Currently dominated by the Genesis GV80 model, the luxury SUV market is poised for a significant shift. The unveiling of the Genesis X Gran Equator concept at the 2025 New York Auto Show has sparked speculation about the GV80’s successor. Our team has created a rendering based on this concept, focusing on translating the Equator’s design into a production-ready model rather than drawing from the current GV80.
This rendering reimagines the GV80’s silhouette, replacing its flowing lines with more angular proportions. While it retains Genesis’ signature two-line horizontal lamps, the overall design diverges from the upcoming GV90, carving out its identity. As the GV90 takes on the urban luxury mantle, this new model seems poised to redefine Genesis’ approach to premium SUVs, emphasizing versatility and off-road capability.
Streamlined Silhouette Gives Way to Rugged Elegance
Split Tailgate Design Hints at Practicality
The vehicle in the rendering boldly redefines the GV80’s silhouette while actively reflecting the Genesis X Gran Equator concept. The front maintains the brand’s signature two-line lighting, but the overall grille and bumper design suggests off-road capability. The side features an extended roofline, wheel arches styled like fender flares, and a higher ground clearance, all contributing to a robust off-roader image.
The rear stands out with a tailgate that separates at the tail lamps, complemented by horizontal tail lamps. This design balances the simple luxury seen in the concept car with practicality. This marks a shift away from the elegant SUV direction of the existing GV80. Given that most of the elements from the X Gran Equator are likely to be incorporated into the next-generation GV80, efforts were made to implement the key features from the concept car.
Straight-Six Power: A New Heart for Genesis?
Enhanced Driving Dynamics on the Horizon
There is speculation about the powertrain for the X Gran Equator and the successor to the GV80. Currently, the GV80 lineup includes a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo, a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline turbo, and a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder diesel engine. However, the successor model is believed to feature an inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine.
Design elements like the long hood and rear-wheel-drive setup from recent Genesis concepts support the idea that Genesis may introduce a BMW-style inline-six to the lineup. Another possibility is an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle). This system provides a longer electric driving range than a traditional hybrid, with an internal combustion engine supplying power when needed. This technology has gained attention as a new solution in the luxury SUV markets of the U.S. and Europe. The successor to the GV80 is expected to connect traditional internal combustion engines with electrification technology directly.
Luxury Meets Utility in Genesis’ Evolving Vision
From City Cruiser to Trail-Ready Flagship?
The SUV market is no longer just about size, luxury, and price. Today, the true luxury SUV must also offer off-road performance, practical design, and refined sensibility to win over consumers. All eyes are on how well Genesis can incorporate these key elements into the successor of the GV80.
The X Gran Equator concept marks the starting point. The GV80 is set to pass on the brand’s flagship SUV title to the GV90 while preparing for a rebirth as a true luxury off-roader. This transformation is already evident in the solid silhouette of the Equator concept. And that future might be closer than we think.
