Hyundai is behind in the EV race in China, and the new Elexio is its bid to become a contender.
Surprisingly, given the large investments it has made so far in electric vehicle (EV) development, Hyundai doesn’t have a single locally made EV in China.
Models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover and Ioniq 6 sedan are imported from South Korea and, as such, are subject to hefty tariffs, pricing them out of contention for most Chinese buyers.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Unveiled at an event in Shanghai, the Elexio will enter production later this year at the factory operated by Beijing Hyundai, a joint venture with state-owned carmaker BAIC. Sales are expected to begin during the third quarter of 2025.
It’s unknown if Hyundai plans to offer the Elexio in markets outside of China.
“There are no current plans for Elexio for Australia,” said a Hyundai Australia spokesperson.
Disguised prototypes of the Elexio have been spotted several times across Australia over the last few months, with images shared on Facebook groups like BYD EV Owners Club Australia.
“Around 20 vehicles (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis) were part of the global hot weather testing programme in Australia this summer, and Elexio was one of them,” explained a Hyundai Australia spokesperson, noting Australia is the preferred hot weather testing location in the southern hemisphere.
The Elexio rides on the company’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which underpins various Ioniq models, as well as the Genesis GV60, and Kia EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9. The Elexio is the first E-GMP based Hyundai to forgo Ioniq branding.
Few specifications have been revealed about the Elexio, with Hyundai only saying it will offer up to 700km of range under the very generous CLTC testing standard.
No images of the interior have been revealed so far, but Hyundai says it will have a wraparound cockpit design. Its infotainment system will be powered by the Qualcomm 8295P processor, and support online navigation and entertainment options, over-the-air updates, voice commands, and remote control.
According to Car News China, the Elexio will make use of Huawei’s Harmonyos Intelligent Mobility technology, and at launch the Elexio will have Level 2 assisted driving capabilities, primarily for use on highways. Urban assisted driving is expected to be added to the package in 2026.
The Elexio’s distinctive exterior features slimline lighting units at both ends, including full-width driving lights and tail-lights. The crossover reportedly rides on 20-inch alloy wheels.
To help reduce drag there are pop-out flush-fitting door handles, hidden wipers front and back, and a grille-free front fascia. Along the side, a helmet visor appearance is achieved via the blacked out pillars and falling window line.
Size-wise the Elexio looks to fall somewhere in between the Ioniq 5 and the seven-seat Ioniq 9 large electric SUV.
MORE: Everything Hyundai
