Hyundai Motor, which moved to make a comeback in the China market after 24 years, unveiled the midsize-plus electric sedan "IONIQ V" to the world for the first time on the 24th (local time). It is the production version of the Venus concept revealed on the 9th and the Ioniq brand's first China-focused strategic model. Starting with this vehicle, the company also announced a "localization" strategy along with new model rollouts over the next five years. Attention is on whether it will regain the China market top-3 status it reached in 2016 when it sold about 1.7 million units.
◆ First model of the Ioniq Universe, IONIQ V
At around 11 a.m. that day, the gold-colored IONIQ V appeared on the stage set up at Hyundai Motor's booth at Auto China 2026 (Beijing Motor Show) at the China International Exhibition Center Shunyi Hall in Beijing. Chinese media packed the 1,816㎡ (about 549 pyeong) Hyundai Motor pavilion and gasped. The vehicle's overall design—front, side, and rear—is sharp and sleek. Its exterior is clearly different from the Ioniq 5 and 6.
This is Hyundai Motor's new design language, "The Origin." Hyundai Motor said The Origin is a new design tailored to Chinese lifestyles and demand, meaning it will present its own design without following trends. The company also differentiated the way it names vehicles. Like planets revolving around the sun, it said the Ioniq brand will operate with a focus on Chinese customers. The first model is IONIQ V, borrowing the V from "VENUS."
IONIQ V is a midsize-plus sedan with a length of 4,900 mm. It features a generous interior space. Designed to meet demand from Chinese customers who often travel long distances, the platform was co-developed with joint-venture partner BAIC. In particular, the IONIQ V's wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles) is 2,900 mm. That is similar to the 2,895 mm wheelbase of the Grandeur, which has an overall length of 5,035 mm. Thanks to the secured spacious interior, it offers 1,078 mm of legroom in the first row and 1,019 mm in the second row. The IONIQ V is 1,890 mm wide and 1,470 mm tall.
Hyundai Motor emphasized that it enhanced product appeal through technological collaboration with local partners. The IONIQ V's battery was produced in cooperation with Chinese battery company CATL. Under China's CLTC certification, it is expected to travel more than 600 km on a single charge. Advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) functions developed in collaboration with Momenta, a Chinese Autonomous Driving technology company, were also applied. As it has not been officially launched yet, the ADAS features were not disclosed.
◆ CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun also visits… Hyundai Motor speeds up China cooperation
At the event, CEO José Muñoz of Hyundai Motor took the stage as a speaker and signaled an aggressive lineup expansion. He emphasized that the company will increase to a total of 20 models over the next five years (including facelifts), launching six all-new vehicles in two phases. "We are making a new start by officially launching the Ioniq brand in China," Muñoz said. "IONIQ V is the first vehicle."
The first phase of Hyundai Motor's strategy is to develop products tailored to Chinese consumers. Not only battery electric vehicles but also extended-range electric vehicles (EREV), a 600 km driving range, and Level 2-plus Autonomous Driving technology will be introduced immediately. Starting in 2027, the company will add small and midsize sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) equipped with an AI assistant and Level 2++. In phase two, it said it will introduce a full-size sedan and SUV based on a software-defined vehicle (SDV) platform, along with Level 3 Autonomous Driving.
Collaboration with local corporations was also emphasized. "The models to be launched will be developed in collaboration with CATL and Momenta and become showcases for technology," Muñoz said. A scene symbolizing cooperation with a local corporation also played out right before the event. CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun visited Hyundai Motor's booth. Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon and Muñoz welcomed him. BAIC Vice Chairman Zhang Jiandong also visited.
Hyundai Motor will also strengthen its dealerships along with an aggressive lineup expansion. It decided to invest about 1 billion yuan (about 216.8 billion won) in China, including opening 181 new stores by 2030. "The future of mobility is being defined in China," Muñoz said. "Hyundai Motor will build the future in China, for China, and ultimately for the world."