Hyundai Motor is ramping up its electrification push in China with a local strategy model under its dedicated EV brand, IONIQ. The automaker said it will deepen partnerships with Chinese companies including battery maker CATL and autonomous driving firm Momenta, and plans to roll out 20 new models over the next five years.
Hyundai on Thursday unveiled the IONIQ V for the first time worldwide at Auto China 2026 at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing’s Shunyi district.
The IONIQ V is the production version of the “Venus Concept” revealed April 10 and is the IONIQ brand’s first China strategy model, designed around Chinese customers’ lifestyles. Hyundai said the vehicle incorporates its electrification know-how, including a locally optimized platform and battery developed through technology cooperation with Chinese partners, as well as a quieter ride.
Starting with the IONIQ V, Hyundai said it will introduce an additional electrified SUV by the first half of 2027. By 2030, it plans to deploy 20 new models, including extended-range electric vehicles, to build a midsize-to-large electrified lineup. The company also said it will revamp the full ownership process, from purchase to use, to offer an electrification experience tailored to China.
◆ “20 new models by 2030 ... China is a core market”
Hyundai also outlined its China strategy, centered on increased investment, customized product development and stronger cooperation with partners. The company said it and its joint-venture partner, Beijing Automotive Group, jointly invested 8 billion yuan (about 1.73 trillion won) in Beijing Hyundai last year to build a system that can better tap China’s innovation ecosystem.
Hyundai said it aims for annual sales of 500,000 vehicles at Beijing Hyundai and will expand its lineup by introducing 20 new models in China over the next five years. It also plans to position China as a key sales market and a central base for long-term global competitiveness by innovating EV sales and service and strengthening cooperation with local technology partners.
Jose Munoz, Hyundai Motor’s CEO, said China combines “the fastest development speed, an excellent battery supply chain, demanding EV consumers and an advanced innovation ecosystem,” calling it “an essential and core market.”
He said Hyundai will “write the strongest, most ambitious and most anticipated new chapter” in China, citing large-scale investment in Beijing Hyundai, the launch of 20 new models over five years, the official launch of the IONIQ brand in China and the unveiling of the IONIQ V. He said the company will work to define the future of mobility in China under its “In China, For China, To Global” strategy.
Hyundai said the China strategy model follows its new design language, “The Origin,” focusing on delivering a strong first impression. The front features a hood design with aggressive, sporty lines and edge lighting. The side profile uses a curved silhouette, frameless doors and diamond-cut elements, while the rear uses slim taillamps placed horizontally at both ends to emphasize a dynamic look.
Hyundai said the cabin is more spacious, with overall length of 4,900 mm, width of 1,890 mm, height of 1,470 mm and a 2,900 mm wheelbase. It listed legroom of 1,078 mm in the front and 1,019 mm in the rear, and shoulder room of 1,502 mm in the front and 1,473 mm in the rear, calling it best-in-class interior space.
Features include a Horizon head-up display (H-HUD), a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset and a 27-inch 4K display. Dolby Atmos is standard, providing spatial audio through eight speakers.
◆ Co-developed with CATL, Momenta and other local partners
Hyundai said the IONIQ V applies technologies developed with local partners to supply products optimized for the market and strengthen global competitiveness. The vehicle uses a platform co-developed with joint-venture partner Beijing Automotive Group and a battery developed in cooperation with CATL. Hyundai said it expects more than 600 kilometers of range on a single charge under China’s CLTC standard. It also applies ADAS features developed with Momenta.
Hyundai said it will strengthen brand experience by building dedicated brand hubs in major cities and creating IONIQ-only spaces within dealerships. It plans to introduce IONIQ specialists and an expanded service program to support customers from purchase through maintenance. The company said it will adopt a “one price” policy across all sales channels to boost trust and will accelerate expansion of charging infrastructure and its battery service network.
Li Fenggang, general manager of Beijing Hyundai, said unveiling the IONIQ V in China is “more than introducing a new car,” calling it an expression of respect for the Chinese market and a firm commitment to the future. He said the IONIQ V and the new China strategy show Hyundai’s intent to set a new global standard for mobility based on China’s innovation capabilities.
Hyundai said it has set up a 1,816-square-meter booth at the Beijing motor show, running through May 3, displaying nine vehicles — the IONIQ V, the Venus concept, the Earth concept, the Elexio, the Palisade Hybrid, cutaway models of the IONIQ 9 and IONIQ 5 N — along with two MobED models.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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