Hyundai’s New Electric SUV Ditches Almost All Physical Buttons in Favor of a Large Screen | Carscoops

      A smaller secondary display shows driving information right in front of the steering wheel in Hyundai's new Elexio for China.

      6 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      The Elexio marks the first electric vehicle created in China by the Beijing Hyundai joint venture.

      The interior design embraces a minimalist aesthetic, distinguishing it from Hyundai's global Ioniq models.

      Built on the E-GMP platform, this SUV offers a range of 435 miles (700 km).

      Update: Following the unveiling of exterior images for the new Elexio, Hyundai and its Chinese partner BAIC have now showcased the first pictures of the electric SUV's interior. At the center is an impressive 27-inch dual-screen display with 4K resolution, extending from the left side of the center console to the front of the passenger seat.

      Interestingly, in addition to the large main display, there's a smaller screen located directly in front of the driver for instrument cluster functions. This choice is intriguing, and it remains to be seen if Hyundai intends to implement this layout in models outside of China.

      In contrast to Hyundai’s international Ioniq models, the dashboard and overall interior adopt a more minimalist design. The dashboard lacks physical controls except for those on the three-spoke steering wheel, and a notable stalk at the base of the wheel seems to manage transmission functions.

      At this point, it seems like Hyundai introduces a new electric model every few weeks. However, this one is somewhat unique. Meet the fully electric Elexio, a new SUV created specifically for the Chinese market. This latest offering from Beijing Hyundai, the joint venture with BAIC Motor, promises cutting-edge technology and a range of over 700 km (435 miles) on a single charge.

      The SUV, which diverges from the familiar Ioniq branding with a new name, made its debut at a special event in Shanghai. Hyundai plans to announce technical specifications at a later date. Although the vehicle's dimensions have not yet been revealed, it appears to have a more compact size compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 9 available in markets such as North America.

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      Notably, the Elexio features a new design language that differentiates it from the Ioniq range. Its front end showcases a grille-less design with sporty bumper intakes, complemented by a full-width LED bar positioned below the horizontally aligned headlights.

      The side profile is defined by sculpted fenders and a dark-finished D-pillar that visually connects to the rear spoiler. At the back, the Elexio presents high-mounted full-width LEDs, bold lettering, and various graphic elements on the bumper.

      While Hyundai did not provide any interior photos, they hinted at an “intelligent interface” with no physical buttons and a new digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system will utilize the Qualcomm SA8295 chip, offering the latest connectivity features.

      Inside, the design focuses on simplicity, with ample storage options. In terms of safety, the Elexio will come equipped with various ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), providing Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities.

      Powertrain and Range

      The new SUV is built on the E-GMP architecture, which underlies several electric models from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Although the company did not disclose specifics about the number of electric motors or their power, we know that the platform supports both single- and dual-motor configurations.

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      A battery with an undisclosed capacity is anticipated to offer over 700 km (435 miles) of range under typical conditions, though this estimate may be based on Chinese CTLC testing protocols. The battery will also support rapid charging, allowing it to charge from 30-80% in just 27 minutes. It is housed in a reinforced structure that meets crash safety standards.

      Manufacturing and Future Plans

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

      Earlier this year, Hyundai announced a $1.1 billion investment in its joint venture with BAIC. This initiative aims to produce electrified products that cater to Chinese consumers while enhancing export opportunities. With declining sales in China due to intense local competition, Hyundai hopes that models like the Elexio will help regain its presence in the world’s largest automotive market.

      John Halas contributed to this story.