Hyundai is gearing up to release its first electric three-row SUV later this year, and spy shots of the test mule have surfaced, giving us a glimpse of what to expect. The upcoming model, which we’ll refer to as the Ioniq 7 for now, seems to stay true to the Hyundai Seven concept in terms of its overall shape and styling cues.
Despite the heavy camouflage, the Ioniq 7’s large stature and long wheelbase are apparent. The front of the vehicle showcases Hyundai’s distinctive Parametric Pixel lighting design, which can be seen peeking through the covering. The rear end sports an arch-shaped lighting design similar to the concept, with lights wrapping around the back. However, it seems that the concept’s coach doors and massive glass rear hatch didn’t make it to the production model, as the test mule features more traditional side doors and a standard rear hatch.
Inside the test mule, we can see that the concept’s furniture-like seating has been replaced. Nevertheless, the interior still appears spacious and airy. The layout is reminiscent of Hyundai’s other electric vehicles, with a column-mounted gear selector and a large dual-screen setup covering the flat dashboard. The screens are likely the same 12.3-inch displays found in Hyundai’s current lineup.
The Ioniq 7 will be built on the E-GMP platform, which is utilized by other electric vehicles from the Hyundai-Kia-Genesis family. This includes the upcoming three-row Kia EV9 SUV. The EV9 will offer two battery sizes, a 76.1-kWh pack on the base model, and a larger 99.8-kWh pack on all-wheel-drive and long-range versions. Range estimates for the EV9 range from 230 miles to 304 miles. It’s safe to assume that the Ioniq 7 will offer similar variants, all equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture to facilitate rapid DC fast-charging.
Hyundai has yet to reveal the full details and official name for the Ioniq 7, but the brand has confirmed that the full reveal is scheduled for later this year. As for pricing, we can expect it to be on par with the Kia EV9, starting in the range of $50,000 to $60,000.
In conclusion, Hyundai’s upcoming Ioniq 7 electric SUV promises to be an exciting addition to the brand’s EV lineup. With its familiar styling cues, spacious interior, and advanced technology, it aims to compete in the growing market for electric three-row SUVs. As Hyundai continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, the Ioniq 7 holds the potential to make a significant impact in the industry.
