Palisade

Make
Hyundai
Segment
SUV

Hyundai did something last April that got the internet talking. The South Korean automaker released three renderings showcasing what a potential Hyundai Palisade N could look like, assuming production is approved. Hyundai simply wanted to gauge public reaction and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. So where does this leave things? Will the Palisade three-row crossover receive the N or N Line treatment, like the Kona? CarAdvice asked Hyundai for an update on the matter and things are looking very positive.

"Everything's possible. We monitor the market very attentively. If we believe in that particular segment - for the SUV body type - it makes sense, then we can move very quickly", said Hyundai's Head of Global Product Management, Lorenz Glaab.

A Palisade N Line would likely come powered by the same 3.8-liter V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque found in all other Palisade trims. Sporty features like a body kit and unique badging also sound plausible, but it's the full-blown N version that should really catch your interest. Sources indicate Hyundai would likely swap the 3.8 engine for the new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 380 hp used in the Genesis GV80.

If this does happen, then BMW and other luxury brands will certainly take notice because Hyundai will have a premium, performance-focused three-row crossover on sale for probably in the mid-$50,000 range. A base BMW X5, for example, only begins at just under $60,000 and its 3.0-liter inline-six has 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of twist.

What's more, the X5 doesn't come standard with a third row of seats. Of course, the Hyundai brand doesn't share the same level of prestige as BMW, but it has definitely proven a disruptor reputation. A few years ago, Hyundai poached BMW's longtime head of its M division, Albert Biermann, who now serves as R&D chief and knows a thing or two about performance. His expertise was invaluable when developing the Veloster N, for example. He also personally oversaw the development of the E70 BMW X5 M.

Essentially, nearly everything is in place for a high-powered Palisade N and the only thing missing is the official management sign-off, though all indicators point to this happening in the near future.