New Hyundai Ioniq SEVEN electric SUV concept revealed
Hyundai previews “segment-busting” large Ioniq SEVEN SUV with “innovative interior space” and aerodynamic design
Hyundai is previewing the third model to launch under its Ioniq electric sub-brand with the distinctive and space-efficient Ioniq SEVEN concept.
Making its public debut at the LA motor show, the concept provides a clear glimpse at the design of the production Ioniq 7 SUV, due in 2024. This will join the existing Ioniq 5 and forthcoming Ioniq 6 saloon, due in 2022.
The Ioniq SEVEN concept is said to have “an aerodynamically pure silhouette instinctively divergent from a typical SUV”. Hyundai cites the low bonnet line, curved roof shape and long wheelbase as marking a design break from traditional petrol and diesel SUVs.
Details include a large, single-piece glass tailgate, wheels featuring ‘Active Air Flaps’ that can either cool the brakes or reduce drag, and the Ioniq sub-brand’s signature ‘Parametric Pixel’ multi-LED light design.
These light bars span the full length of the front fascia, running around the tailgate in a ring at the rear end. Expect the production version to retain many of these elements, albeit toned down somewhat from the concept.
The Ioniq SEVEN is based on the same E-GMP modular electric platform that underpins the Ioniq 5, as well as Kia’s EV6 sister car. However, the wheelbase has been stretched a further 20cm from the 5 - up to 3.2m - with the wheels pushed outwards towards the concept car’s corners as much as possible.
That results in a flat floor inside from front to rear, allowing “a welcoming interior with a completely new dimension of space”, according to the brand. Pillarless ‘Coach Doors’ open to reveal two individual, swivelling lounge-style chairs and what appears to be a footstool, which Hyundai calls a “Universal Island”. Behind those is a padded bench seat in an L-shape.
Hyundai says the arrangement of the seats can be customized “depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes”, with the usual steering wheel replaced by a control stick that retracts when the car is switched into self-driving mode. It’s unlikely that much of this will feature on the production-ready Ioniq 7 SUV, which could be offered with seven seats.
The SEVEN also features a built-in mini fridge and “shoe-car compartments” to freshen up passenger’s footwear on the move. The panoramic glass roof is actually an OLED screen that can display content or act as an atmospheric display to maximise relaxation.
The Ioniq SEVEN concept also promises a focus on “sustainable and hygienic mobility”. The exterior features ‘bio-paint’, while inside, materials such as mineral plaster, bamboo wood and carpet, and bio resin all feature. Copper and “hygenically treated” fabric with antibacterial functions actively keep surfaces clean, while a Hygiene Airflow System uses tech inspired by the airflow management of passenger aircrafts to reduce cross-contamination. There’s even a UVC Sterilization system that sees UVC lights pop out of various surfaces to remove bacteria and viruses.
Hyundai is yet to reveal full production details for the Ioniq 7, but the concept is “engineered to achieve a target range of over 300 miles”. A 350kW charger would take the battery from 10-80 per cent charge in around 20 minutes. It’s highly likely the SUV will also come with Vehicle-to-Load capability, allowing it to charge devices, power household objects or even charge other EVs.
Given it’s based on the same underpinnings as the Ioniq 5, expect it to be available with that car’s 306hp dual-motor drive system. More powerful versions could also be offered to make the Ioniq 7 a rival for cars such as the BMW iX and Audi e-tron.
Alongside the Ioniq SEVEN concept, the production Ioniq 5 will make its US debut at the LA motor show, as will the XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell truck.
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