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Hyundai’s Next EV Could Shake Up The Small Electric SUV Segment

  • Hyundai plans a new electric SUV to slot between the Inster and Kona models.
  • It will be previewed by a concept model at this year’s Munich Auto Show.
  • The new EV will be the first to feature the Pleos Connect infotainment system.

In just a few years, Hyundai has built an impressive lineup of electric vehicles that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, what many long-established automakers have brought to market. With options ranging from the retro-styled Ioniq 5 to the spacious new seven-seat Ioniq 9 and the compact Niro EV, Hyundai is covering a lot of ground. And the brand isn’t slowing down, as another electric model is on the way.

Read: New Hyundai Inster Is A Tiny Electric Crossover For The Masses

This upcoming addition will slot in above Hyundai’s Inster, the battery-powered version of the compact Casper. While the Inster’s charm lies in its tiny footprint, it may be a bit too small for some buyers. That’s where this new model fits in.

A new report points to a debut in concept form at the Munich Motor Show this September. The vehicle is expected to land between the Inster and the Kona in terms of size, aligning closely with the Bayon, which is currently offered in European markets.

Few details are known about the new model at this stage. However, Auto News speculates that it could be dubbed the Ioniq 2 if it is to use the automaker’s well-established E-GMP platform. Styling remains a mystery, but regardless of what the concept looks like, recent Hyundai history suggests that the eventual production model should resemble it closely.

New Tesla-Like Infotainment System

 Hyundai’s Next EV Could Shake Up The Small Electric SUV Segment
Hyundai’s new Pleos infotainment system.

One of the more significant updates is expected inside the cabin. This SUV is likely to be the first Hyundai equipped with the new Pleos Connect infotainment system. Unveiled earlier this year, Pleos Connect is based on Android Automotive and features a large, freestanding touchscreen mounted at the center of the dashboard. It’s a layout that recalls Tesla’s approach and echoes what’s becoming common in many Chinese EVs.

This new setup could prove controversial. Most current Hyundais feature sleek digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems, sometimes housed within a single curved display. While tablet-like displays often have great functionality, they’re not particularly appealing to the eye.

Shared Roots with Kia

0Underneath, the new model is expected to share much of its architecture with the forthcoming Kia EV2. That vehicle will ride on a shortened version of the E-GMP platform and be offered with a single electric motor. If Hyundai follows a similar path, it could help keep costs manageable while still delivering competitive performance in the growing sub-compact and compact EV segments.

 Hyundai’s Next EV Could Shake Up The Small Electric SUV Segment
Kia EV2

Hyundai’s New Electric Sedan Takes The Ioniq 5 N Formula Up A Notch

  • Hyundai released a new teaser of the high-performance Ioniq 6 N electric sedan.
  • It promises advanced suspension geometry and customizable drift settings.
  • The EV will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July.

Update: Hyundai has released new details on the upcoming Ioniq 6 N, including specifics on its chassis setup and driving modes. We’ve updated our original story.

Hyundai’s electric performance lineup continues to evolve, and the Ioniq 6 N is set to raise the bar when it makes its official debut at Goodwood on July 10. Following the well-received Ioniq 5 N, which proved that an electric hot hatch can go toe-to-toe with its combustion counterparts, this new performance sedan aims to deliver sharper dynamics.

The Ioniq 6 N has been quietly progressing for some time. Its roots can be traced back to the 2022 RN22e concept, followed by sightings of camouflaged prototypes over the past few years. The first official teaser arrived in April 2025, timed with the reveal of the facelifted base model. More recent previews offer a clearer picture, highlighting the car’s sportier stance and intent.

The latest round of teasers offers a clearer glimpse of the upcoming EV, emphasizing its performance-driven design and intent. Highlights include a revised suspension setup, refinements to Hyundai’s simulated gearbox and sound system, and upgraded drift tuning for more precise control on the track.

Sharper Looks, Familiar Shape

While the Ioniq 6 N carries over the split headlight layout and sporty bumpers from the refreshed N Line model, a few key details separate it from the pack. Around back, it sports a prominent swan-neck rear wing perched above the integrated ducktail spoiler, giving the sedan a more track-ready silhouette.

More: Hyundai Teases Production-Spec N Vision 74

A closer inspection shows wider fenders front and rear, along with more aggressive bumper inserts that hint at its enhanced performance. The teaser images show the car in Hyundai N’s signature Performance Blue paint, accented by familiar red trim. Lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in sticky performance tires complete the look.

Aggressive Chassis Setup, Fake Sounds, And More Drift

While the Ioniq 6 N shares its platform with the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has introduced several upgrades that build on its lower ride height and more aerodynamic shape. These changes are aimed at improving handling and responsiveness, with the company highlighting a “fully redesigned suspension geometry.” Key revisions include a lowered roll center, a longer caster trail, and new electronically controlled stroke-sensing (ECS) dampers designed to better manage body movement and grip.

More: Hyundai’s New Ioniq 5 N DK Edition Proves EVs Can Shred Tires And Egos Alike

The EV will also feature updated versions of Hyundai’s N e-Shift and N Active Sound+ systems, now available across all drive modes. These enhancements are designed to replicate the feel and sound of a traditional performance car, right down to the simulated gear changes. The faux dual-clutch transmission uses a close-ratio setup, accompanied by an “N Ambient Shift Light” that signals when it’s time for the driver to make a virtual shift.

Rounding out the performance upgrades, the enhanced N Drift Optimiser introduces a wider range of settings to help drivers fine-tune the car’s behavior based on their own drifting skill level. Hyundai notes that this system is designed with track use in mind.

Hyundai hasn’t shared official powertrain specs just yet, but it’s likely the Ioniq 6 N will carry over the dual-motor setup from the Ioniq 5 N. That model delivers 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS), with a temporary bump to 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) when N Grin Boost is activated. The same 84 kWh battery pack is expected to carry over as well, providing more than enough muscle to put it in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Joon Park, Vice President and Head of the N Management Group, says the Ioniq 6 N is designed to deliver “the most engaging driving experience possible in an EV.”

More details are expected when the car takes to the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10.

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Hyundai

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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