The Genesis G90 Wingback wagon concept has stunned the automotive world—and according to Genesis president and chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke, that was exactly the point. As he told MotorTrend, the motivation behind the project is simple: he wants it in production. Despite long-held assumptions that high-performance wagons appeal only to German buyers, Donckerwolke believes the American market is proving otherwise. With strong demand for models like the BMW M5 Touring and Audi RS6 Avant, Genesis sees a clear opportunity.
A New Vision for Low-Volume, High-Impact Luxury Cars
High-performance wagons and sedan-based coupes are niche segments, which is why Germany’s automakers typically dominate them. But Donckerwolke believes Genesis is uniquely positioned to react quickly to niche demand. Vehicles like the muscular Wingback wagon and the elegant X Gran Coupe are being designed so they can be produced quickly and efficiently, giving Genesis an edge moving forward.
Both concepts share a common foundation: the robust Genesis G90 platform.
Built on the G90 Platform for Fast, Feasible Production
While the Wingback and X Gran Coupe exhibit dramatic new sheetmetal, they retain the G90’s core structure. They share the same 125.2-inch wheelbase, 207.6-inch overall length, and most major hardpoints—from suspension pickup points to seat locations. This means production versions could be assembled by modifying body structures and attaching new panels, dramatically reducing investment and development time.
Donckerwolke describes them as “very executable very fast with a minimum level of advance investment,” according to MotorTrend.
Manfred Harrer, who leads the Genesis and Performance Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group, confirmed that engineers are already enhancing the G90 platform to support performance applications, including an upcoming Magma version of the G90. These upgrades would also make production versions of the Wingback and X Gran Coupe possible.
Engineering for Performance and Refinement
Like the newly revealed GV60 Magma, the reworked G90 platform will feature stiffer underpinnings, upgraded suspension components, and tuning aimed at improving steering response, high-speed stability, and ride quality. Importantly, Genesis aims to retain the quietness and luxuriousness that define its flagship models.
Shift in Powertrain Strategy as EV Demand Slows
Genesis originally intended the X Gran Coupe and its convertible counterpart to debut as halo EVs. But as global demand for luxury EVs levels off, the brand is reconsidering its approach. Future performance-oriented Genesis models may instead rely on high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or extended-range electric (EREV) powertrains.
For now, production models of the Wingback and X Gran Coupe would likely start with a heavily reworked version of the G90’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo and electrically supercharged V6. While the engine currently makes 409 hp and 405 lb-ft, Genesis engineers must significantly increase those numbers to compete with rivals like the RS6 Avant (600 hp) and the M5 Touring (717 hp).
Why Wagons and Coupes Still Matter
The Wingback concept reflects a broader belief within Genesis: the luxury SUV boom is reaching saturation. Donckerwolke argues that discerning buyers will soon seek alternatives with more distinctive character. High-performance wagons offer similar cargo space to SUVs but with significantly better dynamics thanks to their lighter weight and lower center of gravity.
“I strongly believe in not having a monoculture of cars,” Donckerwolke told MotorTrend. The Wingback and X Gran Coupe demonstrate how Genesis can diversify its lineup without the massive investments typically required for low-volume vehicles.
