Hyundai's Upcoming EV Might Disrupt the Compact Electric SUV Market | Carscoops

Hyundai's Upcoming EV Might Disrupt the Compact Electric SUV Market | Carscoops

      The new model will be positioned alongside the combustion-powered Bayon available in Europe.

      July 7, 2025, at 09:10

      by Brad Anderson

      Hyundai is set to introduce a new electric SUV that will fit between the Inster and Kona models.

      A concept version will be showcased at this year’s Munich Auto Show.

      This new electric vehicle will be the first to feature the Pleos Connect infotainment system.

      In just a few years, Hyundai has established an impressive lineup of electric vehicles that competes with, and in some instances outshines, offerings from many well-established manufacturers. From the retro-inspired Ioniq 5 to the spacious new seven-seat Ioniq 9 and the compact Niro EV, Hyundai is covering a lot of market segments. The brand is not slowing down, with another electric model in the pipeline.

      Read: The New Hyundai Inster Is a Compact Electric Crossover for Everyone

      This upcoming model will be positioned above the Inster, which is the electric version of the compact Casper. While the Inster’s appeal lies in its compact dimensions, it may be too small for some customers. This is where the new model comes into play.

      According to a recent report, it is expected to debut in concept form at the Munich Motor Show this September. The vehicle is anticipated to be sized between the Inster and the Kona, closely aligning with the Bayon, which is presently offered in European markets.

      Few specifics regarding the new model are available at this time. However, Auto News speculates it might be named the Ioniq 2 if it utilizes the automaker’s established E-GMP platform. The design remains unknown, but Hyundai's recent history suggests that the final production version should closely resemble the concept.

      New Tesla-Like Infotainment System

      One of the more noteworthy updates is anticipated inside the vehicle. This SUV is likely to be the first Hyundai to feature the new Pleos Connect infotainment system. Introduced earlier this year, Pleos Connect is based on Android Automotive and boasts a large, freestanding touchscreen positioned centrally on the dashboard. This layout is reminiscent of Tesla’s style and reflects trends seen in many modern Chinese EVs.

      This new configuration could spark debate. Most current Hyundais are equipped with sleek digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems that are often integrated into a single curved display. Although tablet-like displays can be highly functional, they are not necessarily visually appealing.

      Shared Roots With Kia

      The new model is expected to share significant architectural components with the upcoming Kia EV2. This vehicle will utilize a shortened version of the E-GMP platform and will be available with a single electric motor. If Hyundai adopts a similar strategy, it could help maintain reasonable costs while still ensuring competitive performance in the expanding sub-compact and compact EV segments.

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Hyundai's Upcoming EV Might Disrupt the Compact Electric SUV Market | Carscoops

The new model will be positioned alongside the combustion engine version of the Bayon available in Europe.