Eagerly Awaited Hyundai Elexio Spotted in Australia Ahead of 2026 launch

Hyundai’s next all electric SUV has made a surprise appearance down under, confirming that the Elexio’s Australian debut is edging closer. A white, undisguised example of the mid size EV was photographed in Melbourne this week while being transported on the back of a truck, sparking fresh excitement among buyers waiting for Hyundai’s next electric move.

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Early Signs and Australian Testing

This latest sighting builds on months of clues that the Elexio is almost ready for its showroom arrival down under. The model first popped up in Australian homologation filings earlier this year, signalling regulatory approval.

Soon after, a camouflaged test vehicle was spotted roaming a Sydney car park, hinting that Hyundai engineers were already fine tuning the SUV for our conditions. The company later confirmed the Elexio would officially launch early next year.

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The Elexio comes from Beijing Hyundai, a joint venture between Hyundai and China’s BAIC Motor. Despite its Chinese roots, it is built on familiar foundations. The SUV rides on the same version of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform used by the Kia EV5, suggesting solid efficiency and modern EV tech under the skin.

Power, Range and Market Positioning

Two drivetrains will be offered. A single motor rear drive model produces 160 kilowatts, while a dual motor all wheel drive variant steps up to 230 kilowatts. Both draw power from an 88.1 kilowatt hour battery that should deliver more than 500 kilometres of range on the WLTP cycle. Charging is expected to be competitive, with the battery able to jump from 30 to 80 per cent in roughly 27 minutes on a high power DC charger.

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Inside, Hyundai appears to be aiming for a tech forward feel. The Elexio features a large 27 inch ultra thin 4K display and a head up display, setting it up nicely for buyers who want a modern cabin without luxury car pricing.

When it arrives, the Elexio will slot into one of Australia’s most competitive segments. It will go head to head with the Tesla Model Y and Geely EX5, offering Hyundai another shot at capturing EV customers who find the Ioniq 5 too expensive. Pricing has not been confirmed, but expectations suggest the Elexio will land below the Ioniq 5, which now starts at $76,200 before on road costs.

Hyundai’s broader electric strategy is accelerating as well. A high performance version of the Ioniq 6 is locked in for a 2026 launch in Australia, joining a refreshed EV portfolio that recently underwent a major simplification. The brand is also preparing the next generation Nexo SUV, which will continue Hyundai’s hydrogen efforts when it arrives in 2026.

With the Elexio now seen in Australia without camouflage, the countdown has effectively begun. Hyundai’s electric SUV lineup is growing, and the newest addition looks ready to shake up the mid size EV market the moment it lands.