Space-age Hyundai Concept showcases upcoming IONIQ 3 EV

Turning heads and raising eyebrows, Hyundai’s Concept 3 Munich reveal got us excited for the next IONIQ model. But how much does this design teaser tell us about the road-going EV?

New Hyundai Veloster, anyone? Well, while the Korean firm made no mention of that now discontinued quirky hatch at the Munich Motor Show, this Concept 3 feels like a bit of a spiritual successor — as far as the styling goes, anyway. 

Sitting low to the ground with a sharply sloping window line and truncated tail, the Concept 3 has much in common with the old Veloster. Any likeness is seemingly coincidental, though, as the concept looks to preview the firm’s all-new Art of Steel design language and embody a vision of mobility that is 'practical, accessible and emotionally resonant'. 

Paving the way for the way for the IONIQ sub-brand’s expansion into the compact EV segment, this new look is apparently inspired by Hyundai’s advanced steel technologies. In practice, that means precise, ‘timeless’ lines, and an anodised-effect finish which mimics the sheen of bare sheet metal. But that doesn’t mean Concept 3 is understated. For starters, there’s lemon-tinted glass — which won’t make production, for obvious reasons — and matching wheels, which pop against the steeliness of the body. And don’t forget the Parametric Pixel lighting at the front and rear — now a hallmark of the IONIQ brand’s cyberpunk look.

Inside, things get even more futuristic. Much like the heavily tinted windows of Cupra’s camouflaged new Raval, the Concept 3’s lemony glass hue made capturing clear snaps a challenge. However, having peered in, we can confirm that the interior is far more abstract than the exterior. Designed to feel ‘warm, intuitive, and calming’ the floating pod style seats are more like something you’d expect to see at a kitchen breakfast bar, than in a car. Then there’s the strange oblong-shaped wheel, with an integrated Mr. Pix digital display. According to Hyundai, this symbolic character offers playful storytelling through ‘hidden surprises’ and interactive design — though we’re not entirely sure why you’d need such a feature.

But digital motifs and lemon glass aside, what does the new Concept 3 tell us about the upcoming IONIQ 3 road car? Nothing definitively. That said, it does hint at where the new car’s strengths may lie. Sustainability, for one, should rank highly on IONIQ’s agenda given the concept car touts extensive use of materials such as ocean waste textiles and lightweight aluminium foam. This reinforces Hyundai’s commitment to ‘transitioning European production facilities to renewable energy, while extending the integration of recycled and sustainable materials into vehicle designs'.

As for the powertrain, it’s clearly going to be a fully electric vehicle. However, little is known about the exact specifications of that battery and motor combo. Will it be front or rear-wheel drive? Could a hot four-wheel drive IONIQ 3N be on the cards? How far will it travel on a charge? The jury’s still out. But, there are rumours to suggest it may share the internals from Kia’s Cupra-rivalling EV3. If that were the case, a driving range of up to 373 miles could be possible. 

So when can we expect to see the production version, then? As with the technical specs, Hyundai is keeping its lips sealed. It is likely, though, that the IONIQ 3 will be unveiled in early 2026 to compete with newly released EV rivals from the likes of CUPRA and VW.  

Do you think the new IONIQ 3 will look like this when it finally hits the road? And, if so, how much would you be willing to pay for this slice of South-Korean sci-fi?

Hero image credit: Blackcircles.com