South Korean automaker Hyundai has unveiled the new all-electric Ioniq V, the first dedicated Ioniq production model for the Chinese market.
Hyundai president and CEO José Muñoz says China remains an essential market for the company and says it intends to release 20 new models over the next five years, starting with the official launch of its Ioniq brand in the country and the unveiling of the Ioniq V.
The Ioniq V, which is derived from Hyundai’s Venus Concept car, has been tailored specifically to the Chinese market to deliver a balance of space, comfort, and driving performance. It looks nothing like the Ioniq 5 available in Australia.
The car measures 4,900mm in length and 1,890mm wide and a 2,900mm wheelbase, which helps provide a spacious cabin that also features a 27-inch ultra-thin 4K panoramic screen, complemented by a Horizon head-up display.
The exterior features what Hyundai describes as a “single-curve silhouette” with a Kammback drop-off at the back, evoking both a sharper Tesla Model Y line and the rear-end of a Toyota Prius.
Hyundai didn’t have much in the way of technical specifications, saying only that the long-range version would boast over 600 kilometres of range on a single charge (CLTC).
The vehicle will also feature a large language model (LLM)-based Smart AI Assistant, supported by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset, which Hyundai says will enable fast and responsive control of key vehicle functions through “intuitive” voice interaction.
The Ioniq V will also feature advanced driver assistance technologies powered by AI company Momenta.
Hyundai also promised to debut an additional SUV model in the first half of next year, followed by a broader rollout across midsize to large segments including both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), which is another way of describing a hybrid.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.