no interest in viewing what’s above them as they luxuriously trundle down the trail. It is clear that while the X Gran Equator Concept leans into ruggedness, it has absolutely not forgotten about luxury.
For now, the X Gran Equator Concept is purely a design concept, with Genesis not mentioning what kind of powertrain the vehicle features.
We’ll have to wait and see if the X Gran Equator Concept makes it to production in the future, but the brand did say we can expect to see at least a few of the elements found in this new concept on future production models.
