Hyundai Unveils All-New 8th Generation Avante at Busan Mobility Show

The All-New Avante exterior.[Photo=Hyundai]

Hyundai Motor Company has launched the 8th generation Avante, marking a complete redesign after six years, targeting the compact sedan market.

On June 26, Hyundai unveiled the new compact sedan, the All-New Avante, at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, making its global debut.

The All-New Avante is the first complete redesign since the 7th generation model was released in 2020. The Avante, Hyundai's flagship compact sedan, has earned the nickname "people's car" in South Korea due to its impressive sales figures.

The new Avante features a significantly updated design. Its exterior embodies Hyundai's design philosophy, "Art of Steel," showcasing a harmonious blend of refined lines and robust surfaces.

The front end is designed with sleek, slim LED lights that form an H shape, creating an H-edge lighting effect for the daytime running lights, which gives the vehicle a wider and lower appearance. The side profile maintains a traditional three-box structure, with the engine, cabin, and trunk distinctly separated, achieving a refined silhouette and classic sedan proportions.

Additionally, the slim-neck outside mirrors, lift-up flush door handles, and bold side skirt design contribute to a clean and futuristic impression. The rear features tail lights that echo the front's H-edge lighting design, emphasizing a wide and low stance.

The All-New Avante exterior.[Photo=Hyundai]

The All-New Avante measures 4,765 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,425 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. Compared to the previous model, the length and wheelbase have increased by 55 mm and 30 mm, respectively, while the width has grown by 30 mm, providing a spacious interior akin to that of a mid-size vehicle.

A key feature of this new model is its enhanced software capabilities. Following the flagship sedan Grandeur, Hyundai has introduced the next-generation infotainment system, Pleos Connect, and the next-generation generative AI agent, Gleow AI.

Gleow AI is based on a large language model (LLM) and supports not only vehicle control but also information retrieval, travel itinerary recommendations, and natural conversation. It acts as an intelligent assistant, proactively providing drivers with relevant information.

Inside, the vehicle features a 14.6-inch or 12.9-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, harmoniously integrated with physical buttons to offer a spacious feel and intuitive user interface.

The All-New Avante interior.[Photo=Hyundai]

The powertrain options include a gasoline 2.0-liter engine and a 1.6-liter hybrid. The gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 149 horsepower, an increase of 26 horsepower compared to the previous 1.6-liter gasoline model, and is paired with an IVT transmission to enhance both performance and efficiency.

The hybrid model features a Smartstream 1.6-liter hybrid engine, improved drive motor, and battery, achieving a combined maximum output of 157 horsepower.

At the Busan Mobility Show, Hyundai plans to showcase the All-New Avante alongside its strategy for transitioning to software-centric vehicles and its vision for future mobility, aiming to strengthen its competitiveness in the sedan market.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Oh Jooseok farbrother@ajunews.com