New Genesis Coupe and Convertible Concepts Are Ready to Roll

Coupes and convertibles have all but vanished from the highways these days. But could they be ready to stage a comeback? Genesis apparently thinks so, at least if you take seriously the two new concepts the Korean luxury brand has premiered at this year’s Seoul Mobility Show. Might we soon see production versions of the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible? Headlight.News has the story.

Once a common auto show fixture, we’ve been seeing far fewer concept vehicles in recent years, automakers saving dollars and focusing on production models at their displays. One exception is Genesis, which has made concepts a fixture of its auto show presence.

Some, like the all-electric Mint show car, have been little more than fantasies in chrome. But what to make of the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertibles making their debut this week at the Seoul Mobility Show?

The twin two-doors pick up on earlier exercises: the X Concept of 2021 and the X Convertible Concept revealed a year later. But, based on design details – as well as some hints Genesis dropped – there’s reason to believe both just might be signs of things to come.

Could they come to market?

A show car like the Genesis Mint stretched credibility for a variety of reasons, starting with the fact that it would require a ground-up program, with an all-new platform, to put it into production. Both the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible, however, are “derivates of the brand’s G90 flagship,” the carmaker said in a statement accompanying these images. That means it could more readily shape some sheet metal to bolt onto the current sedan’s platform.

“We aim to seize this opportunity as a launchpad for a new decade, showcasing models that embody Genesis’ pursuit of high-performance technology and future luxury design,” said Mike Song, Global Head of Genesis.

While coupes and convertibles don’t generate much volume these days, they still provide a halo around some brands, such as two direct competitors to the Genesis brand, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

The two new concepts

“The X Gran Coupe Concept took inspiration from the Mediterranean olive tree while the X Gran Convertible Concept transports the essence of the most exclusive south European wine,” Genesis said in its release.

Beyond the flowery language, both clearly bear a family resemblance to the G90, starting with the quad head and taillights, and the brand’s signature “Crest grille.” But the nose sits a little lower, the hood a little longer, while the roofline adopts a more classic curve on both show cars, classic sporty coupe and convertible design details.

Beyond their roof designs, there are a few subtle differences between the two concepts. The convertible, for one thing, boasts a bit longer beltline than the coupe. The cabins get distinguishing details, as well. With the X Gran Coup we find floor mats “adorned with olive leaf motifs,” and quilted stitching around the center tunnel. There’s also backlit and perforated olive wood veneer. The convertible, meanwhile, adopts wine-hued tones both for its exterior paint scheme and interior finishes.

The overall layout of the cabins largely mirror carry what’s found in today’s G90 sedan. Indeed, even if the two X Gran show cars never make it into production, they suggest what we might see next time the G90 gets a major update.

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Under the skin

Genesis was notably quiet about other details, starting with the powertrains found in the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible Concepts.

We can assume, at least cautiously, that they borrow from what’s already available for the G90. The flagship sedan currently offers a choice of two powertrain packages:

• A 375-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6; and
• A 409-hp upgrade that adopts a 48-volt mild hybrid system driving an electric supercharger.

Of course, Genesis could come up with something else were the two concepts to go into production. It’s getting ready to roll out its new Magma high-performance sub-brand. And that would seem to be an option that could fit well were it to bring out either of these low-volume machines.