Spotted in Sydney during testing: Hyundai's suspected upcoming electric SUV model
The automotive industry is abuzz with excitement as Beijing Hyundai unveils its all-new electric SUV, the Hyundai Elexio. Set to launch in China in the coming months, this vehicle marks Hyundai's first pure electric SUV built on a dedicated China-specific EV platform derived from Hyundai's E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) architecture.
### Key Features
The Elexio boasts a futuristic, premium design with a clean, enclosed front grille, a through-type DRL light bar, quad-beam LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, flush hidden door handles, and a seamless rear LED light strip. Its styling balances modern EV aesthetics with practical usability. The SUV competes in the compact electric SUV segment, with dimensions approximately 4615 mm length, 1875 mm width, 1676 mm height, and a 2750 mm wheelbase.
Inside, the Elexio offers an advanced Huawei-based infotainment system and a minimal physical button layout, enhancing the tech-forward atmosphere.
### Powertrains and Battery
The Elexio is built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform with an 800V electrical architecture supporting ultra-fast charging. Multiple battery sizes are offered, with confirmed versions including a 64.2 kWh LFP battery made by BYD, an 88.1 kWh LFP battery also made by BYD, and a rumoured flagship 101.7 kWh battery pack, providing a top-tier range option.
The Elexio offers two powertrain options: a rear-wheel-drive version with a 160 kW electric motor and an all-wheel-drive variant featuring dual motors: 160 kW front and 73 kW rear motor. The vehicle is expected to have a top speed of approximately 180 km/h (112 mph), with acceleration from 0-100 km/h unofficially estimated under 6.5 seconds, in line with other E-GMP-based Hyundai vehicles.
The CLTC-certified range from the 64.2 kWh battery is 518 km, while the 88.1 kWh battery offers an impressive 722 km, surpassing the Tesla Model Y Long Range by 3 km under China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle standards. Real-world range is estimated at 500–550 km for the mid-sized battery versions.
### Summary
The Hyundai Elexio represents a major addition to Hyundai’s EV portfolio, especially targeting the Chinese market with a high-tech electric SUV that boasts exceptional range, multiple battery options, a modern and premium design, and versatile powertrain choices. Its large battery packs and advanced platform also position it as one of the longest-range electric SUVs in its class globally.
This model solidifies Hyundai's move toward dedicated EV architecture and intensified competition in electric SUVs, notably rivalling Tesla’s Model Y in terms of range and features. Given its presence in Sydney, it is possible that Hyundai may be working on a version of the Elexio for international markets.
- The automotive industry's anticipation for groundbreaking innovations is escalating as Beijing Hyundai announces the debut of the Hyundai Elexio, their first-ever pure electric SUV.
- Equipped with a sophisticated, premium design, the Elexio showcases cutting-edge technology and EV aesthetics, appealing to the lifestyle preferences of modern customers.
- With its high-capacity battery options, including the rumored 101.7 kWh pack, the Elexio boasts an impressive range that outperforms the Tesla Model Y Long Range in China's Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle standards.
- By unveiling the Elexio, Hyundai is strengthening its position in the global electric automotive industry, notably challenging Tesla's dominance in the electric SUV segment.
