Story by Lee Bailie
If looking at the latest Genesis X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible concepts gives you a feeling of déjà vu, don’t worry, it’s a perfectly normal response. You’re not hallucinating. No need to see your doctor.
The fact is Genesis has been showing variants of these two since 2021 and 2022, when the X Concept and X Convertible Concept, respectively, were shown for the first time. Since then, Internet speculation about production potential for these two has been intense.
Well, Genesis threw more gas on the speculation fire when it revealed the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible concepts at the recent Seoul Mobility Show in the brand’s Korean home market. The difference with these reveals is that, unlike their predecessors, these cars look a lot closer to production.
To reset, the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible concepts are based on the G90 sedan and represent Genesis future design intent. Surely, some of what these cars embody will dribble out into production, but whether the cars themselves get there is the real question.
Although Genesis didn’t answer that question, the reveals provided more detail than we’ve seen previously.
For instance, the front of each car features the brand’s Crest Grille with 3D meshes that are inspired by woven metal strings that are arranged in diamond-shaped two-line patterns. The Two-Line headlights are widened to extend into the fenders to give both cars a wider stance. Same goes for the air intakes, which are widened, and a long hood panel.
From the side, both cars have steeper windscreens, and lower rooflines that have a sportier and more performance-oriented look and feel. The doors have been lengthened and with windows are frameless for, “an uninterrupted window graphic,” according to a Genesis press release.
Fenders have also been widened for a more commanding road presence, and aerodynamic wing sections complete lower body visuals. Genesis didn’t reveal how big the wheels are, but described them as, “dynamic five-star wheels”.
At the rear, Genesis Two-Line taillights run the width of each car emphasizing their wide stance, with dual rectangular chrome exhaust finishers providing just enough brightwork without being tacky.
Genesis says the cabins for both cars are inspired by Mediterranean Olives and Cabernet Sauvignon. The former refers to Mediterranean olive trees and includes a door sill plate with each model’s name, specially designed floor mats with olive leaf motifs, and a tunnel section with quilted stitching.
Elsewhere, the cabin features olive wood veneer and leather seating that was made from tanned material that uses wastewater from Italian olive oil production and is also 100-percent chrome-free. As for the Cabernet Sauvignon influence, that refers to the interior color scheme, which is inspired by the color of pressed grapes used to make the wine. The interior also has crystal detailing in steering wheel, center console, and ventilation system.
As these cars are concepts, there is no information regarding powertrains. Could they become EVs if they’re greenlit for production? Maybe, but my guess is probably not. The current G90 is a gas car, and I suspect these would be too, but some form of hybridization, either plug-in or gas-electric, is possible.
So, there’s still a lot we don’t know. But one thing’s for sure, the X Gran Coupe Concept and X Gran Convertible Concept are absolutely beautiful.
Photos courtesy of Genesis Motor North America
Related Articles
Toyota discontinues GR Supra
Tuner Battlegrounds Season 12 Champion Crowned
Celica and MR2 to Return?
April Event Calendar
_large_150_100.jpg "Riverside 10 - Chattanooga, TN")
Riverside 10 - Chattanooga, TN
TBG Season 12 - THE TOP 2
