A teaser sketch of the Kia Cross GT has been released ahead of the striking concept’s world premiere at next month’s Chicago auto show.

Dubbed a “premium crossover utility vehicle”, the Cross GT concept is larger than the full-size Kia Sorento SUV and sports a similar profile to the BMW X6.

The Kia Cross GT hints at the brand’s future design language, which the South Korean car maker says is “inspired by nature, driven by technology”.

A bold example of Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille sits prominently at the squared-off front end, with thin, piercing headlights flanking the top corners.

The concept’s chunky body and high shoulder line is contrasted by a shallow glasshouse and dramatic coupe-style sloping roofline. The roof itself features an intricate glass arrangement, while the rear comes to an abrupt end with a sharp edge and a vertical tailgate.

Kia is keeping details of the Cross GT close to its chest for now, although expect more information and official images to be revealed in the lead-up to its Chicago unveiling on February 7.

The Cross GT sketch follows a series of similar images of another even more secretive concept from Kia, a sporty urban coupe that will debut at the Geneva motor show in March.