Genesis X Gran Equator Concept: A Luxe Vision of Overlanding Sans Big Screens
Cars have become so reliant on nesting controls within a central infotainment screen that simply not having one almost feels like a luxury nowadays; it’s less expensive, after all, not to have to produce extra physical controls. But luxury marque Genesis wasn’t having that cost-cutting nonsense when it designed its vision of the ultimate distraction-free overlander, the X Gran Equator Concept, and it’s a breath of fresh air for fans of tactile controls.
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What Is the Genesis X Gran Equator Concept?
The X Gran Equator Concept is Genesis’ first adventure-themed concept, so named after a famous Arabian horse, and it’s one that doubles down on simplicity inside to maximize enjoyment of what’s outside. It’s clearly a Genesis, with cool wraparound two-bar headlights and taillights, a sleek fastback design and luxurious cabin appointments. Yet the knobby tires mounted on 24-inch beadlock wheels, dark arch cladding, split-opening liftgate, functional but lightweight-looking roof rails, and prominent foglights show it’s like no other Genesis SUV that’s come before.
The interior doubles down on the lack of distractions, featuring a minimalist dashboard and four individual moonroofs over each seat to let occupants enjoy the overhead view. The front seats also swivel, potentially offering an easy way to view what’s outside.
At a time when even the purpose-built Ineos Grenadier off-roader features a large screen mounted tombstone-style on the dashboard, the X Gran Equator Concept’s lack of a big infotainment screen feels like a breath of fresh air. There are still some small screens that display information in front of the steering wheel and within the gauges across the center of the dashboard, however.
Below the four-gauge cluster is a simplified set of analog controls, although we’re left wondering where the climate controls are hiding. Still, Genesis is onto something with this no-nonsense dashboard and might have a hit if it added a volume knob and climate controls back in for a production version. The steering wheel has the most controls in the whole interior, including two knobs to adjust drive and terrain modes.
Granted, there are a few aspects of the X Gran Equator Concept that read too concepty to fly with real-life overlanders, such as limited rear cargo space from the fastback design, relatively small tire sidewalls and a long hood more suited for a neoclassical Zimmer Golden Spirit than seeing the terrain ahead. No details were given about the X Gran Equator Concept’s powertrain, but given the no-distractions theme, something quiet and possibly electrified would be fitting.
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