At this point, it feels like Hyundai releases a new electric model every few weeks. But don’t worry, this one’s actually a little different. Meet the fully electric Elexio, a new SUV developed specifically for the Chinese market. It’s the latest creation from Beijing Hyundai, the joint venture with BAIC Motor, and it promises to deliver the latest tech and over 700 km (435 miles) of range on a single charge.

The SUV, which ditches the familiar Ioniq branding for a fresh name, made its debut at a special event in Shanghai. Hyundai plans to reveal the technical specifications at a later date. While the vehicle’s dimensions haven’t been disclosed yet, it seems to have a more compact footprint compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 9 available in other markets including North America.

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Interestingly, the Elexio adopts a new design language that sets it apart from the Ioniq lineup. The front end features a grille-less look with sporty bumper intakes, complemented by a full-width LED bar below the horizontally mounted headlights. The profile stands out with sculpted fenders and a dark-finished D-pillar, which is visually connected to the rear spoiler. At the rear, the Elexio boasts high-mounted full-width LEDs, bold lettering, and some graphic elements on the bumper.

While Hyundai didn’t show any photos of the interior, they teased an “intelligent interface” with no physical buttons, alongside a new digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system will run on the Qualcomm SA8295 chip, delivering the latest connectivity features.

Inside, the design is said to focus on simplicity, with plenty of storage compartments. As for safety, the Elexio will be equipped with a range of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), offering Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities.

Powertrain and Range

The new SUV rides on the E-GMP architecture, which already underpins numerous electric models from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. While the company didn’t share any details about the number of electric motors or their output, we do know that the platform is compatible with single- and dual-motor setups.

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A battery of yet-to-be-revealed capacity is expected to provide over 700 km (435 miles) of range under normal conditions, though this figure is likely based on the Chinese CTLC testing protocols. The battery will also feature rapid charging, able to go from 30-80% in just 27 minutes. It’s housed in a reinforced structure that meets the crash safety standards.

Manufacturing and Future Plans

The new Elexio will be manufactured in China by Beijing Hyundai, with a local market launch expected in the coming months. Whether it will be offered outside China has not yet been confirmed.

Earlier this year, Hyundai announced a $1.1 billion investment in its joint venture with BAIC. This move aims to deliver electrified products tailored to the needs of Chinese customers while boosting exports. With declining sales in China due to intense local competition, Hyundai is hoping vehicles like the Elexio will help restore its foothold in the world’s largest automotive market.

Hyundai is preparing to unveil a new fully electric SUV, specifically designed for the Chinese market. This upcoming model, which remains unnamed for now, is a result of the Beijing Hyundai joint venture, and it recently made its first appearance in an official teaser ahead of its expected launch later this year.

The teaser reveals a camouflaged prototype of the SUV undergoing cold-weather testing. Despite the cover-up, we can catch a glimpse of distinct styling elements that set this SUV apart from the global Hyundai Ioniq 9, which is notably absent in China.

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Even under camouflage wraps, the SUV’s design features some clear visual cues. The headlights are connected by a slender LED strip along the front. The rear sports a muscular shoulder line that flows into a more upright tail, complete with an integrated spoiler. Not to be overlooked are the full-width LED taillights, which stretch toward the sides, enhancing the SUV’s profile.

Hyundai recently opened an R&D center in Shanghai, dedicated to developing electric models specifically for the Chinese market.

Beijing Hyundai

While we’re still waiting for detailed specifications, it’s likely the new SUV will be built on Hyundai’s E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), which is shared across their Ioniq and Kia EV lines. This platform supports both single and dual motor setups and can handle battery packs as large as 110.3 kWh, suggesting this SUV could offer impressive range and performance.

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Currently, Beijing Hyundai’s offerings are limited to internal combustion engine (ICE) models, including popular vehicles like the Sonata and Elantra sedans, the Tucson L and Santa Fe SUVs, and the Mufasa SUV. The only electric model available in China right now is the performance-oriented Ioniq 5 N, imported directly from Hyundai’s global lineup.

We’ll get more details about this new fully electric SUV on March 28. Whether that will be the official debut or just another teaser remains unclear, but for now, the teaser video below will have to do.