Genesis Shows Fuel Cell-Powered Crossover Concept

Hyundai Motor Co.’s Genesis unit previewed the luxury brand’s first crossover vehicle with the fuel cell-powered GV80 Concept model at this week’s New York auto show.

A production version of the midsize crossover, equipped with a piston engine, is expected to bow next year, possibly followed by plug-in hybrid and fuel cell variants. The Genesis model will compete with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

The sleek GV80 concept adds a diamond mesh to the luxury’s brand’s signature crest grille, which is flanked by two-tiered LED headlights. A pair of aerodynamic “air curtain” inlets are positioned between the headlights and the concept’s 23-inch wheels.

The interior is highlighted by a curved, 22-inch organic light-emitting-diode touchscreen that serves as the driver’s primary control unit. A smaller screen is provided for the front passenger.

Hyundai launched Genesis last year with the midsize G80 and fullsize G90 sedans. The compact G70 sedan is due later this year and will be followed by a coupe variant in 2018. A compact crossover also is in the pipeline.