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Hyundai’s New Electric SUV Skips Physical Buttons Nearly Entirely For Massive Screen

  • The Elexio is the first EV developed in China by the Beijing Hyundai joint venture.
  • Interior design follows a minimalist style unlike Hyundai’s global Ioniq models.
  • Built on the E-GMP architecture, the SUV promises a 435-mile (700 km) range.

Update: Following the release of exterior photos for the new Elexio, Hyundai and its Chinese joint venture partner BAIC have now revealed the first images of the electric SUV’s interior. The centerpiece is a massive 27-inch dual-screen display with 4K resolution that extends from the left edge of the center console all the way to the front of the passenger seat.

Interestingly, in addition to the expansive main display, there’s a smaller screen positioned directly in front of the driver, dedicated to instrument cluster functions. It’s an interesting choice, and it remains to be seen whether Hyundai plans to bring this layout to models outside the Chinese market.

Compared to Hyundai’s international Ioniq series models, the dashboard and overall interior design take a more minimalist approach. The dash is free of physical controls, aside from those integrated into the three-spoke steering wheel. A prominent stalk at the base of the wheel appears to handle transmission functions.

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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.

More: Genesis Declares Full-Size War On BMW And Cadillac With EV Muscle

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.

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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.

More: Hyundai Plans To ‘Sell Like Hell’ And Tariffs Can’t Stop It

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.

John Halas contributed to this story

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