Video: meet the man tailoring Korean luxury motoring

“I have the privilege of designing for a living. I always say I do the design and the drawing for free, I get paid for the meetings”

With a CV that includes such iconic shapes as the Audi A2, the Lamborghini Murcielago and Gallardo, and a trio of Bentleys (Flying Spur, Bentayga and EXP 10 Speed 6), the name of Luc Donkerwolke is already assured in the annals of motoring design. 

But as the Chief Creative Officer of Genesis, the Korean luxury brand that has taken the USA by storm, Luc’s signature styling is making great strides once again into new European markets. His trademark flourishes were first seen all over a trio of head-turning, swooping, futuristic concept cars that announced Genesis’ intentions to the world: the MINT, the X and the Essentia (described by Luc in the past as “the aura, the soul of Genesis”). 

On the road, we’re now seeing the real-world results: the modern take on tradition with the G70 Shooting Brake, the serenity and luxury of the G80 saloon, or the flagship GV80 SUV that moves the segment forward once again. Samir Sadikhov, Senior Exterior Designer, who played a leading role in that famous Essentia concept that took the New York Motor Show by storm on its reveal back in 2018, captures what makes Genesis unique in the world of luxury motoring: “His cars appear to be moving while staying static, such is their athletic stance”  

Luc’s background is not that of a typical vehicle designer. Born in Peru, and living in ten countries before the age of 18, moulded a unique approach to his art, as much obsessed with Grcic chairs, boats and household appliances as cars. “My environment was not made of sports cars, it was rather utility vehicles and off road vehicles. This is what pushed me into creating my own environment, projecting myself in a parallel universe made of cars, as they were always my passion,” he says.  

And Hans Lapine, Director, Design Operations, also pays tribute: “Luc’s journey from birth to present days has exposed him to the world, and the world taught him the diversity needed to head this new premium brand of Genesis. Being comfortable creating super performance to ultimate luxury cars confirms his place as a leader ready to guide us into the future.” 

Watch the video above to meet Luc and his team in person – and for more information, prices and specs on the complete Genesis range now available to buy across Europe, head to the Genesis site.