A convertible electric car! Genesis takes aim at Mercedes-Benz SL with new X Convertible concept

Genesis has lifted the lid on its latest concept car, the X Convertible, which could preview a future Mercedes-Benz SL rival from the South Korean luxury brand.

Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke said now that the brand had established itself with high-end sedans and SUVs, it will look at creating products with more “emotional resonance”.

“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,” he said.

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“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.”

The concept boasts classic sportscar proportions thanks to a long bonnet and short overhangs, but it wears Genesis’ signature design language.

This means barely-there quad headlights, a triangle-themed nose and winged badge feature up front, while air inlets also feature on the bumper to help cool the electric powertrain and batteries.

In profile, the X Convertible sports a strong shoulder line that runs all the way from bonnet to boot, and features cameras instead of traditional door mirrors like the GV60 electric car.

The aero wheels are also designed to evacuate heat from the brakes, while the door handles are invisible.

At the rear, a prominent diffuser and quad tail-lights finish off the look, but the party piece is undoubtedly the folding hardtop roof.

Even with the roof in place, there moonroofs for the front passengers “to provide an open feel even when closed”, according to Genesis, while stowing the roof reveals seating for four occupants.

And inside, it looks to be all about the driver, with all controls tilted towards them like a cockpit.

The instrumentation is all digital, while the colour used throughout the cabin is called ‘Giwa Navy’ with ‘Dancheong Orange’ highlights throughout.

Although Genesis points out the X Convertible shares the same powertrain as the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe, the brand has not yet detailed exactly what that is.