Following the Genesis X Concept and then the Genesis X Speedium Coupe Concept, the third and final member of the series has been revealed as the Genesis X Convertible Concept, which will be displayed at the coming Los Angeles Auto Show.
As with the two earlier concepts, the X Convertible showcases the Athletic Elegance design language of the Hyundai Motor Group’s luxury brand. This includes the Genesis Crest Grille and with the X Convertible, the design is taken further up the emotional scale.
The X Convertible concept materializes the brand’s Athletic Elegance design language in its purest form. The ideal proportions are complemented by design purity to exemplify the continued refinement in orchestrating design elements that make up Athletic Elegance which will be used in coming Genesis models.
The long bonnet, generous dash-to-axle, short front overhang, and long wheelbase are drawn rearwards towards the long deck, accentuating its stately yet relaxed poise. The anti-wedge Parabolic Line creates tension between the full surfaces through a gently rearward-sloping horizontal beltline, while muscular blisters around the wheels form an athletic ‘Coke bottle’ plan view and integrate into an elegant silhouette when viewed from the side.
The characteristic quad lights — from which Genesis’ Two-Line graphic identity originates — are also present on the X Convertible. As in the X Speedium Coupe, this graphic identity integrates the new EV face and forms an abstract of the Crest Grille. The cooling function for the powertrain and batteries has been relocated to lower openings in the front bumper.
The rear end features a concave elliptical ducktail intersected by horizontal quad rear lights, as seen on the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe. The continuity of the elliptical shape is interrupted and crowned by a V-shape indentation that hints at the crest and wings of the Genesis logo.
The wheels are a combination of Genesis’ G-Matrix pattern orchestrated by an aero dish concave section. The spacers of this aero dish serve to extract heat from the brakes.
The exterior of the X Convertible is painted in Crane White. White cranes represent nobility and sanctity in Korea, and Genesis wanted to weave these cultural elements into its colourways. The body surface coated in white with pearl particles, achieving a luxurious sheen that dynamically frames the contrasting interior.
The Genesis X Convertible shares its architecture and electric powertrain (which has not been detailed) with the other two concept cars. Being conceived as an open top, the architecture has been modified to incorporate a folding hardtop roof with transparent moon roofs above the front occupants.
The interior of the X Convertible has a driver-centric 4-seat asymmetric layout — a consistent theme throughout all recent Genesis concept cars. Its wraparound instrument panel seamlessly integrates with the centre console and cocoons the driver cockpit, emphasizing not only its performance-oriented attributes but its connection with the driver.
Inspired in part by traditional Korean roof architecture — which relates to both the brand’s origins as well as the most important aspect of convertibles — the interior design features Giwa Navy and Dancheong Orange colours. These give the cabin a modern look and feel for a vibrant character.
Giwa Navy, the primary interior colour, is named after ‘Giwa’, the roof tiles on Korean houses. Made from recyclable wool fabric, the textured, woven pad graphic wraps around the cabin, contrasting with the smooth and sleek leather surfaces of the seats.
Meanwhile, Dancheong Orange — named after the traditional decorative colourings on traditional Korean wooden buildings — serves as a bold accent colour, encircling the cabin in a two-line motif and featuring on the stitching of the seats and fabric.
Being a mobile ‘open-air theatre’, the X Convertible provides a sensory experience for all occupants that differs from closed cars. ‘Dropping the top’ allows the occupants to have a direct connection with the surrounding environment in almost the same way as a motorcyclist (but with more comfort).
The sensory experience is taken a step further with its electric powertrain and high-performance sound system developed by sound master Guk-il Yu from the Korean design studio MSD-Metal Sound Design. First installed in the X Speedium Coupe, the immersive audio system was specially conceived to optimize acoustic performance.
“Genesis started life by producing sedans mainly targeting business users. While creating a new, differentiated design DNA, we gradually increased the emotional appeal by applying this DNA to the SUV typology. Now, electric powertrains have given us the perfect scenario in which to enjoy nature and propelled the brand to create vehicles with even greater emotional resonance,” said Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke. “We are in the process of transitioning Genesis into a company that will deliver products for customers to enjoy.”
