Genesis X Convertible previews electric performance flagship

Genesis has taken a tin opener to the Genesis X Speedium Coupe concept it revealed earlier this year to create a new convertible concept car in the form of the Genesis X Convertible.

Revealed overnight in California, the X Convertible is the third and final member of what Genesis calls the ‘X concept trilogy’, which was kicked off in March last year by the Genesis X Concept.

All three vehicles are thought to preview a future battery-electric flagship model range, but Genesis has repeatedly shot down that notion, previously declaring the X Speedium Coupe as little more than an internal design exercise.

It’s odd then that the X Speedium Coupe has been displayed around the globe in its physical form on numerous occasions – including in Australia – and that Genesis has taken the time and effort to design what’s now a catalogue of X concept vehicles with such detail.

Well it seems that stance may be softening after all, given Genesis now says it “is pleased to tune in to what customers seek in their driving experiences and aspirations, and will continue to explore new ways to create immersive driving experiences and spaces in which they can connect with their vehicle and surroundings”.

carsales understands the X Speedium Coupe’s public outings have generated significant levels of public interest both here and abroad, increasing the chances of at least one of the three X trilogy vehicles making it to production.

The latest X concept is defined by its folding roof and the Korean luxury brand’s crest grille lighting signature.

Genesis says the X Convertible “materialises the brand’s Athletic Elegance design language in its purest form” by presenting “ideal proportions” that elevate it “further up the emotional scale” compared to its coupe counterpart.

“While creating a new, differentiated design DNA, we gradually increased the emotional appeal by applying this DNA to the SUV typology,” said Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.

“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.”

Besides the absent roof, the only major element we haven’t seen before are the concave aero alloy wheels, which in addition to reducing drag are designed to extract heat generated by the high-performance braking system lurking behind them.

Drivers are greeted by the same wrap-around cockpit as in X Speedium Coupe, albeit with a new Giwa Navy two-tone colourway inspired by the ‘Giwa’ roof tiling prevalent throughout Korea.

“Innovation is the catalyst to becoming more engaged with the environment around us,” Donckerwolke said.

“We are in the process of transitioning Genesis into a company that will deliver products for customers to enjoy.”

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au