Genesis X Convertible concept previews future EV design

LOS ANGELES — The X Convertible, the third in a trio of Genesis concepts, previews some key styling cues that will adorn the luxury automaker's electric vehicles.

It was unwrapped late Tuesday against the backdrop of a spectacular West Coast sunset in Malibu, Calif., ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The sleek open-roof, four-door concept follows the Genesis X Concept two-door grand tourer and Genesis X Speedium Coupe, which showcased a new, lighted version of the crest grille and what the brand calls its "athletic elegance" design language.

The new grille, also featured on the X Convertible, is a cleaner take on the mesh design found across Genesis' lineup. A spokesperson for the brand said it serves as a blueprint for the front-end designs that will be featured on future Genesis EVs.

Some of the concept's styling cues can already be found on Genesis models. The horizontal quad rear lights closely resemble the taillight design on the Electrified GV70, for example.

Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke said the design team has poured time and effort into the three X concepts and is pushing hard for a production vehicle based on them.

If the company builds a production vehicle based off the X concepts, it would be all-electric, Donckerwolke said. All three concepts share the same architecture and electric powertrain.

Though the U.S. heavily favors crossovers, having a halo car like the X Concept would help to boost the premium image that Genesis is working hard to establish, said Ed Kim, president and chief analyst of Auto Pacific. But it would be a low-volume vehicle, he added.

"While coupes are rarely high-volume vehicles in today's market, they remain hugely aspirational and can serve as statement pieces for a brand," Kim said.

"A new luxury brand like Genesis must get the fundamentals right, and it has certainly done so with its strong and consumer-relevant current crossover lineup.

"Genesis now needs to continue building its cachet and build up its brand image."

Genesis has said it will phase out gasoline engine models by 2025 and turn its entire lineup electric by 2033. It has launched three EVs this year: the GV60 compact crossover, the Electrified G80 sedan and the Electrified GV70 compact crossover, which will go on sale in the U.S. in the spring.