2026 Busan Mobility Show: New Avante, IX7, and Sea Lion 6 Set to Debut
by Oh JooseokPosted : June 25, 2026, 18:12Updated : June 25, 2026, 18:12
The 2026 Busan Mobility Show will open at BEXCO in Busan on June 26. The image shows the 2024 Busan Mobility Show. [Photo by the Korean Automobile Journalists Association]
The 2026 Busan Mobility Show, a key event for the domestic automotive market, will kick off on June 26 after a two-year hiatus. This biennial event will see major automakers unveil new vehicles and future technologies as they compete for consumer attention.
This year, Hyundai Motor Group will debut the eighth-generation Avante, aiming to maintain its status as the "people's car." Chinese electric vehicle brand BYD, making its first appearance at the show, will showcase its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) strategy model.
According to industry sources, the most anticipated model at the Busan Mobility Show will be Hyundai's new Avante. The automaker will unveil the fully redesigned "The All-New Avante" during the opening ceremony, prominently displaying it in the largest exhibition area to attract visitors' attention.
Hyundai will unveil the 8th generation All-New Avante at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show. The image shows the 7th generation Avante. [Photo by Hyundai]
The new Avante will feature the next-generation infotainment system, "Pleos Connect," following its flagship sedan, the New Grandeur. It will also include a generative artificial intelligence (AI) agent, "Gleo AI," which communicates with drivers in real time.
Hyundai aims to evolve vehicles into "moving smart devices" that provide a user experience similar to smartphones in the long term.
Kia PV5 image. [Photo by Kia]
Kia will introduce its next-generation mobility strategy centered around the purpose-built vehicle (PBV) PV5. It will unveil three new PV5-based models, including a seven-passenger version and a high-roof cargo variant, ahead of their launch in the second half of the year. The company aims to showcase the versatility and scalability of PBVs, including applications for children's school buses. Genesis will also contribute by presenting the high-performance Magma GT concept and the GMR-001 hypercar design, which was revealed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, for the first time in Asia.
Silhouette of BYD's new model featuring DM-i technology. [Photo by BYD Korea]
BYD, which is gradually establishing itself in the Korean market, will also participate in the event for the first time. The company plans to introduce its next-generation plug-in hybrid technology, DM-i (Dual Mode-intelligent), in Korea for the first time. This technology is expected to be featured in the upcoming mid-size SUV, Sea Lion 6, which is preparing for its domestic launch. This move aims to expand BYD's reach into the growing plug-in hybrid market following its success with electric vehicles.
The traditional powerhouse BMW Group will showcase six models across its brands, including BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad, featuring the i7 among others. The company will also display electric models like the new all-electric MINI JCW Aceman, emphasizing the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. The British off-road brand Ineos Grenadier will make its debut at the show, while American pickup truck brand Ram will unveil the latest model of the "2026 Ram 1500" in Busan for the first time.
Visitors at the 2024 Busan Mobility Show examining vehicles. [Photo by the Korean Automobile Journalists Association]
Industry experts predict that the Busan Mobility Show will highlight the competitive landscape between Hyundai Motor Group, which aims to defend its domestic market share, and BYD, which is looking to expand its presence.
Moon Hak-hoon, a professor at Osan University’s Department of Future Electric Vehicles, stated, "The Busan Mobility Show will serve as a platform to observe Hyundai Motor Group's market defense strategies alongside the domestic market approaches of foreign brands like BYD."
