Genesis unveils X Concept high-performance electric GT coupe

Genesis X Concept is a luxurious, futuristic design study

Light on details, but big on style. That’s the point of a concept car isn’t it? The Genesis X Concept is an electric grand tourer; a Bentley Continental or BMW 8 series for a future world of strict emissions standards. Hyundai Motor Group has been flexing its design muscle of late and clearly working overtime, following the recently revealed IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 models presenting all-new design languages for their brands.

The Genesis X Concept is low, wide and aggressively-styled, and is centered on Genesis’ ‘Two Lines’ design concept. The broad Two Line tail lamps and headlamps accentuate the wide wheel arches, and the integrated hood and fender produce a large clamshell piece reminiscent of an Aston Martin (the winged logo also aides this comparison).

The Genesis X Concept can be described as the ultimate vision of Athletic Elegance, the inherent design language of Genesis," said SangYup Lee, Head of Genesis’ Global Design. "The signature Two Lines theme and sustainable luxury will be blueprints for the futuristic designs and state-of-the-art technologies that Genesis seeks to adopt in its future models."

The side follows the traditional GT model design with a long hood and a short rear, and the two-lined lamps leading to the headlamps, which will likely not carryover to the production version. The arching side parabolic line gives the impression of a car ready to accelerate, though we can’t help but notice the ratio of glass-to-metal gives an appearance of slightly odd proportions. It’s a good looking car for sure, but the side and rear angles look a little droopy. And if it’s an electric vehicle, why does it need a hood that long?

The very Aston Martin-esque hue is known as Lençóis Blue, and “the color was developed to express the level of sustainable luxury that Genesis pursues. It is inspired by the lagoons of Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, where a lake forms only during the rainy season.” according to Genesis’ press release. Err, right. It’s a lovely colour, but there is such a thing as too much marketing.

The interior has a futuristic, swooping free-form display, and in our eyes is a tech-ier take on Bentley-esque luxury. Metal-backed bucket seats and sumptuous leather surfacing welcomes passengers, and the floating centre console features only a metal drive selector, and touch screen buttons. Genesis claims that the use of upcycled materials were used for the safety belts, parts of the steering wheel, and the airbag cover, highlighting the concept car’s eco-friendliness.