Since its formation in 2015, Hyundai’s deluxe division, Genesis, has earned a top spot among luxury car makers. After brushing up against the likes of Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and others, the Seoul-based marque is now aiming higher with Bentley.
In the past 18 months, Genesis aggressively teased its concept trilogy, which includes the X Speedium Coupe, the more sumptuous X Speedium Shooting Brake concept, and most recently, the X Convertible concept. Seeing these concept cars made us wish to see at least one of them make it into production. And according to Automotive News, the launch of a bold new Genesis flagship based on one of the three concept electric cars is imminent.
Remember the Genesis X Convertible Concept from last November, which took the automotive market by storm? Well, things just turned more interesting as HMG's Chief Creative Officer recently revealed what we were restless to hear. The X Convertible Concept will soon arrive, and Genesis isn’t hiding the fact that its flagship convertible will give Bentleys a run for its money.
Genesis' New Convertible Will Rival The Bentley Continental
Genesis’ message is simple and clear. Just like what their present flagship, the G90, did to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-Series, their future "true halo flagship", the X Convertible, intends to set the bar higher and put Bentley in its crosshairs.
In a recent interview with Automotive News, Peter Lanzavecchia, chairman of the GNDA, revealed that Luc Donckerwolke (HMG's chief creative officer) at Genesis’ annual meeting notified dealers about the arrival of the X Convertible and officially making it into production. Peter adds, "When he (Donckerwolke) said that at the dealer meeting—to say it in front of a couple of hundred Genesis dealers—that’s a pretty good sign," further concretizing the supposed rumor as a future reality.
He further informs about the performance GT coupe (the Speedium Coupe) being a common name on dealers' wish lists and being rumored before "Donckerwolke addressed sellers about its deliberate arrival." However, as of now, the news of the performance GT coupe or something based on the Speedium Coupe concept is unclear, but if it arrives, the competition is about to get fierce.
Genesis Is Hoping X Concept Buyers Will Trade In Bentleys
Genesis and its parent company have been surprisingly good and consistent for the past few years. From the G90 executive sedan, making a statement in the luxobarge segment, to the GV70, offering a great electric car, this South Korean marque has waged war against companies ruling the luxury car segment. And now they aim higher with Bentley, specifically for the plush and sporty Continental GTC range.
Genesis seems to have put a lot of effort into its concept trilogy, and with the drop-top segment gradually diminishing these days, Genesis pledges to redeem the niche with its X Convertible. And there’s no better way to aim higher!
While news from Genesis dignitaries ensures its apparent arrival, Genesis hasn’t officially disclosed anything about it. That said, the launch date and pricing are still unclear. Speaking with Automotive News, Peter Lanzavecchia added, "I don’t know if it’s going to be over $200,000 or $300,000, but I guarantee we’re going to see a lot of Bentley Continental convertible trade-ins on that when it comes to our showrooms,".
He goes further, revealing, "It would be a true halo flagship for the brand." Furthermore, he claims Genesis will keep the X Convertible’s production and sale limited to maintain its exclusivity, which will help Genesis maintain the status of "a full real luxury brand." Either way, this news should worry the Bentley Continental GT, irrespective of its coupe and convertible variants.
Genesis X Convertible Will Be Its First Convertible
Genesis is well-known for producing eye-catching vehicles, and the X Convertible is no exception. The X Convertible features a plethora of highly distinctive elements that work together to form an exquisite picture. As mentioned before, the X Convertible concept intends to save the convertible luxury car culture, and it does it with its unique flavors and style.
The X Convertible concept is a pure work of art that delicately blends a modern, sleek, and hot design language with traditional Korean elements. The long hood, shorter front aprons, and longer wheelbase deliver an alluring look that Genesis calls "Athletic Elegance." The sharp lines all over its body and the muscular blisters around the wheels offer a "classic Coca-Cola bottle" top view.
Unlike other convertibles, the X Convertible is designed with a highly advanced hardtop with individual glass panels. Each front passenger has one glass panel above that allows them to connect with the environment even when the panel is closed.
The overall design is unique but not polarizing. The fascia has the trademark quad LEDs with a dual-line design. The lights are designed to be eye-catching and replicate Genesis’ crest grille design. The rear exterior exhibits distinctive design elements, including a concave elliptical design, a subtle spoiler, and a pair of chiseled dual-stripe LEDs. Moreover, the exterior features the bespoke Crane White shade, signifying Korean culture, sanctity, and nobility.
The interior is where culture meets craftsmanship. The interior features traditional Korean roof architecture and wooden work. The inner ambiance takes motivation from Korean houses to deliver an emotional atmosphere. The primary color, Giwa Navy, takes inspiration from roof tiles and uses recyclable woolen fabrics, with artificial leather dominating most of the interior. The seats are adorned with Dancheong orange stitching above this to evoke the wooden works of Korean houses. All these deliver an emotional, lucrative, and distinctive ambiance.
Sources: Automotive News, Genesis, Business Lend