Hyundai IONIQ 3: An electric revolution with an avant-garde design

MUNICH - In the heart of Bavaria, amid the glitter of the IAA Mobility 2025 international automotive exhibition, the South Korean giant Hyundai Motor made a strategic move that outlines the future of its electric range. The company unveiled its concept car Concept Three, which serves as a direct precursor to the long-awaited compact electric model Hyundai IONIQ 3. This debut is a response to the growing demand for small electric vehicles in the European market and marks Hyundai's return to one of the industry's most significant events after a four-year absence.

Avant-garde Design and a Legacy from the Past

At first glance, the Hyundai Concept Three impresses with a two-door hatchback silhouette, but on closer inspection, it reveals its asymmetrical concept, inherited from the now-discontinued Hyundai Veloster model. On the driver's side, there are two doors—a front and a rear—while on the other side, there is only one longer door. This unconventional configuration returns with recognizable proportions that will be carried over to the production model.

The dimensions of the concept are: overall length 4287 mm, width 1940 mm, height 1428 mm, and a wheelbase of 2722 mm. These parameters are similar to those of the Hyundai Veloster, which was discontinued in 2022.

The prototype's design was developed in the brand's new corporate style, called "Art of Steel", which is already familiar from the second generation of the Hyundai Nexo hydrogen crossover. One of the most distinctive features of Concept Three is the innovative use of LED pixels in the lighting and grilles. These pixels can create nostalgic animations reminiscent of early computer games and give the car a unique character. The pixel theme continues in the four-seater interior, where structural components are made from an environmentally friendly, foam-like material based on aluminum.

Strategic Expansion and Production Plans

With the unveiling of Concept Three, Hyundai clearly states its intention to expand its electric range "downward" rather than "upward", targeting the segment of smaller and more affordable electric vehicles. This move is directly linked to the company's expectations for increased demand for compact electric cars in Europe in the coming years. The concept is expected to become the production model Hyundai IONIQ 3 as early as next year.

The production model will be built on a simplified 400-volt version of the E-GMP modular platform. In terms of its technical characteristics, the small IONIQ 3 will be similar to the Kia EV3 model. Based on previous company statements, the production of the IONIQ 3 will most likely take place at the Hyundai Motor plant in Turkey, where preparatory work for the production of electric vehicles began last spring.

At the Hyundai Motor stand at IAA Mobility 2025, the company not only presented Concept Three but also showcased its full electric range, reinforcing its role as a leader in the transition to clean energy in Europe. Visitors to the exhibition can see seven electrified models, including the Kona Electric, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 N, IONIQ 9, and Inster Cross, along with the Concept Three and Insteroid concepts. This demonstrates Hyundai's wide range of offerings, covering everything from compact city models to three-row SUVs.

IAA Mobility 2025: A Key Platform for Innovation

Hyundai Motor's return to IAA Mobility 2025 is an important moment for the company. With an expected 750 exhibitors and over 500,000 visitors from 110 countries, the Munich exhibition is not just a place to present innovations but a key stage for interacting with one of the largest electric vehicle markets in the world. The atmosphere at the exhibition is filled with anticipation and excitement, as manufacturers race to show their visions for the future of mobility, and the enthusiastic public moves from stand to stand to experience the latest technological achievements.