Just over two weeks ago, Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, unveiled the stunning Magma GT concept and the all-electric GV60 Magma (Magma is Genesis’ performance arm), showcased during the brand’s 10th anniversary celebrations. While the two-door hypercar garnered a lot of attention both in the press and online, there was another vehicle reveal that was equally noteworthy. Enter the G90 Wingback concept, a low-slung wagon variant based on the brand’s flagship G90 full-size sedan that also broke cover in Le Castellet, France.
The G90 sedan is already a great-looking car to begin with. The Wingback Concept signals that the Korean automaker is willing to take risks. Genesis retained the standard G90 platform untouched, with the same 3.2 meter wheelbase (about 126 inches) and 5.1 meter length (about 200 inches). Instead of a sedan trunk, the rear becomes a full tailgate, creating a long wagon profile.
Renowned designer and chief creative officer, Luc Donckerwolke, drove the near-production ready concept out onto the stage himself. He has been central to this design renaissance at the Korean luxury brand. He was pivotal in shaping Lamborghini after the VW/Audi takeover in the early 2000s, and his influence shows in how Genesis balances presence with restraint.
Walk around the Wingback, and the changes stand out. Finished in a dark Magma green, the Crest Grille stretches wider, and you have Genesis’ signature two-line headlights. The bumper gains large intakes and canards. Flared arches sit over custom 22-inch wheels. Other highlights include a two-piece wing and diffuser setup, combined with a steeply raked rear window. Inside, quilted Chamude upholstery, green Magma stitching, and embroidered seatbacks that reinforce the performance luxury message.
Performance and luxury wagons remain popular across Europe. In the U.S., where SUVs have dominated sales across segments, the format is slowly resurfacing. BMW returned with the M5 Touring, Audi has the RS6 Avant, Mercedes has been consistent with offering the E63 AMG, and Porsche offers wagon-shaped variations of the Panamera and Taycan.
Genesis themselves had the G70 Shooting Brake, but it never came stateside. A full-size wagon in the S Class, A8, or 7 Series has not existed until now. The closest modern-day big wagon was the W218 CLS Shooting Brake from the early 2010s. The Wingback concept now revives the idea and shows what’s possible through the Magma brand.
Now, Genesis is a brand that is going from strength to strength, and in the decade it has existed, it has shaken up the competition with a diverse product portfolio that spans EVs, luxury sedans, crossovers, and a growing performance arm under Magma.
They have been consistent with design exercises, concept cars, special projects, and striking one-offs, and their new California design studio in El Segundo, will play a pivotal role in future products moving forward. Magma will also extend beyond road cars. Genesis confirmed the brand will enter endurance competition under Magma Racing, and the GMR-001 Hypercar.
As for the Wingback concept, it remains a one-off for now, but given the buzz around it, it will be interesting to see if Genesis decides to put it into production, despite the performance/luxury wagon segment being very niche. Should it be realized, it could serve as the ideal alternative to a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers at the luxury end of the market.
Images: Genesis
