Beijing Hyundai unveils Elexio electric SUV
It’s the brand’s first SUV built on a fully electric platform, having been developed over the last five years with the Chinese market in mind. Specifically, it uses Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and boasts a driving range of more than 700km. (This is likely using the Chinese CLTC test cycle though, which typically yields longer ranges than the European WLTP standard.) Fast charging is available, with capacity purportedly increasing from 30 to 80 per cent in 27 minutes – although this seems somewhat outdated given that EV brands in China are becoming increasingly competitive when it comes to charging capacities.
On the exterior, the Elexio boasts a distinctive exterior with crystal-inspired running lights featuring the number 8, a symbol of luck in China. There’s a through-type light strip, illuminated logo, and two-tone front bumper. 20-inch multi-spoke wheels sit within pronounced wheel arches, alongside hidden door handles and a floating roof. There’s not many details on the interior yet, but the cabin is anticipated to feature premium materials and a wraparound cockpit.
Under the bonnet, the Elexio will feature a new infotainment display powered by a Qualcomm 8295P chip, as well as an L2+ intelligent driving assist system to aid drivers with highway navigation. Eventually, the brand, plans to upgrade the assisted driving functions and introduce memory parking later this year, with urban driving assistance functionality anticipated for 2026 using Huawei’s Harmonyos Intelligent Mobility solutions.
A joint venture between Hyundai and BAIC Motor, Beijing Hyundai says it hopes the vehicle will be part of a comeback for joint venture automakers in China. The brand states it plans to build new lines of BEVs, PHEVs, and EREV products spanning sedans, SUVs and MPVs. Both companies own a 50% stake in the venture, having injected around $548m into it. According to Chinese publication Gasgoo, Beijing Hyundai is also intended to function as Hyundai Motor’s global export hub with a production capacity of 500,000 units per year and 100,000 of these reserved for export.
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