Hyundai Nuvis concept

Is BMW being proved right? While the X6 has attracted many doubters, its coupe/SUV cocktail is starting to be aped by several manufacturers. Following the New York motor show unveil of the strikingly similar Acura ZDX, Hyundai has revealed the Nuvis concept with styling in the same vein.

The stunning exterior panels are designed to mimic flowing water and give the car an appearance of being in motion even when it’s standing still. A huge front grille and beautifully-machined 22in alloys help to give the Nuvis is dominating stance, but it was the full-length gullwing doors that won it the most amount of admiring glances on the show floor.

The carefully-detailed interior continues the liquid theme with wavy lines running throughout, as well as a translucent blue centre stack which divides the cabin in half – a clever touch-sensitive surface allows all four passengers to control the car’s entertainment functions.

Unusually for a full-blown concept car, the mechanicals are all functional. It uses Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive architecture, which mates a 2.4-litre petrol engine in parallel with an electric motor, with the advanced Lithium Polymer battery pack stowed under the boot floor. Other eco-tricks such as stop-start and regenerative braking help to maximise fuel economy, too.

Bosses from the Korean manufacturer revealed that the Nuvis hints at a possible future crossover production vehicle – but remained tight-lipped about if and when a showroom-ready version will make its debut.Read more from the New York motor show here.