Hyundai’s luxury division didn’t wait for the Los Angeles Auto Show to open its doors to unveil its third prototype based on this platform dedicated to the brand’s future EVs. The X Convertible Concept is the third in a trilogy that began with the X Concept prototype unveiled in 2021, a 2+2 coupe that outlined the “athletic elegance” design language envisioned by the brand’s design director, Luc Donckerwolke.
The second concept in this more “emotional” series, the X Speedium Coupe concept, debuted at Genesis‘ New York home in conjunction with the New York Auto Show earlier in the spring of 2022. The latter is actually more directly related to this third prototype presented this auto show week.
The new concept shares its architecture and electric powertrain with the other two concepts from the past few months. Since it’s a convertible, the roof is removable, but in this case, it’s a hardtop that incorporates sunroofs at the front to provide an open feel even with the roof in place.
The interior is also similar to that of the X Speedium concept with a few details specific to both vehicles of course. The dashboard wraps around the driver, who benefits from an attractive flat-bottomed steering wheel and a touch-sensitive portion angled slightly toward the driver. As with the two previous concepts, the X Convertible concept can accommodate four occupants.
And because it’s an electric vehicle, the interior uses padding made from recyclable wool, but the upholstery is still covered in leather.
On the outside, the front portion of the X Convertible is reminiscent of the X Speedium concept with its double light stripe that descends in a “V” towards the center of the front bumper. As for the rear section, the dual position lights are back, as is the ducktail trunk. As for the prototype’s bulging fenders, they are superb and very athletic, a comment that applies to the multi-spoke wheels.
At the time of writing, it’s too early to tell what the brand’s decision-makers have in mind, but with three coupes unveiled in the past year, Genesis is clearly positioning itself as a brand that intends to enter the sporty and emotional car segment.
And since Genesis already has three electric models (GV60, GV70 Electrified and G80 Electrified), not to mention a lineup of gasoline-powered sedans and SUVs, it wouldn’t be surprising if Genesis’ next move is to seriously consider bringing a vehicle with only two doors to market in the coming months.