Genesis previews the future coupe with X Concept

GENESIS has torn the covers off its latest X Concept, the Korean brand’s take on an electric two-door GT car built of sustainability sourced and eco-friendly materials.

Described by designers as maximising the “Two Lines” theme and the “ultimate vision of Athletic Elegance”, the X Concept flaunts all of the usual Genesis styling cues including the horizontal quad headlights and tail-lights as well as the now signature “Crest grille”, albeit in a sleeker overall package.

Compared to the established G80 sedan, the Concept X features a much lower front end, more aerodynamic wheels, a more rearward cab and the obvious omission of rear doors.

Adding an extra sense of futurism is the way the quad headlights extend to and beyond the front wheel arches which Genesis said is a symbol of the brand’s “unparalleled technology and design”.

While undeniably futuristic, the Concept X has been fitted with a few classic styling touches as well, including an integrated clamshell bonnet over its as yet undetailed electric powertrain.

According to Genesis design boss SangYup Lee, the Concept X hints at things to come from the brand but from a design and sustainability point of view.

“The signature Two Lines theme and sustainable luxury will be blueprints for the futuristic designs and state-of-the-art technologies that Genesis seeks to adopt in its future models,” he said.

The interior follows the usual “Beauty of White Space” philosophy in being minimalist but elegant with a heap of flowing contours and extreme contrasting colours helping to focus attention toward the driver.

Examples of the extreme colour differences include the “scotch brown” driver’s seat and “ocean wave green blue” passenger seat, the black dash but brown trim cockpit and the fluorescent yellow character line running around the interior.

A flat-bottom steering wheel, bucket seats and four-point seat belts help emphasise the Concept X’s sporting character while the classic-looking leather upholstery – made from leftover trim from previous manufacturing – underlines its premium pitch.

Global head of Genesis Jay Chang said the X Concept “embodies the essential elements that Genesis pursues in its designs” and embodies the brand’s “progressive and audacious spirit”.

Whether the X Concept makes it to production or not remains to seen, however if approved a production coupe could be expected to emerge in the next few years, complementing the G80 or even the smaller G70 sedans as a rival for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe or BMW 4 Series.

The premium Hyundai sub-brand shifted 43 new vehicles through the first two months of 2021, marking a 186.7 per cent sales improvement compared to the 15 units sold over the same period last year.