2018 Hyundai HDC-2 Grandmaster concept SUV unveiled

Hyundai has taken the wraps off of the HDC-2 Grandmaster concept, which likely previews a new flagship SUV from the Korean carmaker. The HDC-2 Grandmaster also hints at the design direction Hyundai will take with its future cars and SUVs. This may be received as a welcome move for those who think Hyundai SUVs could look more imposing. The Grandmaster is clearly a more muscular-looking SUV, with a more squared-off shape and an intimidating face.

While Hyundai has refrained from sharing any further details (except for the name, which is derived from the game of chess), we can tell you the HDC-2 Grandmaster is a showcase for what will be the biggest SUV in the Hyundai line-up. It is a sister car to the production version of the Kia Telluride – expected to be unveiled later this year – and is longer, taller and wider than the new Santa Fe. At over 5m in length, it will have three rows of seats, with seven- and eight-seat options on offer.

The HDC-2 Grandmaster is also likely to borrow its powertrain from the Telluride, which will be powered by a 3.3-litre, twin-turbo petrol V6 making 365hp and 510Nm of torque. There could be a plug-in hybrid variant introduced later, which pairs a 3.5-litre, 270hp petrol V6 engine with a 130hp electric motor. Hyundai could also look at adding a diesel engine into the mix for select markets, which is expected to be a more powerful version of the 2.2-litre diesel motor found on the new Santa Fe. An eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive are expected to be part of the package.

Being the brand's flagship SUV, the HDC-2 Grandmaster will likely be loaded to the teeth with equipment, much like other Hyundai cars. This equipment could include an electrically-foldable third row, a 360-degree camera and more.

It'll be interesting to see if Hyundai adds the HDC-2 Grandmaster to its India line-up.

What do you think would be the right price for this flagship Hyundai SUV? Let us know in the comments.