China-Only Hyundai Ioniq V May Preview Bold Styling for U.S.-Bound EVs

Hyundai just revealed a production EV for the Chinese market that could preview significant design changes for models headed our way. The Ioniq V – not V as in 5, but V as in Venus – is a wedge-shaped electric four-door with up to 375 miles of range and midsize sedan-like dimensions.

Unlike the Hyundai models we see here, the China-only Ioniq V has almost no physical controls inside, with most limited to the steering wheel. A 27-inch 4K display dominates the dash, and a head-up display replaces a traditional gauge cluster. The system uses an LLM-powered Smart AI assistant to enable deep voice controls, helping make up for the lack of buttons. Processing power comes from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset.

Advanced driver-assistance technologies include a pedal misapplication safety-assist system that helps prevent unintended acceleration, and the car also gets a range of other features powered by the Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta.

That’s all great, but the big story here is the car’s styling. Its wedge shape sharpens to slim LED lighting elements and a funky, angular lower front fascia. The windshield appears almost flat and reaches far up the roofline. While similar to the geometric shapes pioneered by the Ioniq 5, the V takes the concept to a new level.

The V is the first vehicle Hyundai has developed specifically for the Chinese market. It is the first of 20 new models targeted at buyers in one of the world’s largest and most enthusiastic EV markets. Hyundai’s “In China, For China, To Global” initiative will include midsize and large vehicles, as well as plug-in hybrid models.

Given the American market’s tendency to want normal-looking vehicles, it’s unclear how much of the V’s design language will make it to our shores. That said, Hyundai wasn’t shy with the Ioniq-branded vehicles we already have, so it will be interesting to see where the automaker goes in the future.