Revealed! Electrified Genesis X Gran Equator gets down and dirty to tackle Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen

The Genesis X Gran Equator concept has been unwrapped at the New York motor show revealing the luxury Korean brand is plotting its own rugged off-roader to battle the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Land Rover Defender.

Riding on huge 24-inch off-road spec alloy wheels wrapped in large all-terrain rubber, the brand’s trademark long bonnet carries over but is combined with ultra-short overhangs for serious off-roading capability.

At the rear is a Range Rover mimicking split-tailgate, while twin blade light bars that wrap around the front and rear fenders appear on the latest concept.

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Inside, there’s a classy blend of analogue and digital displays, while a crystal rotary dial similar to the all-electric GV60 is employed.

The front swivelling armchairs and four small sunroofs are all claimed to enhance the experience of overlanding in the luxurious cabin.

Under that long bonnet it’s thought the new X Gran Equator could come with either a development of the mighty all-electric dual-motor powertrain lifted from the 478kW GV60 Magma or feature a new plug-in hybrid V6.

It’s not been announced if a production version of the Genesis X Gran Equator is on the way, but it’s thought the Korean brand might be using the New York show car as a tool to judge whether there would be demand for a more rugged Genesis.

If so, it could be based on the inbound flagship GV90 that is in development.