Hyundai has been actively road-testing a prototype for the forthcoming production version of its Seven electric SUV, originally showcased as a concept at the 2021 Los Angeles auto show. Initially announced alongside the launch of the Ioniq EV sub-brand in 2020, the automaker has confirmed plans for the vehicle to hit the market in 2024.
Expected to debut as a 2025 model in the U.S., the production version, tentatively named Ioniq 7, retains the essence of the concept but with notable design refinements. While the sleek swept roofline and vertical tailgate remain, the prototype sports conventional wheel arches and rear doors instead of the concept’s squared-off features.
Despite its midsize SUV dimensions akin to Hyundai’s Palisade, the EV platform allows for a more spacious cabin, potentially rivaling full-size offerings. Sharing its underpinnings with the 2024 Kia EV9, the Ioniq 7 signifies Hyundai’s commitment to electric mobility, with potential links to Genesis’ electric GV90.
The Genesis Neolun concept offers a sneak peek into the styling cues we may see in the GV90, further intertwining Hyundai’s electric lineup. Although powertrain specifics for the production Ioniq 7 are yet to be confirmed, expectations align with the EV9’s offerings.
The EV9 boasts a standard 76.1-kWh battery with rear-wheel drive, with options for a larger 99.8-kWh battery and all-wheel drive configurations. With the largest battery and rear-wheel drive, the EV9 achieves an estimated EPA range of 304 miles.
Hyundai’s ambitious electrification plans extend beyond the Ioniq 7, with close to a dozen EVs slated for release by the end of the decade. Embracing a next-generation EV platform with standardized components, Hyundai aims to spearhead the electric revolution with innovation and sustainability at its core.
