Genesis X concept trilogy complete with convertible debut

Hyundai's luxury spinoff has completed what nobody expected to become a series, unveiling the third model in its 'X' concept range: the X Convertible.

The new droptop show car follows the earlier debut of the original X coupe concept in March 2021, followed by the X Speedium four-door coupe concept unveiled earlier this year.

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Above: the four-door X Speedium concept

JUMP AHEAD

• X convertible concept revealed
• X concept revealed ⌝
• X Speedium concept revealed

In its open form, the Genesis X Convertible concept builts on the original X concept's sleek and wide two-door design.

At the front end, the concept takes more inspiration from the later Speedium four-door coupe, with a huge LED lighting signature designed to hint at the Genesis brand's shield-like 'grille' design.

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Click any of the photos here to view our full gallery

Speaking on the styling freedoms explored with these big electric grand tourer concepts, Genesis design boss Luc Donckerwolke said:

"“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."

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The X convertible also features a folding hard-top roof, giving it a genuine coupe look when raised, while offering 'transparent moon roofs' above the front occupants.

Which of these three concepts do you prefer? Tell us in the comments below.

For now, Genesis has offered no word on whether it will introduce the X concepts into production, but with Polestar's O2 concept now confirmed for market, we can only hope Genesis will make the right call.

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Above: the original X concept, revealed in early 2021

The story to here

August 23: Genesis X Speedium Coupe concept interior revealed at Pebble Beach

The interior of the Genesis X Speedium Coupe concept has debuted at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – the finale of the Monterey Car Week.

Genesis says the interior was developed over the past five months by its design group, following the unveiling of its external body in April (see below).

It utilises the cabin of the previously-revealed two-door Genesis X concept as its basis, but with a new colour scheme and second-row seats.

"The X Speedium Coupe was conceived as an internal design exercise that we later decided to reveal publicly. It was nothing more than a hard model built on our Athletic Elegance design identity," said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer at Genesis.

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"Given the positive reception it received at the event, we chose to complete the concept and present it to discerning attendees at the Pebble Beach Concours."

According to the brand, the concept's interior is inspired by classic Korean architecture, with minimalist design elements and an asymmetric, driver-orientated dashboard.

The front seating is finished in pinegrove green – a similar finish to the exterior – while the dashboard, centre console and rear seats are monterey gold, in a nod to the Northern California region that hosts the Monterey Car Week.

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In addition, Genesis has collaborated with South Korean sound designer Guk-il Yu – who also worked on the Hyundai Grandeur Heritage Series concept – with speakers "strategically positioned" throughout the cabin to "optimise acoustic performance".

The cockpit features a curved OLED instrument cluster screen with a unique motor output indicator, while the central display includes the start button, and multimedia and climate controls.

Two types of sustainable leather were sourced for the concept: plant-derived vegetable-tanned leather and 'breathable grain leather', which is said to require less water and chemicals to manufacture.

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June 6: Sleek concept bound for Goodwood debut

Genesis has confirmed the X Speedium Coupe concept will make its 'real world' debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month.

The event will mark its first public event since it was unveiled in April, following the earlier reveal of the slightly more sporting X concept.

The X Speedium Coupe concept is set apart from its predecessor with a new grille-free front end, along with a stretched wheelbase and squarer roofline – potentially hinting at plans for a big four-door coupe to sit alongside the next-generation G90 limo.

At Goodwood, the X Speedium will be presented alongside an actual production model: the new Genesis Electrified GV70, recently driven in Australia. Catch our first-drive review at the link below.

April 22: Genesis trademarks Speedium name

Following the global debut of the sleek Genesis X Speedium Coupe concept, public government documents in Australia reveal that a trademark has been requested for the Speedium name.

This news does not necessarily represent confirmation that the Speedium will enter production, as pre-emptive trademarking is often carried out to ensure a compelling name is not snapped up by a rival.

Still, the X Speedium show car is Genesis's second swing at this concept, having already revealed the initial X concept in April last year. Interestingly, that earlier concept looked even more production-ready than this latest iteration.

Realistically, if the X Speedium does enter production, it could be more likely to arrive as a large four-door coupe rather than a two-model, and the latest concept's stretched roofline could be a hint towards such a plan.

For an idea of how treacherous the world of trademarking can be for global brands, see our story below about Ford's efforts to bring its US-market Edge to Australia, where Toyota already owns Edge as a variant badge. (And all for nought, now, given the Endura has exited Australia.)

April 14: Genesis X Speedium Concept revealed

Genesis has unveiled its latest concept, the X Speedium Coupe, which it says incorporates the brand's DNA (Audacious, Progressive, Distinctly Korean), while looking ahead to the next wave of EVs.

The Genesis X Speedium Coupe was born out of a “freestyle” design exercise based on the Genesis X Concept, led by 2022 World Car Person of the Year – Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke.

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The name Speedium was inspired by the passion for motorsports felt by Genesis designers at the Inje Speedium Racetrack and encapsulates a belief that the emotional value of driving will remain strong well into the electric future.

Genesis went with a reductive, or “less is more,” approach to the concept, which features restrained elegance, clean lines, and subtle curves.

If you're hoping to see the X Speedium Coupe go into production, you will be disappointed.

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“This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’s journey towards our future EV design,” said Donckerwolke.

“This isn’t a show car – it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs.”

The front of the vehicle features a variation of Genesis’s signature two line lamps, which have evolved into a full-width element that encompasses the shape of the crest resembling the Genesis crest grille.

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It was designed to carry the brand signature of the wing-face in lieu of an actual grille by integrating the daytime running lamps with the low beam and high beam together. According to Genesis, the new EV face symbolises Genesis’s transformation towards becoming an all-electric car brand by 2030.

Looking at it from above reveals an hourglass silhouette formed from the curvaceous wheel arches that give the X Speedium Coupe a muscular presence.

Viewed from the side, the parabolic line extending from the front to the rear of the car maintains forms a classic, “anti-wedge” design, which culminates in an understated, but streamlined, look.

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The elliptical tail balances out the look, while the V-shaped brake lights interrupt the circular shape by producing the striking contrast, which is a Genesis hallmark.

“We are giving each design element space to breathe,” said Donckerwolke.

“It’s not about making the design elements compete with each other, but about orchestrating the elements so that they complement and respect one another.”

The concept’s metallic emerald green shade is referred to as “Inje green.”

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Why did they choose that colour? It encompasses the mountainous landscape in the country's east where the Inge Speedium racetrack that inspired its name is located.