Presentation of the Hyundai Ioniq Three study: broadly positioned

In at least one respect, the world of motor shows is still intact. Studies that are shown there either fall into the category of “over-excited crowd pullers,” which the viewer can be sure will never be bought. Or they are an indication of what will soon be rolling into showrooms. The Hyundai Ioniq Three study clearly falls into the second category. A very similar car is due to go into series production next year.

Quite wide

Hyundai itself speaks of a compact electric car, which can certainly be attributed to the study in two directions. With a length of 4.29 m, it is about as long as a VW ID.3. The height of 1.47 m also corresponds to a common dimension in this segment. However, the width of 1.97 m is far outside the usual range. A photo of the front clearly shows that Hyundai has not simply taken the dimensions, including the exterior mirrors. Instead of mirrors, the Ioniq Three has cameras that are so tiny that the wheel arches protrude further. The wheelbase measures 2.72 m.

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Hyundai Ioniq Three (10 Bilder)

Hyundai plans to launch 21 electric cars on the global market by 2030, and a production version of the Ioniq Three is one of them. Of course, a few details still need to be added to the concept car. The sloping interior, the rear-hinged rear doors, the mighty diffuser, the missing B-pillar, and the lack of any handles are unlikely to make it into series production. The filigree cameras will probably be replaced by conventional mirrors, and Hyundai will also have to accommodate a charging socket somewhere.

Drive: exclusively electric

All these points remain speculation for now, but the cost pressure in the target segment alone speaks against expensive special solutions. What is certain is that the base is prepared exclusively for a battery-electric drive. Hyundai gives no indication of where it might go in this respect. We expect a 400-volt voltage level and similar energy contents as in the Kia EV3 (test), which is currently offered with 58.3 and 81.4 kWh. The Group would have to improve the maximum charging capacity, as 128 kW at best already seems a little tough in the current environment. There is still some time left, as the second half of 2026 is likely to be the start of the second half of the year before the production version of the Ioniq Three goes on sale.

(mfz)