Hyundai is reportedly preparing to expand its Ioniq electric vehicle family with two additional models, the Ioniq 4 and Ioniq 7, within the next 12 to 18 months. According to British automotive publication Auto Express, the two models are expected to be electric SUVs positioned between the existing Ioniq 3, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 9.
Hyundai describes Ioniq as a dedicated sub-brand for next-generation electric vehicles and e-mobility. The lineup currently includes the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Ioniq 9, and the recently introduced Ioniq 3 in Germany. The Ioniq 3 is a compact hatchback with an aerodynamic body and a starting price of €28,950.
Ioniq 4 Could Enter Compact SUV Segment
Auto Express reports that Hyundai intends to broaden the Ioniq range to address gaps in its electric vehicle portfolio. The reported Ioniq 4 would adopt a more conventional SUV body and sharper styling than the Ioniq 3, positioning it between the Ioniq 3 and Ioniq 5.
The model would give Hyundai an electric compact SUV in a segment where sister brand Kia already offers the EV3 and EV5. According to the report, production of the Ioniq 4 could begin in 2027.
The vehicle is expected to share some interior design characteristics with the Ioniq 3 and could reportedly be offered with 42 kWh and 61 kWh battery options. Hyundai has not yet confirmed the model or its specifications.
During Hyundai’s strategy day in August, the company announced plans for a new electric SUV in the B-segment. Auto Express suggests that this vehicle could become the Ioniq 4.
When asked whether the potential model would be based on the Kia EV3, Hyundai’s European product chief Chris McKinnon did not confirm the relationship.
“I really can’t answer that question, to be honest. Watch this space,” Chris McKinnon said.
McKinnon also described the segment as important for Hyundai but did not provide additional details about the vehicle.
Ioniq 7 Could Target Mid-Size Electric SUVs
The reported Ioniq 7 would sit higher in the range, between the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9. Auto Express describes it as a family-oriented mid-size electric SUV with sharper styling.
The model could reportedly use an 800-volt electrical architecture and be offered with both single-motor and dual-motor configurations. Battery capacity and driving-range figures have not yet been disclosed.
If introduced, the Ioniq 7 would expand Hyundai’s presence in the mid-size electric SUV segment, while the existing Ioniq 9 remains the brand’s largest electric SUV and shares its platform with the Kia EV9.
Neither the Ioniq 4 nor Ioniq 7 has been officially confirmed by Hyundai.
Ioniq Became Hyundai’s Dedicated EV Sub-Brand in 2020
Hyundai first introduced the Ioniq name in 2016 with the original Ioniq, which was offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric vehicle. The name combines the words “ion” and “unique,” according to Hyundai.
Production of the original Ioniq ended in July 2022.
In August 2020, Hyundai established Ioniq as a dedicated battery-electric vehicle sub-brand and initially announced three dedicated models: the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Ioniq 7.
The Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) was selected as the technical foundation for the dedicated Ioniq lineup. Hyundai subsequently renamed the originally planned Ioniq 7 as the Ioniq 9, leaving the Ioniq 7 name available for the reported mid-size electric SUV.
