Kia’s ambitions to enter the premium segment, first manifested in vehicular form by the sleek GT concept, have been re-affirmed in Chicago with the Cross GT crossover concept. Billed as a combination of the GT and a luxury CUV, the Cross GT hints at the future of Kia’s design language.
Penned at Kia’s design center in Irving, California, the Cross GT features a few predictable elements such as Kia’s corporate “tiger” nose, but details like the organically-shaped, multi-panel panoramic sunroof and flowing taillights – which begin along the side character lines before artfully terminating at the rear fender cut lines – provide neat bits of original flair.
Size-wise, the Cross GT measures 8.4-inches longer, 4.9-inches wider and 1.6-inches shorter than the current Sorrento, with a wheelbase that’s nearly 16 inches longer than Kia’s midsize crossover. The Cross GT rides on the same platform as the GT concept.
Motivation for the concept comes from a 3.8-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic that team with an evolution of Kia’s existing parallel hybrid system. Along with an electric-only driving range of 20 miles, the setup is good for 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, with that power put to the pavement with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system.
Throw open the Cross GT’s doors, which include rear suicide-style units, and you’ll find a wild concept car cabin with futuristic lines, “floating” bucket seats and a central touchscreen that controls the entrainment, navigation and climate control systems.
Though it’s strictly a concept car at the moment, Kia says that the Cross GT could foreshadow a future premium crossover vehicle.
“Our customers are looking to the Kia brand to offer relevant vehicles in the premium segments that take value to new levels of sophistication,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Kia Motors America. “The Cross GT is the next logical step in that evolution. And while only a concept today, it signals one possible design direction we may explore for the future.”
Love the design, but is it practical for everyday use? 🤔
Wow, 400 horsepower! That’s more than enough for my daily commute. 😅
Thank you for the detailed article. Can’t wait to see this on the road!
I’m skeptical about the hybrid system. How reliable is it?
The panoramic sunroof sounds amazing! Will it be standard?
Does anyone else think the rear suicide doors are a bit too much? 🚪