Luxury and utility combine for unexpected Genesis concept interior

We saw the Genesis X Gran Equator concept recently and heard from design boss Luc Donckerwolke about his broader strategy around concept cars, no less the strategy to act first and request forgiveness later. He hasn’t had to do any grovelling yet, he jokes, no doubt a result of the company’s trust in design.

This new concept is described as the brand’s first “adventure vehicle” and does feel more rugged than Genesis fans will be used to. But a strong sense of luxury remains. The combination stems from the Arabian horse Equator, “a symbol of endurance, agility, and refined power… these qualities closely reflect the spirit of the concept.” While the exterior of this chunky yet elegant SUV is what immediately catches the eye, step inside and the cabin is just as intriguing. Perhaps more so.

Manil Kim, senior interior design manager at Genesis Motor America, spoke to us about the themes behind the cabin which feels like some kind of design chimera, blending various luxury themes with utilitarian details.

Immediately noticable are the four dials on the IP, which are in fact inspired by vintage cameras. ”The idea began with the goal of reducing the overload of digital content, such as large displays,” says Kim. “Instead, we wanted to encourage occupants to enjoy the view outside the windows. This led to the development of four round displays—not four dials—that show only essential information.” Each display is individually customisable, he adds, and aim to channel the beauty of classic circular instruments and clocks.

The seats and doorcards sport a pleasant cross-hatch stitching on most surfaces, broken up only by a handful of clean panels such as the lumbar section of the seat front, finished in what looks to be a wool (or close substitute).

Genesis says in the press material that there is a “preference for geometric over organic elements”, which stemmed from a handful of sources. “Geometric styling is a natural approach to illustrating a rugged off-roader,” says Kim. “We also drew inspiration from the geometric dashboard layout of aircraft cockpits, such as those in helicopters, which differ from conventional automotive dashboard construction.”

At the front of the centre console, flanked by chunky grab bars either side, sits a curious spherical control knob. Curious at least to those who are less familiar with Genesis models. Made from crystal (more on that material’s properties here) it is effectively the main controller for digital content and can be found elsewhere in the Genesis range; we are told this is a more “advanced version that builds upon one of the iconic interior features of Genesis.”

Those grab bars are reflected elsewhere in the interior, including the rear arm rest and door cards. It is part of an effort to balance sophistication with versatility. Kim offers a few other examples: “The seats feature vertically split cushions, with each unit actively adapting to changing road conditions, offering tailored support across any terrain. The dashboard grab handle also extends to the side, making it easier to climb into the cabin.”

Another example can be seen with the glovebox storage area, which seems to comprise two luxury purse/handbag style units replete with beautifully-finished metal clasps. “It is reminiscent of luxury travel bags,” notes Kim, “and was designed to create a sense of anticipation as users begin their journey.”

As that journey goes on, users will inevitably sit back and relax, merging into what we imagine is a rather plush seat. As you lean back, another central element to the design which ties the interior together as a whole becomes clear. Rather than a single panoramic sunroof or an intricate headliner, the X Gran Equator sports a quad sunroof with four individual skylights, supported by the same navy cross-hatched fabric of the seats.

To this writer, it evokes themes of an old luxury train carriage, perhaps one travelling through Arabia… As it turns out, we are way off the mark and First Class rail was not the source of inspiration. Instead, it is far more straightforward.

The idea was to create a sense of calm and comfort, bringing natural light into the cabin but with the option for each passenger to decide on sunlight or shade. Sometimes, it is no deeper than the obvious. “The four individual seats, each occupying a dedicated side and paired with four individual glass sunroofs, create a sense of personal sanctuary for every occupant,” explains Kim.

For Genesis, this is an unexpected interior from an unexpected vehicle. Exactly the kind of thing we would hope to see from a brand looking to explore new strains of luxury.