Genesis has drawn attention by unveiling for the first time an authentic off-road concept car capable of climbing mountainous terrain.

‘X Scorpio Concept’

Hyundai Motor on the 27th (local time) held the ‘Genesis Desert Premiere Event’ in the Rub al Khali Desert in the United Arab Emirates and unveiled the extreme off-roader model, the ‘X Scorpio Concept’.

The ‘Scorpio’ in the model name was inspired by the scorpion, an animal that survives tenaciously in harsh environments. It embodies the aim of delivering outstanding performance without losing elegance under extreme conditions.

Regarding this ‘X Scorpio Concept’, Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Design Officer and Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group’s Global Design Center, introduced it as “a special off-road vehicle designed to traverse harsh terrain, based on Genesis’s unique design philosophy.”

‘X Scorpio Concept’

The exterior, inspired by the scorpion’s powerful stance, expresses both practicality and symbolism that suggest overcoming any obstacle. Looking at the body lines, graceful curves flow like the scorpion’s arched tail.

‘X Scorpio Concept’

The interior has also been designed in a form most suited to off-roading among Genesis models.

Its biggest distinction is a layout that helps the driver feel comfortable and maintain focus in vehicles where body movement is relatively high off-road. It features ergonomic seats and intuitive climate and infotainment controls.

Grab handles to ensure occupant safety in rough driving environments have been installed. A sliding display is also fitted so that both driver and passenger can easily check driving information.

Interior materials include suede with a laser-cut gradient pattern and leather with distinctive stitching, and a well-judged mix of matte and gloss finishes emphasizes depth and intensity, expressing Genesis’s bold character.

‘X Scorpio Concept’

‘X Scorpio Concept’

Meanwhile, starting with the 2016 New York Concept, Genesis has presented 27 concept models including the X Gran Coupe, X Gran Convertible, and X Gran Equator Concept, repeatedly experimenting and innovating based on the design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’.

Among these, the existing concept models have been categorized into three emotional realms: ‘Luxury’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Cool’.

For example, representative works in the ‘Luxury’ realm include the ‘X Gran Coupe’ and ‘X Gran Convertible’ based on the ‘G90’. In the ‘Sport’ area, the ‘GV80 Coupe’, ‘G90 Wingback Concept’, and ‘GV60 Magma Concept’ are representative. In the ‘Cool’ field, this ‘X Scorpio Concept’ sits alongside the ‘X Gran Equator Concept’, ‘GV80 Desert Edition’, ‘GV60 Outdoor Concept’, and ‘GV70 Outdoor Concept’.

Genesis plans to continue introducing concept models that span these three emotional realms.

Luc Donckerwolke said, “Concept models are a medium that inspire our vision and build an emotional bond with customers,” adding, “Through concept models that embody the three emotional realms, we will continue to present the designs and future technologies customers want.”