Hyundai Motor, which is making a fresh bid for the Chinese market after 24 years, unveiled its midsize-plus electric sedan Ioniq V for the first time worldwide on the 24th (local time). It is the mass-production model of the Venus concept revealed on the 9th and the first China-focused model under the Ioniq brand. Starting with this vehicle, the company also announced a localization strategy alongside new model rollouts over the next five years. Attention is on whether it can regain its top-three status in China, where it sold about 1.7 million units in 2016.
◆ First model in the Ioniq Universe, Ioniq V
At about 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 Hyundai Motor's 1,816-square-meter (about 549-pyeong) pavilion and gasped. The vehicle features sharp, sleek design across the front, sides and rear. 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 China's lifestyle and needs, signaling it will present its own design rather than follow trends. It also differentiated how it names vehicles. Like planets revolving around the sun, the Ioniq brand will operate with Chinese customers at the center, it said. The first model is Ioniq V, borrowing the V from "VENUS."
The Ioniq V is a midsize-plus sedan measuring 4,900 mm in length. It features a generous interior. Designed to meet the needs of Chinese customers who often travel long distances, its platform was co-developed with joint-venture partner Beijing Automotive. 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 spacious interior, it provides 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 collaboration with its local partner enhanced the product. The Ioniq V's battery was developed 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) features developed with Chinese Autonomous Driving technology company Momenta were also applied. As the model has not been officially launched yet, the ADAS functions have not been disclosed.
◆ CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun also visits as Hyundai Motor accelerates cooperation in China
At the event, CEO and President José Muñoz of Hyundai Motor signaled an aggressive lineup expansion. He emphasized that the company will increase the number of models to 20 over the next five years, including six all-new vehicles rolled out in two phases. "We are making a new start as we officially launch the Ioniq brand in China," Muñoz said. "The Ioniq V is the first vehicle."
The first stage of Hyundai Motor's strategy is developing products tailored to Chinese consumers. Not only battery electric vehicles but also extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), a driving range of 600 km, and Level 2-plus Autonomous Driving technology will be introduced immediately. From 2027, compact and midsize sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) equipped with an AI assistant and Level 2++ will be added. In stage two, the company said it will introduce a full-size sedan and SUV based on a software-defined vehicle (SDV) platform, along with Level 3 Autonomous Driving.
It also emphasized collaboration with local corporations. "The upcoming models will be developed through partnerships with CATL, Momenta and others, becoming showcases for technology," Muñoz said. A scene symbolizing cooperation with local corporations also unfolded just before the event. CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun visited Hyundai Motor's booth. Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon and Muñoz greeted him. Beijing Automotive Vice Chairman Zhang Jiandong also visited.
Along with an aggressive lineup expansion, Hyundai Motor will also strengthen its dealerships. It will 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 that future in China, for China, and ultimately for the world."