Inside the Future: A Sneak Peek into the Hyundai Ioniq 7 Electric SUV

Hyundai is gearing up to unveil its much-anticipated electric SUV, the Ioniq 7, and the latest spy shots offer an intimate look into its interior. As the automotive industry accelerates towards electrification, Hyundai's Ioniq 7 promises to be a noteworthy addition. Join us as we dissect the recent revelations about its design, features, and what to expect when this electric powerhouse hits the roads, with an Australian debut slated for the second half of 2024.

Interior Insights: A Blend of Familiarity and Innovation:

Caught parked next to a fast charger in Europe, the Ioniq 7 prototype reveals a spacious and modern interior. Drawing inspiration from the new Santa Fe, it showcases a shared design language, featuring a familiar steering wheel and dual 12.3-inch screens elegantly arranged in a curved assembly. However, subtle differences set the Ioniq 7 apart, such as a smaller climate panel and a distinct gap between the dashboard and the center console, hinting at potential unique features like a moveable center console.

Control Hub and Driving Dynamics:

Navigating the Ioniq 7's center tunnel, we encounter an array of buttons for functions like auto hold, cameras, parking sensors, and a drive mode selection toggle. Strikingly, there's no conventional shifter, a recent trend seen in Hyundai's lineup where the shifter is instead mounted on the steering column. This prototype also boasts digital side mirrors, showcasing Hyundai's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology in its electric offerings.

Exterior Evolution: A Glimpse at the Transformation:

While the Ioniq 7's front end stays true to the 2021 Seven concept, the rear undergoes significant modifications. The rear windscreen is expanded, and a graceful curved LED strip graces the top, seamlessly merging with the larger vertical tail lights. These enhancements not only elevate the SUV's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its aerodynamics and overall efficiency.

Powertrain and Performance Expectations:

The spy shots leave the powertrain specifications a mystery, but the Seven concept hinted at an impressive range of "more than 480km." Drawing parallels with the Kia EV9, which shares the E-GMP electric vehicle platform, we anticipate Hyundai offering a variety of powertrain options for the Ioniq 7. The EV9 features both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive variants, showcasing the versatility of Hyundai's dedicated electric platform.

Pricing and Hyundai's Electrified Vision:

While the exact pricing for the Ioniq 7 is yet to be unveiled, the EV9's pricing serves as a reference point, ranging from $97,000 to $121,000 before on-road costs. Hyundai's ambition to sell 6000 Ioniq-branded electric vehicles in Australia by 2024 aligns with its broader strategy of offering electrified options across all SUV segments, with the Ioniq 7 poised to join the lineup alongside the Santa Fe Hybrid in the large SUV segment.

As Hyundai embarks on the journey towards an electrified future, the Ioniq 7 stands as a testament to innovation, style, and sustainability. The blend of a familiar yet evolved interior, coupled with the promise of powerful and efficient electric performance, positions the Ioniq 7 as a formidable player in the electric SUV arena. With its arrival in Australia on the horizon, Hyundai enthusiasts and electric vehicle aficionados eagerly anticipate experiencing the future of driving with the Ioniq 7.