Hyundai Unveils Concept THREE EV: Bold Space-Age Hatch Previewing Ioniq 3

Hyundai has unveiled its all-new and extremely attractive Concept THREE EV at the IAA Mobility 2025 show (Munich), giving the world its first look at what the next Ioniq 3 could look like. Described as an “Aero Hatch”,—Concept THREE combines sharp aerodynamics and Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design philosophy to create a compact yet futuristic electric hatchback straight out of a sci-fi movie.

The car’s playful proportions, wraparound lighting and youth-focused interior make it more than just a styling experiment, but a near-ready preview of Hyundai’s next mass-market EV, which will be introduced in mid-2026. Positioned below the Ioniq 5, the electric car will compete directly with dedicated compact EVs like the Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4 EV, making the segment even more exciting than before.

Key Highlights – Hyundai Concept THREE EV

• Global Debut: Unveiled at IAA Mobility 2025, Munich.
• Design Language: Introduces Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” philosophy with sleek, sculpted lines.
• Body Style: Marketed as an “Aero Hatch” – futuristic hatchback with aerodynamic elements.
• Compact Dimensions: ~4.28 m long, ~1.94 m wide – putting it in Volkswagen Golf/ID.3 territory.
• Exterior Touches: Wraparound LED lighting, diffuser, retractable aero wing, lemon-tinted glass.
• Interior Vibe: Playful cabin with bold colours, integrated seatbelt headrests, and youthful design cues.
• Platform: Built on the E-GMP modular platform, the same as the Kia EV3.
• Battery Options: Expected 58.3 kWh & 81.4 kWh packs, up to 599 km range (WLTP).
• Performance: Likely a single-motor (FWD) model with ~201 bhp; higher trims may add a dual-motor AWD option.
• Production Timeline: Ioniq 3 EV based on this concept to launch by mid-2026 in global markets.

Category	Details
Platform	E-GMP Modular EV Platform
Body Style	Compact “Aero Hatch”
Length	~4,287 mm
Width	~1,940 mm
Powertrain	Single motor (FWD), dual-motor AWD possible
Power Output	~201 bhp (base version)
Battery Options	58.3 kWh / 81.4 kWh
Range (WLTP)	Up to ~599 km (with larger pack)
Charging	800V fast charging, 10–80% in ~25 minutes
Interior Features	Playful cabin, colorful trims, seatbelt-in-headrest, adaptive UI
Exterior Features	Wraparound LED lights, aero wing, diffuser, lemon-tinted glass
Launch Timeline	Production Ioniq 3 expected mid-2026
Rivals	Volkswagen ID.3, MG4 EV, Renault Mégane E-Tech

Concept Three EV: Exterior & Interior

Both the exterior and interior of the Hyundai Concept THREE EV are trendsetters in its segment.

Exterior

1. Compact yet futuristic “Aero Hatch” profile, with a continuously flowing roofline and vertical tailgate.
2. Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language—clean and simple surfaces, sharp lines, muscular shapes reflecting the flexibility of steel.
3. Hyundai’s signature “Parametric Pixel” lighting, gradient effect in pixel pattern, both on the face and at the rear.
4. Futuristic visor-style windscreen and wrap-around glass panels that give a premium and sci-fi feel, limited edition lemon-tinted glass and matching wheels in concept space.
5. Length 4,287 mm, on par with ID.3 and Volkswagen Golf.

Interior

1. Optimum user-focused layout: all important information right in front of the driver’s eyes, without a large central touchscreen.
2. Only two small screens on the dashboard—behind the innovative octagonal steering wheel—and physical buttons are retained, so that essential functions, including climate control, are quick and intuitive.
3. Soft yellow and grey tones in the interior, a two-tone theme, to give a calm and fresh ambience.
4. Flat floor in the cabin (no transmission tunnel), which makes the interior feel more spacious.
5. “Bring Your Own Lifestyle (BYOL)” modular widgets allow personalisation of infotainment and other functional elements, to suit youth/urban lifestyles.
6. Sustainable materials such as ocean waste textiles, recycled wool and aluminium foam in the interior, an eco-friendly approach in line with current trends.
7. An interactive “Mr. Pix” digital character, which adds a playful and personal touch to the cabin experience.

The design and features of the Hyundai Concept THREE EV are not only technologically and aesthetically advanced, but are also crafted with user experience at the core – making it a trendsetter in design, technology and sustainability in the compact segment.

Skoda Vision O Concept

Key Design Features of Hyundai CONCEPT THREE EV

The key design features of the Hyundai Concept THREE EV are as follows:

1. It is a compact and futuristic “Aero Hatch” based on Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design philosophy.
2. Sharp lines and smooth curves give it a stylish and aerodynamic look.
3. There is a “Parametric Pixel” LED lighting system on both the front and rear, which creates a digital and high-tech impression.
4. The wrap-around glass on the sides and the visor-style windscreen give the car a unique sci-fi look.
5. The interior of the car is young and smart, using eco-friendly recycled materials.
6. The minimalistic dashboard with two screens, the convenience of physical buttons, and the flat floor design enhance comfort and user experience.
7. The car is personalizable and technologically advanced due to the “Bring Your Own Lifestyle” module of the interior.

These design features make Concept THREE a modern, stylish and sustainable electric vehicle, specifically targeted at young and smart urban users.

Key Performance Factors of Hyundai CONCEPT THREE EV

The key performance elements of the Hyundai Concept THREE EV are as follows:

1. The car could be based on Hyundai’s 400V E-GMP platform, which is designed for modern and efficient electric vehicles.
2. Battery options could include 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh packs, which are capable of a long driving range (WLTP range estimated at up to 600 km).
3. Despite having a compact size (length 4,287 mm), the car has a lot of space and a comfortable interior design.
4. In terms of driving performance, it will be suitable for both city and highway. More details have not been officially revealed yet, but it will be on the track of the Ioniq family.
5. For charging, this model could support fast charging, which will reduce charging time during long journeys.

These features establish the Hyundai Concept THREE EV as an efficient, durable and practical mass-market electric hatchback.

The Hyundai Concept THREE EV is not just a futuristic prototype but a reflection of Hyundai’s clear plan and direction. Its bold “Aero Hatch” design, youth-focused interior, and practical E-GMP platform make it a near-real preview of the upcoming Ioniq 3, which is set to launch in 2026.

The car is set to take over the fast-growing compact EV market with a blend of style, performance, and everyday usability that could especially appeal to young and urban buyers. If the production model lives up to the Concept THREE, Hyundai will have a game-changer that will redefine compact EV hatchbacks.