At the Seoul Mobility Show 2025, Genesis pulled back the curtain on two bold expressions of its design philosophy — the X Gran Coupe Concept and the X Gran Convertible Concept — both conceived and brought to life under the exclusive direction of Luc Donckerwolke at the Genesis Design Studio in Offenbach am Main, Germany.
These two concepts are more than design studies — they are sculptural embodiments of the brand’s core values: luxurious elegance and exclusive sportiness, interpreted through the most emotionally resonant vehicle typologies in the automotive lexicon — the grand tourer coupe and convertible.
Design Origins: European Vision, Korean Soul
Built as derivatives of the G90 flagship sedan, the X Gran Coupe and Convertible take Genesis into a new dimension of design, blending European design finesse with Korean ethos. Their birth at Genesis’ European Design Center signals a shift toward global design influence, executed with singular clarity by Donckerwolke, who has masterfully curated their emotional and aesthetic identity.
Form and Philosophy: Where Art Meets Aerodynamics
The X Gran Coupe Concept is the visual anchor of this duo — a long-hood, low-roof, wide-body silhouette that radiates confidence. Its proportions are uncompromising, with a beltline and canopy seamlessly integrated to evoke the timeless spirit of Mediterranean grand tourers. Genesis describes it as inspired by the Mediterranean olive tree — and this is more than poetic metaphor. The calm strength and natural form of the olive tree echo in the coupe’s muscular yet graceful stance.
The X Gran Convertible Concept is no mere roofless variant; it is a full-fledged reinterpretation. With its elongated beltline and retractable soft top, the Convertible invites the driver to connect with the world outside, its design evoking the sensory depth of fine South European wine — particularly Cabernet Sauvignon from Livorno, Italy. It's a grand open-air sculpture on wheels.
The Front: A Masterclass in Signature Geometry
Both concepts feature the iconic Genesis Two-Line headlamp signature, now extended and tapered into widened fenders for a commanding stance. The Crest Grille remains a touchstone, but now it's wrapped in diamond-mesh 3D textures inspired by metallic string weaves — a nod to craftsmanship as much as performance.
Profile Drama and Sculptural Rear Ends
The proportions are everything here: raked windscreens, low-slung cabins, frameless glass, and elongated doors deliver both presence and function. The side graphics are taut, the surfaces nearly architectural, while aerodynamic wing sections finish the lower body with confidence.
At the rear, flush Genesis logos, hidden retractable cameras, and gesture-controlled trunk operation showcase the brand's seamless integration of technology into pure surfaces. Dual Two-Line taillights and tailpipe elements speak a language of symmetry and balance.
Wheels: Sculpture in Motion
Wheels are a language of their own in the Genesis design book, and these concepts speak fluently. The Coupe features five double-spoke wheels with a unique layered design, playing with light and depth. Meanwhile, the Convertible’s five-star wheels have sculptural contrast in their spokes — aggressive yet refined, with a deeper section resulting from the widened track.
Interior Worlds: Crafted Narratives of Place
Inside, both concepts are sensorial spaces, informed by natural materials and local inspirations. The X Gran Coupe’s olive-tree narrative is carried through with olive leaf motif stitching, micro-perforated olive wood veneers, and leathers tanned using olive oil wastewater. Every detail breathes environmental thoughtfulness and craft.
The Convertible’s wine-inspired interior is equally evocative. Deep grape hues from Italy’s coastal vineyards are rendered in soft-touch materials and paired with crystal accents — chosen for their purity and ability to reflect light, like the sun shimmering off a glass of wine.
The Driver’s Interface: Precision with Emotion
Both cabins share a common focal point: a refined aluminum-spoked steering wheel, whose patterned finish harmonizes with the tactility of command dials and interfaces. The seats, sculpted and integrated with displays and ventilation, elevate the notion of immersive luxury.
On Display: A New Era Begins
Visitors to KINTEX from April 4–13 will witness not just the X Gran Coupe and Convertible, but also the GMR-001 Hypercar (half scale), GV60 Magma Concept, GV80 Black, and refreshed production models — a full ecosystem preview of Genesis’ ambition for the next decade.
With the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible Concepts, Genesis doesn’t just design cars — it designs experiences. From the olive groves of the Mediterranean to the vineyards of Tuscany, these concepts bring the world into the cabin. And from Offenbach to Seoul, they showcase what happens when vision, talent, and craft converge in motion.
