Sometime in February, Ford unveiled their supercar off-roader that aims to defy the laws of supercar impracticality. Another car company by the name Genesis has yet again to defied the same laws of supercar impracticality, but this time with a luxury off-roader called the X Gran Equator. The choice of a luxury off-road vehicle rather than a supercar like Ford is sort of a no brainer. Why, you may ask? Genesis is the luxury division of the more common Japanese car brand Hyundai. This means that Genesis is mainly concerned with converting base Hyundai vehicles into luxury Genesis’. To know more cars that are alike just as the Hyundai and Genesis, check out this TikTok.
What to expect from Genesis’ Luxury Off-Roader Concept
In the order of inwards to outwards, the interior of the supposed luxury off-roader is the perfect mix of utility and luxury. One of the first things you notice is the absence of a gigantic infotainment screen filling up the center console. Recent trend in vehicle interior design is the use of such single screens which was mostly pioneered by Tesla. However, this is evidently absent in the X Gran Equator and it makes me glad. In the place of a screen are four circular Rolce Royce-type digital dials which gives off 90’s car luxury.
The standard gauge cluster is also replaced with three small circular dials for useful information which probably include a speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges. The interior of the luxury off-road concept is indeed off-road focused, featuring handlebars in the front and rear which are needed for support in rocky or uneven terrain. Despite its off-road focus, the interior still looks exquisite, matching the likes of luxury cars like Bentley.
On the exterior, the concept is evidently a Genesis production. Only those who are not familiar with the Genesis’ design language will have a hard time identifying the concept as one. The headlights are represented by two strips of single LED lights that is akin to recent Genesis vehicles. These led lights go all the way to the sides and continue as the rear lights in red colour. The continuous nature of the lights makes it look quite futuristic and also luxurious, which I think was the goal.
What else does the X Gran Equator offer?
Despite its beautiful looks, the X Gran Equator seems to have an identity crisis. At first glance one is left to wonder if it is a wagon or an SUV? Due to its impressive high ground clearance, an SUV seems more fitting. But it could as well be a lifted wagon, so Genesis will have to answer the question of wagon or SUV. Another striking feature is the absence of rear door handles which may be voice activated. The top of the vehicle features a four-sectioned sunroof design for each of the vehicle’s four passengers. The X Gran Equator is also fixed with all-terrain tires that look very rugged and ready to tackle the wilderness.
All things considered, the X Gran Equator is a beauty to behold. It is the perfect mix of practicality and styling. Nonetheless, it is only a concept, meaning actual production may never see the light of day. A representative at Genesis said, ‘While not confirmed for production, its design language and innovative features – such as the integrated roof rails and split-opening tailgate – showcase the brand’s future design potential’. Thankfully, the X Gran Equator has gathered quite a lot of positive reviews which may force Genesis’ hands to put it into production. For now, all we can do is admire the concept and hope it goes into production. What are your thoughts on the X Gran Equator?
