One thing I love about Hyundai is how it takes a completely different design approach with each model – and it stayed true to that ‘pieces on a chessboard’ philosophy at the Beijing motor show with the reveal of the production-ready Ioniq V.
This sleek, 1970s-inspired saloon may look like a concept but it’s a real car, and the first of more than 20 new models Hyundai plans to launch in China over the next five years as it rolls out its all-electric Ioniq brand in the world’s most competitive EV market.
“China is our greatest opportunity for growth. It is not just the world's largest automotive market – it is the world's most advanced EV and software-defined vehicle ecosystem,” said Hyundai Motor president and CEO Jose Munoz. “If you want to be globally competitive, you must be genuinely competitive here.”
Visually, the Ioniq V stays remarkably close to Hyundais Venus concept. Finished in Radiant Gold, it features a sharp wedge-shaped profile and ultra-clean lines that give it a distinctly 1970s feel – and I reckon it has more than a hint of Lamborghini Countach about it.
But this is also a shift in Hyundai’s design direction. The brand has moved away from its familiar ‘parametric pixel’ look and is introducing new ‘edge lighting’ that flows with the bodywork. The only nod to pixels is a subtle detail in the centre of the steering wheel.
Inside, the focus is on space and tech. A 27-inch panoramic display houses infotainment and vehicle functions, alongside an AI-powered voice assistant and advanced driver assistance systems developed with Chinese tech firm Momenta.
The Ioniq V also makes a strong case on practicality. Hyundai claims 1,019mm of rear legroom – more than key rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.
Under the skin, the car sits on a platform codeveloped with BAIC, with batteries supplied by CATL. Hyundai is targeting a range of up to 600km (around 370 miles).
Simon Loasby, senior vice president and head of Hyundai Design Center, told me that while the Ioniq V has been developed in China, for China he wouldn’t rule out bringing the car to other markets – including the UK.
There’s no official confirmation yet, but that comment suggests to me that Hyundai sees this as more than just a China-only model. If it does make it here, it could be one of the most compelling Model 3 alternatives we’ve seen in years.
