01:53 27-12-2025

Why Genesis says wagons beat crossovers: the Wingback case

Genesis says the market is oversaturated with crossovers and positions wagons as a sensible alternative to the current wave. According to chief designer Luc Donckerwolke, the rapid rise of SUVs is driving uniformity and eroding variety—a point that lands as a quiet challenge to the status quo.

As an illustration, Genesis showed the Wingback concept, a look at how a sporting wagon could serve as a more balanced format. In the brand’s view, this type of car can blend strong performance, everyday usefulness, and road stability without the excess weight and height typical of many crossovers—an argument that feels timely in a segment often chasing altitude over finesse.

Genesis emphasizes that wagons preserve handling advantages thanks to a lower center of gravity while still offering comparable space. Other manufacturers share this approach, as shown by the Audi RS6 Avant and BMW M5 Touring—machines that combine serious power with everyday practicality. The logic is simple and sound: keep the mass low, and the car rewards you with cleaner responses.

Genesis has already produced a series wagon, the G70 Shooting Brake, for select markets. Based on the G70 sedan platform, it was offered with turbocharged engines delivering up to 365 hp. Despite its limited availability, the car fit into the brand’s strategy to keep body-style diversity alive.

Inside Genesis, the retreat from wagons in favor of crossovers is viewed as a market choice rather than a technical necessity. The company intends to use design and packaging as a competitive advantage going forward—an angle that, if followed through, could bring some welcome variety back to the showroom.