► Genesis X Convertible concept car shown
► Another LA auto show 2022 debutant
► Third in a trio of X show cars
You’re looking at the new Genesis X Convertible concept car, the third in a series of design studies by Hyundai’s upmarket wing as it probes where to take the premium brand next.
It was shown at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, which kicks off this week in California. It joins the earlier X Concept and X Speedium Coupe concepts and shares their electric powertrain and architectures.
This is a four-seater cabrio in the vein of other luxo-barges, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet. This one’s got a twist, however: it’s all-electric.
Genesis X Convertible: your essential briefing
This is a think-tank concept car – one designed to flesh out the future direction of travel for Genesis. And if you remember the design revolution underway at parent company Hyundai right now, we’d say that’s quite exciting news.
Chief creative officer, Luc Donckerwolke (he of Lamborghini fame), 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.’
He refers to the brand’s new Athletic Elegance design mantra. A fitting tagline? Be sure to sound off in the comments below.
A folding hard top
While the weather here in LA might support an open-top cruiser, Brits might be reassured to hear that the Genesis X Convertible has a folding hard top that flicks from alfresco cabrio to closed tin-top at the prod of a button.
It looks really smart with the roof up (see below).
Will the company build cars inspired by the X trilogy? We do hope so. The group has form with its Ioniq range of electric cars – we’d say an X family could be equally inspiring for Genesis.
And alongside the recently confirmed Polestar 6 roadster, we’d say a new age of electric cabrios is in the works. Two wholesome attributes that appear to be mutually beneficial, letting motorists soak up the sun in silence…