A decade of vision: the 10 most iconic Genesis concept cars

Under the dazzling lights of the 2025 New York International Auto Show, Genesis revealed a daring leap into unchartered territory when it unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept. As the marque’s first adventure vehicle concept, it embraces the rugged spirit of overlanding, combining luxury with the thrill of the unknown.

The X Gran Equator Concept’s design tells a story of transformation. Its exterior, with clean lines, dark wheel arch cladding and 24-inch deadlock wheels, signals a readiness to tackle the wild. Geometric auxiliary lamps and a split-opening tailgate merge innovation with practicality, anchored by Genesis’ signature Two-Line headlamps. It’s a concept built to move seamlessly between sophistication and adventure.

But this concept is more than a standalone statement. It builds on over a decade of groundbreaking concept cars, each a bold step in Genesis’ evolution. These vehicles are more than creative exercises — they are foundational to the brand, expressing their distinctly Korean roots, technological ambitions and daring redefinition of luxury.

In this series, join us as we dive into the most iconic Genesis concept cars of the past decade — 10 remarkable designs that have challenged conventions, captured imaginations and offered glimpses into the brand’s exciting trajectory.

1. Genesis Essentia Concept

The Essentia Concept is a grand tourer (GT) concept that boldly expanded the boundaries of Genesis’ design philosophy. Revealed at the New York International Auto Show in March 2018, it marked Genesis’ debut into the electric vehicle (EV)-based high-performance GT segment as the brand’s first battery EV. This concept car embodied the vision of a cutting-edge, all-electric luxury coupé. More than just a design study, the Essentia was a statement of intent, demonstrating Genesis’ ambition to create thrilling, beautiful EVs that blend advanced technology with passionate and progressive design.

The Essentia Concept’s exterior masterfully reinterpreted Genesis’ “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy, featuring a carbon-fiber monocoque with a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette and a low roofline, long hood and swept-back cabin. These elements are connected by the iconic Parabolic Line that gracefully runs along the shoulder of the car through to the muscular rear wheel arches. Dramatic butterfly doors enable effortless and elegant access to the vehicle. The rear of the car features an aerodynamic cut-off surface that houses the flush rear quad lamps and emphasizes the muscles of the rear haunch.

Inside, the cabin’s underlying design theory maximizes the connection between the car and driver. A mixed-material approach influenced by high fashion and classic color combinations includes cognac leather seats with chevron quilting. The driver and front seat passenger are divided by a slim center console covered in Oxford Blue leather that bisects the cabin. In front of the driver is an 8-inch widescreen display with piano black surround that displays only the information that is necessary for driving.

2. Genesis Mint Concept

The Mint Concept, unveiled at the 2019 New York International Auto Show in April, reimagined the concept of a luxury urban EV. The compact two-door, two-seater concept – a new typology – was designed for contemporary urban metropolises and demonstrated that luxury is not linked to size. The Mint Concept emphasized lightweight design and an intelligent, efficient electric powertrain, showcasing Genesis’ ability to think beyond traditional luxury segments and address future urban mobility needs.

With its clean, elegant surfaces, the organic exterior design is characterized by restraint and refinement. Features like the quad lamps that transport the brand’s Two Lines signature, G-Matrix graphics and Parabolic Line were carried over into production vehicles later. It is painted in Hunter Green matte, a nod towards traditional luxury cars, but more modern and fashionable. The most distinctive aspect is its innovative scissor-style openings that give side access to a generous parcel shelf in lieu of a traditional trunk. This design was created to facilitate loading the car in a more logical fashion, from the sidewalk, without blocking the walkway or needing to go around the back of the vehicle.

The interior was one of the first instances where the company showcased its “Beauty of White Space” interior design philosophy. Derived from a Korean aesthetic in which design is pared back and minimalistic, it brings a sense of calmness and expansiveness to the cabin. This is accomplished by structuring the interior to feel like a living space through craftsmanship, using lightweight textiles, cognac leather and mullion-free windows. Additionally, the center console can be folded, making the floating front bench into a settee. A small gauge cluster sits within the steering wheel further amplifying the feeling of space, while six small, copper-lined touchscreen readouts allow instinctive commands without losing sight of the road or contact with the steering wheel.

3. Genesis X Trilogy

The X Trilogy, revealed one at a time in succession, comprises the X Concept, the X Speedium Coupe Concept and the X Convertible Concept. This captivating trio celebrated Genesis’ Athletic Elegance design language in diverse forms, emphasizing the brand’s design capabilities and future direction for electric GTs. The “X” stands for “hidden hero” and the exploration of various potential designs for the brand.

Revealed in March 2021, the X Concept is a high-performance GT concept that maximizes the use of the brand’s signature Two Lines design elements. The front of the X Concept features a low yet broad silhouette thanks to the combination of the shield-shaped Crest Grille and the Two-Line headlamps, which cut through the wheel arch. The car’s unique color, Lençóis Blue, was inspired by the lagoons of the Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, which form into a lake during the rainy season, and was developed to express the level of sustainable luxury that Genesis pursues.

Inspired by the Beauty of White Space, the concept’s interior features a driver-oriented design, with a cockpit that surrounds the driver with all operating systems and displays. The space is further differentiated by coloring the driver’s seat scotch brown and the passenger seat an ocean wave green blue, which helps emphasize the concept car’s unique design. The entire interior is also made with upcycled materials that add unique character and highlight the concept’s eco-friendliness. The Two Lines design theme appears in the slim and indirect air vents that surround passengers, as well as the side window molding, and provides a sense of unity with the exterior design.

4. Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept

The GV80 Coupe Concept, unveiled at Genesis House New York in April 2023, combines the practicality of a lifestyle-oriented SUV with the dynamism of a sports car. It was a statement of intent for more emotionally resonant, performance-oriented models and a preview of Genesis’ future direction. The GV80 Coupe Concept promised a dynamic and stylish alternative for Genesis enthusiasts, combining practicality with a strong dose of performance-oriented design.

This concept expertly blends the robust and commanding stance of an SUV with the sleek, sloping roofline characteristic of a coupe. It was the first Genesis concept to appear with a solid orange exterior color, which symbolizes the confident and passionate attitude of Korea. It also features a more aggressive front fascia sporting a double G-Matrix-patterned Crest Grille surrounded by quad lamps, which pair well with the unique five-spoke forged aluminum wheels and carbon fiber roof. All these design elements contribute to the concept’s dynamic driving qualities by lowering the center of gravity, emphasizing the vehicle’s sporty character.

The interior is a contrast between Genesis’ elegant Beauty of White Space philosophy and athletic attributes. It includes a three-spoke steering wheel, which emphasizes the sportiness of the GV80 Coupe Concept and contrasts with the black Nappa and suede leather with plaid double stitching, orange piping and carbon fiber weaves on the functional surfaces. The four bucket seats provide increased body support during cornering, contributing to passenger safety and comfort.

5. Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept and Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) Concept

The X Gran Berlinetta Concept and the X Gran Racer VGT Concept delved deeper into Genesis’ performance aspirations and commitment to motorsports-inspired design, particularly within the digital realm. The Orange color of both concepts embodies Genesis’ high-performance spirit of Magma.

This stunning virtual race car was first designed specifically for the Gran Turismo video game series. Unveiled at the Gran Turismo World Series Finals in Barcelona in December 2023, it pushed the boundaries of automotive design with its extreme proportions, active aerodynamic features and a clear focus on track performance.

The X Gran Berlinetta Concept’s exterior embodies the most emotionally resonant expression of the Genesis brand’s characteristic Athletic Elegance design philosophy. Its design is pure and muscular with volumes centered around the wheels, emphasizing the cab-backwards proportions with Genesis’ typical anti-wedge attitude that is structured around a virtual parabolical tensioned theory common to the company’s lineup. Its dramatic lines and functional aerodynamics were originally conceived to dominate virtual racetracks.

6. Genesis GV60 Magma Concept

The GV60 Magma Concept, revealed at the Genesis House New York in March 2024, is a high-performance variant of the GV60. The Magma program added a new dimension to Genesis, marking the brand’s expansion into the realm of high-performance vehicles. This debut signaled the company’s ambitions to develop a high-performance Magma model for each production vehicle in its existing lineup. This concept was also unique in that Genesis promised it would be headed for production.

The GV60 Magma Concept and its promise to deliver exhilarating driving experiences within its EV portfolio was proven at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2024. There, Genesis triumphed in the Sunday Shootout 4-seater production car category with the GV60 Magma Concept with race and rally driver Gethin Jones at the wheel. Not only did it secure its class win, but it also achieved an impressive 16^th place overall. The concept car finished the 1.86-kilometer course in just 52.72 seconds.

The exterior design in the distinctive orange color of this concept harmonizes aesthetics with considerations for chassis, aerodynamics and thermodynamics. A wider and lower main air intake in the bumper effectively cools the batteries, motor and brakes, while air curtains enhance the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. The titanium-colored flow-formed 21-inch wheels also help cool the brakes with integrated aero discs. On the roof, fins have been strategically placed to control aerodynamic flow and channel it into the rear wing, generating rear downforce and ensuring fluidity.

The luxurious and sporty interior mirrors the distinctive exterior design of the concept. It features bucket seats with body-colored seatbacks upholstered in Nappa and suede leather with double-diamond stitching patterns in Magma’s iconic orange and titanium grey.

7. Genesis Neolun Concept

Unveiled at Genesis House New York in April 2024, the Neolun Concept was a bold exploration of ultimate luxury, minimalist design and innovative interior space. The name “Neolun” combines the Greek prefix “neo,” meaning new, and the Latin word “luna,” meaning moon, and symbolizes the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries. The concept offered a glimpse into Genesis’ vision for future flagship vehicles, emphasizing comfort, advanced technology and a profoundly luxurious passenger experience.

This large, opulent SUV concept focuses on creating a serene, lounge-like experience for its occupants. Its exterior is characterized by smooth, clean surfaces and is dominated by a strikingly beautiful B-pillarless coach door design. Compared to conventional vehicle structures, this layout provides a much more open interior space and maximizes convenient passenger access. Development of the B-pillarless coach doors has reached a level where their application to production vehicles is now feasible.

The doors open to reveal another highlight, as the Neolun Concept’s interior cabin represents a modern reinterpretation of Korea’s distinct hospitality culture. It features swiveling front seats that can face the rear passengers, a flexible heating system inspired by traditional Korean underfloor “ondol” heating integrated into the real-wood floor and dashboard, and a large, retractable roof display. The seats are embellished in Royal Indigo cashmere and Purple Silk leather, naturally dyed with organic pigments, setting a deeply relaxing mood.

8. Genesis GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle (MIV) Concept

The GV60 MIV Concept was revealed at the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2025. MIV is an acronym for Mountain Intervention Vehicle, underlining the multipurpose design considerations given to the design of this GV60 electric crossover concept. It showcases the brand’s capabilities in designing for any vehicle type, even one that is capable of both reconnaissance and rescue support in the most challenging of terrains.

The GV60 MIV Concept comes with snow tracks instead of conventional wheels with rubber tires and includes features such as sports seats, medical supplies, and emergency communications and warning systems that support mountain rescue operations in extreme conditions. Large carbon fiber fender flares ensure the safety of bystanders and occupants while also protecting the vehicle from damage. To maximize storage, a custom heavy-duty roof rack has been installed, while the rear hatch rack features modular attachment points for various equipment. Additionally, it has a vehicle-to-load system that allows it to supply power to auxiliary devices.

9. Genesis X Gran Coupe Concept and Genesis X Gran Convertible Concept

The X Gran Coupe Concept and X Gran Convertible Concept, which debuted at the Seoul Mobility Show in April 2025, both built upon the brand’s flagship G90. Both concepts demonstrate the brand’s future position as an emotionally evocative luxury brand through distinct typologies.

These concepts share several features that exemplify the further evolution of the “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy, including the characteristic Two-Line headlamps, which extend toward each model’s iconic Genesis Crest Grille. The 3D grille meshes are inspired by woven metal strings arranged in diamond-shaped Two Lines patterns. The wide lower air intakes with sculpted grille meshes emphasize the sporty character of the vehicles, while the elongated hoods create a dynamic silhouette. The widened Two-Line headlamps extend to the fenders, visually enhancing the increased track width.

Both concepts feature more steeply raked windscreens and lower roof heights for the cabins, resulting in audacious silhouettes. The doors on both models have also been lengthened to facilitate entrance and exit. The frameless windows slide down completely, revealing an uninterrupted window graphic. The fenders also have been widened to maximize the powerful presence of the two concepts. Aerodynamic wing sections finish the lower bodies, visually planting them firmly on the road.

10. Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar

The GMR-001 Hypercar was first announced in Dubai on Dec. 4, 2024, alongside the announcement of the creation of Genesis Magma Racing, the company’s new motorsport racing team. The car was portrayed as the centerpiece of Genesis’ motorsport ambitions and the embodiment of Genesis’ commitment to its Athletic Elegance design philosophy in a high-performance, endurance-ready package.

The Hypercar’s body is characterized by meticulous surface design, with each panel crafted to evoke movement even when the vehicle is at rest. The exterior combines subtle sculptural details that underscore the car’s athleticism and high-speed agility. Smoothly contoured surfaces guide airflow across the body, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency while emphasizing the car’s assertive character and confident stance. Genesis’ signature Two Lines lighting features prominently, boldly wrapping horizontally around the front and rear while seamlessly integrating into the car’s flowing bodywork to emphasize both width and aerodynamic intent. Also present is a sweeping Parabolic Line along its side profile, a Genesis hallmark that transitions fluidly from front to rear. The Line enhances airflow toward the rear diffuser, improving downforce and handling on the track. A concave rear section, framed by an active spoiler, adjusts to driving conditions, balancing drag reduction with stability for high-speed racing. This bodywork was crafted at Genesis Design Europe under the guidance of Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke.

Genesis Magma Racing unveiled its full-scale GMR-001 Hypercar and team identity, including livery and race suits, ahead of the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The livery of the GMR-001 Hypercar marries intensity with subtlety, dominated by the signature orange color, a hue symbolizing Korea’s vibrant energy. A gradient that flows from the vibrant orange at the front to deep red at the rear evokes a sense of speed and rising intensity, mirroring both the temperature of a high-performance engine and the acoustic shift of the Doppler effect. Integrated into the design are the Korean characters for Magma, “마그마.” The design incorporates the shape of the Korean consonants “ㅁ,” “ㄱ” and “ㅁ” as its foundational elements, creating geometric patterns that serve as a dynamic visual representation of Genesis’ heritage.

The GMR-001 Hypercar serves as the groundwork for Genesis Magma Racing’s debut at the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) and 2027 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) SportsCar Championship in the Hypercar class. Endurance racing represents one of the most prestigious and challenging disciplines in motorsport, demanding speed, reliability and strategy over extended periods. Genesis Magma Racing is currently undergoing a “year of learning,” working in partnership with IDEC Sport to compete in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), providing its drivers and team members the opportunity to learn their roles and experience the demands and stresses of endurance racing ahead of the 2026 WEC.

Development of the GMR-001 Hypercar recently reached a major milestone with the first fire-up of the car taking place at Le Castellet, France.