Hyundai unveiled the Concept Three at the IAA Mobility in Munich, a first glimpse of the upcoming Ioniq 3. The technology behind this compact model is likely to be familiar to the already shown Kia EV4.
Hyundai electric cars have long been a familiar sight on European roads. Yet, the Korean company still has a big gap in its electric car range between the Inster small car, the Kona Electric, and the mid-range Ioniq 5 crossover. There is currently no compact electric car from Hyundai.
Across the Hyundai Group, the consumer already has that choice. Kia has had the EV3 compact SUV on the market for a while already, based on the 400-volt version of the E-GMP platform, and recently, the EV4 has been unveiled as a classic compact car that is about to go into production. Now, Hyundai has to follow suit with its Ioniq 3.
Concept Three: ‘Art of Steel’
At the IAA Mobility in Munich, the Korean company unveiled the Concept Three, the first compact electric vehicle concept from the Ioniq sub-brand, not as a compact SUV in the style of the EV3, but more as a compact car like the EV4.
The exterior features an anodized-effect finish that embodies the spirit of Hyundai’s Art of Steel design language, “a celebration of material as muse.” Lemon-tinted glass and matching wheels forge a connection between the exterior and interior, the cabin defined by soft yellow and grey tonalities to create a space that’s both calm and expressive.
Hyundai aims to offer an electric car in every segment by 2027, so the Ioniq 3 will be the counterpart to the i30 ICE model. With a length of 4.29 m, a wheelbase of 2.72 m, a width of 1.94 m, and a height of 1.43 m, the Concept Three is roughly in the same size class as a VW ID.3, for example.
Even if it has not yet been directly confirmed, the technical outlook appears obvious: the 400-volt platform offers two battery sizes, 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, respectively, and features front-wheel drive with a maximum power output of up to 160 kW.
An all-wheel-drive model with an additional rear motor is not unlikely for Hyundai, which could introduce a sporty N-version later on, similar to Kia’s approach with its GT variants.
Concept Three has a noticeable dynamic design and seems a bit reminiscent of a racing car. An all-wheel-drive Ioniq 3 N is, therefore, already conceivable for the premiere of the concept car. Regardless of what a production version derived from this study will look like, the Hyundai will stand out firmly from its Kia EV4 sister.
Pixel lighting
Pixel lighting, a characteristic of the Ioniq models, will also play a crucial role in the Concept Three. “The pixels are now more expressive, forming a gradient that adds depth and visual rhythm to the overall design,” is how Hyundai describes it.
The love for the pixel design is highlighted by the fact that Hyundai created a symbolic figure, Mr. Pix, which is integrated throughout the vehicle. According to Hyundai, this is intended to arouse “curiosity, joy, and emotional connection.”
Made for (and in?) Europe
A potential production model could also be built in Europe, as Hyundai already manufactures the i30 for the European market and the Kona Electric at its plant in Nosovice, Czech Republic.
In its IAA announcement, Hyundai points clearly to the “transitioning of European production facilities to renewable energy while extending the integration of recycled and sustainable materials into vehicle designs.”
Compact electric vehicles are set to play “a crucial role in addressing urban challenges in Europe,” explains Hyundai, and the Ioniq 3 is intended “to make electrification accessible and attractive for European consumers.”
“Returning to the IAA Mobility after four years away is a true milestone, and such an occasion deserves a milestone car,” said Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe.
“Concept Three represents the next step in Hyundai Motor’s electrification journey. With its compact dimensions and ‘Art of Steel’ design language, it embodies our vision of delivering mobility that is practical, accessible, and emotionally resonant.”
