Are SUVs really here to stay forever? One top car designer thinks the craze is about to hit a major turning point, and you might be surprised by what he predicts will be the next big thing. While SUVs dominate the roads right now, it's easy to think they've completely taken over the automotive world. This perception is particularly strong in the United States, where the appetite for these high-riding vehicles seems almost endless. But here's where it gets controversial... are we really seeing the whole picture? As pointed out previously, traditional cars are still very popular in many other parts of the world, especially in Europe.
However, there's no denying the explosive growth of the crossover market in recent decades. Chances are, many of your friends and neighbors are already driving one, and they're likely considering upgrading to a newer model soon. Automakers have fueled this trend by creating numerous versions of the same basic vehicle platform, offering a wide range of SUV options. And, let's be honest, since SUVs generally command higher prices than their car counterparts, manufacturers have a clear financial incentive to encourage this shift.
But according to Luc Donckerwolke, the Chief Creative Officer at Genesis and Executive Vice President for Design at Hyundai Group, this SUV boom is not destined to last forever. Donckerwolke, a renowned designer who has shaped iconic vehicles from the Skoda Octavia to the Lamborghini Murciélago, believes the SUV market will eventually reach a saturation point, leading to a decline in demand. He stated, 'At the moment there is, let’s say, a multiplication of SUVs. And this fast growth will create a saturation. This is when other typologies of cars are going to become attractive again. This is why I strongly believe in not having a typology monoculture.' In other words, he envisions a future where diversity in car design makes a comeback.
With Donckerwolke's vision in mind, Hyundai's luxury brand, Genesis, hasn't completely jumped on the SUV bandwagon. They continue to offer sedans, with a lineup of three four-door models (G70, G80, and G90). And this is the part most people miss... they even have a wagon, the G70 Shooting Brake, for those who want extra practicality with a sleek design. Genesis is also pushing boundaries with concept vehicles, like the recently unveiled two-seat coupe, a full-blown supercar concept with a V-8 engine. This hints at a future halo model and a GT3 homologation special, signaling their commitment to performance and innovation.
Another example of Genesis daring to be different is the stunning G90 Wingback concept, also part of their new Magma sub-brand focused on high-performance vehicles. Alongside the supercar concept and the planned 2027 GV60 Magma, the G90 Wingback is a bold statement that Hyundai wants to compete with established players like the BMW M5 Touring, Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate, and Audi RS6 Avant.
As the name implies, the G90 Wingback is based on the G90 large luxury sedan, a car that stretches over 200 inches long with a generous wheelbase. Beyond its long-roof conversion, the wagon features an aggressive front bumper, flared fenders, and distinctive stacked exhaust tips reminiscent of Lexus's F-badged models.
Unfortunately, Genesis hasn't committed to producing the G90 Wingback. But looking at the positive side, the very fact that they created this one-off G90 wagon suggests the brand is keeping an open mind and not simply following the SUV trend blindly. Donckerwolke's prediction that customers will eventually tire of crossovers could pave the way for a wagon revival.
If the G90 Wingback ever gets the go-ahead for production, expect a hefty price tag. The base sedan already starts above $100,000, so a high-performance Magma wagon would likely be in the same ballpark as the M5 Touring and RS6 Avant, both exceeding $125,000. Perhaps a more sensible approach for Genesis would be to gauge market interest with a more accessible wagon, similar to the G70 Shooting Brake.
Genesis is clearly expanding its horizons and exploring different vehicle types. But here's the big question: Will Donckerwolke's prediction come true? Will the SUV craze eventually fade, making room for wagons and other car styles? Or is the SUV here to stay as the dominant force in the automotive market?
What do you think? Do you agree with Donckerwolke's vision? Would you consider buying a wagon over an SUV? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
