Hyundai Motor Company, the South Korean automobile manufacturer, will launch a sub-4-metre all-electric SUV, internally codenamed HE1i, in India probably in Diwali 2026. Prior to launch, the electric car was once again spotted testing on the public road, but it was highly camouflaged, like earlier. However, this time, we have got to know what its exterior is; let’s have a closer look.
Exterior design
Upfront, this electric car gets an upright front, giving it a tougher look; a closed-off grill that enhances aerodynamics; daylight running lights are placed below the bonnet; and the main headlamp is integrated with the bumper, giving it a distinctive look. The chunky bumper adds sport utility vehicle ruggedness.
On the side, it has a tall body silhouette making the cabin spacious; a flat roofline maximum; a maximize interior space; a large glass house improving visibility; blackout outside rear-view mirrors adding sporty contrast; roof rails helping in carrying additional luggage; and 17-inch alloy wheels enhancing its road presence.
At the rear, this electric SUV features a raked windscreen improving aerodynamics; pixel LED taillamps on the edges mirror the front-end lighting signature; a chunky bumper adds SUV characteristics; and a higher-mounted braking light gives better visibility to vehicles running behind it.
Interior features
The interior of the Hyundai HE1i is still behind the cover. Although a few details are available in the public domain, the carmaker is all set to introduce it with a seating capacity of 5 people in a two-three layout, meaning there will be 2 separate seats in the front row for the driver and passenger and 3 bench-like seats in the rear.
Behind the second-row seats, this car has a boot space that helps in carrying the luggage conventionally. We expect that it will get a three-spoke steering wheel, a wireless phone charging pad on the centre console, two connected 10.25-inch displays, one under the steering wheel as a digital instrument cluster, and the other at the centre of the dashboard as an infotainment system.
The infotainment system is set to integrate with an eight-speaker sound system and support an AI-based voice assistant, connected car technology, over-the-air software updates, and wireless multi-device connectivity via Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay for smooth video and audio streaming.
Other features and expectations are a powered panoramic sunroof with heat protection, multiple storage compartments for the convenience of occupants, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, six airbags, vehicle-to-load function, a 360° camera, and a level 2 advanced driving assistant system.
Underpinning information
The upcoming sub-4-metre all-electric SUV from Hyundai is built on E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) and features 400-volt electrical architecture. The suspension details aren’t officially confirmed; reports suggest on the front it will get MacPherson strurt and a torsion beam on the rear to give smooth driving experience.
They are still to reveal the barking details, but it is certain that ventilated discs will manage front-wheel braking and drums will the rears’. Notably, the drums are less strong than the discs but good enough for braking of an electric vehicle with a front-wheel drive drivetrain. To ensure safe braking, it is set to feature ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Assist and Auto Hold.
Powertrain details
The internally codenamed ‘HE1i’ electric SUV is all set to get a permanent magnet synchronous motor on the front axle; reportedly, it will be mated with a single-speed automatic transmission. The carmaker is yet to reveal its power output and peak torque; we expect that to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph, it will take around 12 seconds, and the top speed is anticipated to be around 150 kmph.
As of now, there’s nothing regarding its battery pack unveiled. Many reports suggest that it will be available with two different lithium-ion battery packs that can be 42 kWh and 49 kWh. With the large one, the EV is expected to run around 280 kilometres after the full charge, and it may support a DC charger up to 120 kW, which takes half an hour for 10 to 80 percent charging.