GV80 concept previews Genesis' hydrogen future

Hyundai's Genesis luxury marque is now a fully fledged automaker and has set about filling out its lineup with the debut of the GV80 concept SUV at the New York auto show.

The full-size SUV concept is powered by "the latest plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric technology."

The automaker gives almost no details about how the powertrain works, but specifying an electrified powertrain at the very least indicates that the Genesis brand is actively pursuing alternative fuel sources for the future.

The concept stretches elements from the Genesis luxury sedans, such as the shield shape of the grille, across and around the SUV proportions.

I also think that the GV80's slit-shaped quad headlamps are a "signature design element" that will feature on all future Genesis models. The quad slot theme is echoed with the rear taillamps.

The Roadshow staff is of mixed opinion about the GV80's looks. Most think its odd-looking, but I rather like it. Actually, I'm the only one who likes it.

The most interesting bits of the GV80's design can be found in the cabin where the designers have fitted the SUV with an uber-wide 22-inch curved OLED "infinity display" that stretches across the entire dashboard.

Genesis stated that the GV80 is pretty far along on the road to production, expecting an SUV using a similar design on the road by 2020.

The Genesis brand has previously committed to delivering a total of six models by 2020 including a pair of SUVs.