Hyundai is going big, quite literally. A new electric SUV is on the horizon to sit above the Ioniq 5. Arriving in 2024, the Ioniq 7 will likely be the largest vehicle to ride on the E-GMP dedicated electric platform. In the meantime, the SEVEN concept previews the production model these days at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show where it’s flaunting a futurist and minimalist design.
With a massive wheelbase of 3,200 millimeters (126 inches), it’s safe to assume the road-going vehicle will offer three rows of seats. However, the concept has a lounge-like cabin with just two seats and a corner sofa. The relaxing interior configuration was conceived to illustrate Hyundai’s vision of a fully autonomous car that does all the hard work while those sitting inside can just relax as if they’re in a living room.
As seen on the smaller Ioniq 5, the SEVEN adopts the Parametic Pixels theme for the lights, lending the spectacular concept an avant-garde look while making it stand out among all other electric SUVs. Emphasizing the idea of less is more, Hyundai has removed the door handles and side mirrors, but it goes without saying the production version will have them. In some markets where the laws allow it, we are expecting cameras as seen on the Ioniq 5.
Even though it’s fairly boxy, the South Korean brand says the SEVEN has an “aerodynamically pure silhouette” and proportions typical of a vehicle without a combustion engine. The suicide doors are a nice touch, but don’t hold your breath to see the Ioniq 7 without a traditional B-pillar. We could say the same thing about the OLED screen mounted onto the roof as part of the multimedia system as it’s unlikely to be found on the final version.
Hyundai remains tight-lipped about the technical specification as aside from revealing the size of that generous wheelbase, it only says the battery can last for more than 300 miles and can be charged at 350 kW. The state of charge goes from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. The range isn’t particularly impressive, but let’s keep in mind this will be a fullsize, three-row electric SUV, meaning it’s going to be heavy. It is especially true since the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 already tips the scales at around 2,100 kilograms (4,629 pounds).
Before coming out with this large-and-in-charge SUV, Hyundai will release the Ioniq 6 next year as a swoopy sedan riding on the same E-GMP platform.
Source: Hyundai
