Genesis has revealed its boldest concept yet, the X Gran Equator, at the 2025 New York Auto Show, marking its entry into the premium off-road SUV segment. Positioned to rival heavy weights like the Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, this new concept shows a more adventurous side of the luxury brand. The debut also follows the recent showcase of Genesis’ G90-based coupe and convertible concepts at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
Genesis X Gran Equator Concept: Design
The X Gran Equator Concept derives from Genesis’ Athletic Elegance theme and stretches it toward all-terrain readiness. The proportions are more rugged estate-type, from a long hood to a short front overhang and narrow, upright windshield, reminiscent of the Volvo V90 Cross Country. Signature two-line LED lighting at the front and rear extends into the fenders, brightening the visual prominence. The new SUV has silver roof rails, a bold front bumper with four X-shaped fog lamps, and huge 24-inch beadlock-style wheels treading on all-terrain tyres. At the rear is a split tailgate that opens horizontally with style and function.
Genesis X Gran Equator Concept: Interior
The X Gran Equator is bright in its interior, concentrating on retro-futuristic ideas. Where you would typically see a central entertainment screen on a vehicle of this type, its dashboard incorporates four circular displays with their primary functions projected through these displays as if they were analogue gauges. This provides off-road information, such as navigation, wheel articulation, and an inclinometer.
Packed with buttons, the steering wheel is two-spoked, and tucked behind is the small digital cluster with the essentials: speed, range, and time. The stalks are thicker here, and the centre console boasts physical toggle switches and grab handles, with a longer one on the passenger side on the dash and a modular storage unit placed below it. Those front seats pivot around and allow light in while still maintaining structural rigidity from four smaller glass sections on the roof.
Also read: 2025 Volvo S90 Facelift: Glows Up, Skips India
Powertrain options
According to Genesis, the X Gran Equator Concept is built onto a modified version of the platform that forms the basis of the Kia EV9. The brand has officially confirmed hybrid and range-extender versions for the production model despite the shown concept being 100% electric. They would be without hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, even though Hyundai is developing much in that direction.
Production likely by 2028–2029
Though it remains a concept, Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’s head of design, has suggested that a production-ready version will hit the market within three years, placing its launch window in 2028–2029. Since Genesis is set to enter the Indian market at the end of 2025, the production version of the X Gran Equator could very well see Indian shores in the future.
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