5 Minutes
Production-ready Ioniq 3 prototypes give clear preview of Hyundai’s next EV
Photographers have caught what appears to be a production-ready Hyundai Ioniq 3, carrying many styling cues from the Concept THREE shown at IAA Munich. Two prototypes — one wrapped in aero camo tape and another masked in black fabric — reveal a sporty coupe-crossover silhouette that leans more conservative than the show car, but arguably more achievable for buyers.
Hyundai's new crossover looks like a deliberate reinterpretation of the Concept THREE rather than a direct copy. The most noticeable exterior detail is a pronounced window-line cut near the roof that seems visually disconnected from the roofline — a styling trick repeated on both prototypes and likely to survive into production.
Design: Veloster spirit, but tamed for the showroom
The Ioniq 3 borrows the Veloster’s playful proportions while translating them into a compact electric crossover format. Compared with its Kia EV3 counterpart — a boxier, conventional SUV built on the same platform — the Ioniq 3 takes a more dynamic approach: sloping roof, hatchback rear, and a small lip spoiler that hints at sportiness. Rear visibility looks limited, so Hyundai has integrated a reversing camera into the tailgate area, a welcome practical touch.
"The production model feels toned down in a good way — more usable and likely cheaper to build while keeping visual appeal," one industry observer noted.
Interior: PLEOS infotainment goes Tesla-esque
For the first time we’ve seen the cabin without heavy camouflage. The centerpiece is a large center touchscreen running Hyundai’s new PLEOS infotainment system. The UI shows clear inspiration from Tesla’s layout: a left-side vehicle graphic and a right-side panel intended for maps and menus. When the spy shots were taken the right panel was blank, but the structure is obvious.
Hyundai balances the digital approach with physical controls: tactile knobs and buttons remain for frequently used functions, avoiding a fully touch-only experience. Unlike Tesla, the Ioniq 3 will also keep a traditional instrument display behind the steering wheel, offering a hybrid digital cockpit that should please both tech fans and drivers who prefer classic readouts.
Platform, batteries and range
Underpinning the Ioniq 3 is the simplified E-GMP Lite platform — the same 400-volt architecture used by the Kia EV3. It’s a more cost-efficient solution than the 800-volt systems found in larger siblings such as the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, but still capable for daily driving and fast charging in many markets.
Expected technical highlights:
- Two battery options: approximately 58 kWh and 81 kWh
- Estimated top WLTP range: up to around 610 km (380 miles) with the larger pack
- Powertrain: single front-mounted motor producing about 150 kW (210 hp)
These figures place the Ioniq 3 squarely in the mainstream electric crossover segment, aimed at buyers who want a blend of range, practicality, and price competitiveness.
Market positioning and competition
Hyundai and Kia continue to share platforms while cultivating distinct brand personalities: Hyundai positioning itself as slightly more conservative and mature, and Kia leaning into youthful, bold styling. The Ioniq 3 appears to be Hyundai’s answer in the mid-range electric crossover market — more adventurous in design than Hyundai’s current EVs, but still focused on broad appeal.
Compared to the Kia EV3, the Ioniq 3 promises a sleeker, coupe-like alternative for buyers who prioritize design without sacrificing the practicality of a hatchback crossover. Pricing, trim strategy and final range figures will determine how it performs against established rivals from Europe, Japan and the US.
What to expect next
Production is reportedly in late-stage testing, and Hyundai is expected to bring the Ioniq 3 to showrooms next year. These latest spy shots give us a clear idea of the car’s final look and interior tech, and they suggest Hyundai is ready to turn the Concept THREE’s character into a mass-market EV.
Highlights:
- Eye-catching coupe-crossover styling inspired by Concept THREE
- PLEOS infotainment with a Tesla-like interface plus physical controls
- E-GMP Lite 400V platform with 58/81 kWh battery options and up to ~610 km WLTP range
For buyers seeking a distinctive, well-rounded electric hatchback with modern infotainment and competitive range, the Ioniq 3 looks set to be one of next year’s most interesting newcomers in the EV segment.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
drivox
Whoa, looks sharper than I expected... Veloster vibes but grown up. Hope rear visibility isn't as bad as it looks, camera saves it maybe
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