Kia Cross GT Concept imagines a BMW in Korean clothes

Once upon a time, Kia unveiled a rear-wheel drive luxury saloon concept known as the GT. Its styling exuded a hint of Maserati — meaning it looked fantastic — and despite being a fantasy, the GT provided an intriguing idea of where Kia could go. Now Kia have unclothed a new concept based upon the GT’s platform, the Cross GT.

The Cross GT shows Kia’s intent to enter the luxury crossover segment, dueling it out with cars such as the BMW X6. Of course, like with many concepts, the design of the Cross GT merely hints to a possible direction in which the vehicle might take if it did indeed ever get the green light for production. And that’s a good thing, because it isn’t exactly pretty.

The front end appears sleek and aggressive at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals bulbous edges that look like the Cross GT has consumed too many Big Macs. With the B-pillars removed, an abundance of light washes over the occupants, but the roofline meets the rear end with an abrupt awkwardness.