Last year, Genesis unveiled the absolutely spectacular X Coupé concept, an all-electric two-door that showcased the brand’s future design language. It certainly seemed like Genesis actually wanted to put the X into production and even release shadowy teasers of a future lineup that featured distinctly coupe-shaped silhouettes. On Wednesday, the automaker unveiled a new version of the concept called the X Speedium at the Genesis House space in New York during the auto show, and it looks even cooler.
That rules so hard.
Daniel Golson/CNET
Genesis says the X Speedium’s updated design previews what future electric vehicles will look like, and that’s a hell of a thing. The biggest change is to the overall proportions, as instead of the X Coupe’s traditional roofline and trunk, the X Speedium has a fastback greenhouse that almost looks like a shooting brake. It gives me Aston Martin DB2/4 vibes in the best way, and while Genesis hasn’t released interior photos, it seems like the Speedium’s taller roof gives the rear passengers a lot more room. Crucially, the Speedium retains the same incredible fender flares as the original coupe concept.
The profile is amazing.
Daniel Golson/CNET
The Speedium’s face ditches the X’s grille in favor of a fantastic LED motif that sees the sleek twin headlights that run the length of the front and outline the Genesis signature crest shape. The lower half of the front bumper is pretty much the same, but the grille-free face gives the Speedium a completely fresh look. The jagged rear is even more distinctive on the Speedium, with a larger ducktail spoiler with an integrated center light, and the Speedium has a more aggressive rear diffuser and more complex wheels. Its new emerald shade is called Inje Green, inspired by the mountains surrounding the Inje Speedium circuit in South Korea, after which the concept is named. Otherwise, the rest of the Speedium’s design elements are unchanged from the X.
Thanks to LED lighting, the grille-free front still has the Genesis crest shape.
Daniel Golson/CNET
Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke says the X Speedium isn’t a traditional show car, but describes it as a statement of intent for the company’s next electric vehicles. The brand will transition to electric vehicles by 2030 with a planned six-model lineup in the US, although eight cars have been teased before that – and it looks like one will be a production version of the X. At least we hope so.
Along with the debut of the X Speedium concept, Genesis announced that the upcoming Electrified GV70 will be built in Montgomery, Alabama beginning in December. The brand also unveiled a new Priority One program for customers in California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York that will simplify the ordering and purchasing process for the GV60 EV. After entering contact information and posting a $500 deposit, a concierge puts customers in touch with a Genesis dealer.
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