Hyundai has once again stirred excitement among EV enthusiasts by teasing its latest innovation: the Concept THREE—a bold, new compact EV concept under the IONIQ sub‑brand. Serving as a design statement and a preview of the upcoming IONIQ 3 production model, the Concept THREE promises to redefine expectations for small electric vehicles. Set to debut globally at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich (September 9–14), this concept marks Hyundai’s return to a major European mobility event after a four‑year hiatus.
Design Philosophy: Art of Steel Meets Aero Hatch
At the heart of the Concept THREE lies Hyundai’s refined Art of Steel design language—a philosophy inspired by the fluidity and sculptural nature of bending steel. The teaser image showcases a side profile imbued with sculpted surfaces, sharp character lines, and clean intersections, striking a balance between elegance and motion.
Most notably, the Concept THREE introduces an entirely new body style: the Aero Hatch. This innovative silhouette weaves together aerodynamic practicality and emotional design appeal. With an elongated roofline that tapers at the rear, sporty stance, and clean form, the Aero Hatch typology offers an aerodynamic edge without compromising aesthetic grace.
Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center, described the project as “an opportunity to rethink the compact EV from the ground up,” aiming for a silhouette that “captures a sense of flow and becomes a beautifully proportioned sculpture.”
Interior designer Manuel Schoettle added that the authenticity in how the steel is featured “felt natural,” making the Concept THREE “extremely pure.”
A Look at the Teaser: What’s Visible
The teaser sketch reveals a dynamic, motorsport-inspired exterior—complete with a sizeable rear wing or ducktail spoiler, rear diffuser, and pronounced front splitter. Slim, wraparound LED lighting and flared haunches infuse the compact hatchback with both aggression and refinement.
Hints of full-width LED light signatures echo those of the IONIQ 6 sedan, lending a cohesive visual cue to the evolving EV lineup.
From Concept to Production: The Road Ahead
All signs point to the IONIQ 3 production model rising directly from the Concept THREE’s DNA. Reports indicate that this vehicle will likely debut in mid‑2026, targeting a Q3 start for production and early deliveries.
Expected to ride on Hyundai’s proven E‑GMP platform (shared with the Kia EV3), the IONIQ 3 is rumored to offer two battery configurations—around 58.3 kWh and a larger 81.4 kWh pack—with potential ranges up to 599 km (WLTP).
Specifications may include a front-mounted electric motor producing approximately 201 hp, paired with an advanced infotainment system capable of adjusting ambient lighting and cabin acoustics according to driving modes or user preferences.
Positioned as the smallest member of the IONIQ family, the IONIQ 3 aims to fill a niche above the INSTER EV, serving as an organic electric alternative to Hyundai’s existing small models in markets like Europe and India.
Why it Matters
- Revolutionizing Small EV Design: Hyundai’s Art of Steel and the Aero Hatch embody a bold, refined vision that elevates compact EV aesthetics.
- Urban Performance Meets Elegance: With sporty cues and efficient shaping, the Concept THREE suggests a new era of agile, stylish city EVs.
- European Market Reemergence: Hyundai’s return to IAA Mobility underscores its renewed commitment to European EV leadership.
- Expanding the IONIQ Lineup: Adding a compact, design-forward hatch to the IONIQ range strengthens Hyundai’s appeal to broader demographics.
Final Thoughts
Hyundai’s Concept THREE isn’t just another EV concept—it’s a visionary step toward blending fluid design, aerodynamic innovation, and practicality in compact electric vehicles. Promising to culminate in the IONIQ 3, this concept heralds a transformative chapter for urban EVs worldwide.