Could the Genesis range soon be crowned by a high-performance wagon? The unveiling of the G90 Wingback concept suggests there’s a possibility, albeit a slim one. Revealed late last week, this one-off concept exists primarily to showcase the brand’s bespoke customization capabilities under its “One of One” program. However, Genesis executives have hinted to Autocar that turning this concept into production reality wouldn’t be difficult if a viable business case could be made.
Currently, the Genesis lineup features only one wagon: the G70 Shooting Brake. This model was specifically designed to penetrate the European market, where wagons traditionally outsell sedans. The introduction of the G90 Wingback could potentially expand Genesis’ appeal in this segment.
Design and Features: A Bold New Direction
Luc Donckerwolke, chief design officer for the Hyundai Motor Group, revealed that the concept was internally dubbed ‘Dr Evil’ during its development. He described the Wingback as a demonstration of how Genesis can embody both “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” offering sports functionality within an aerodynamic and elegant body.
The Wingback features a redesigned rear with wider front fenders that include a cooling gap ahead of the front doors. The rear wheel-arches are prominently flared, and the rear doors have been modified, with the window line now running straight instead of kinking upwards. Up front, the concept boasts a sharply defined, Acura-like five-point grille and an aggressive front bumper design with four slats beneath the grille, oversized lower air intakes, and a series of flics.
At the rear, the tailgate is adorned with dual large spoilers, and the bumper houses a significant diffuser flanked by stacked, unequal-sized exhaust tips. The concept rides on 22-inch alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli 255/35 tires at the front.
Performance and Potential Production
Despite its aggressive appearance, the Wingback utilizes a drivetrain borrowed from the sedan version rather than a more performance-oriented setup. The short-wheelbase G90 sedan is equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 279kW and 530Nm, while the long-wheelbase model features a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric supercharger, delivering 305kW and 549Nm.
Even if the G90 Wingback were to enter production, it is unlikely to be available in all markets. The second-generation G90 is currently produced only in left-hand drive, limiting its global reach.
Genesis’ Conceptual Journey
The G90 Wingback follows the introduction of two other G90-based concepts earlier this year: the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible. During the company’s 2025 CEO Investor Day in September, Genesis announced that it was evaluating the possibility of putting the X Gran Convertible into production.
This series of concept vehicles represents Genesis’ exploration of new design and performance horizons. By testing the waters with these bold concepts, Genesis is gauging consumer interest and market potential for future production models.
Implications for the Automotive Industry
The unveiling of the G90 Wingback concept highlights a growing trend among luxury automakers to explore niche segments and bespoke customization options. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, manufacturers like Genesis are increasingly focusing on unique and personalized vehicle offerings.
Industry experts suggest that the success of such concepts could pave the way for more daring and innovative designs in the future. If Genesis can successfully translate these concepts into production models with a compelling business case, it could significantly enhance its competitive position in the luxury automotive market.
The automotive world will be watching closely to see if Genesis takes the bold step of bringing the G90 Wingback to production. As the brand continues to push boundaries, the potential introduction of a high-performance wagon could mark a new chapter in its evolution.
