Hyundai Launches New Electric SUV For China, But Could It Reach Australia?

Hyundai isn’t slowing down in the global EV race. While the IONIQ 9 is set to make waves in the U.S. and the budget-friendly Inster EV is already stirring up demand in Europe, the South Korean automaker is now taking aim at China—\the world’s largest EV market. And we now have our first proper look at what could be the IONIQ 4, a brand-new electric SUV designed specifically for Chinese consumers.

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Hyundai Doubles Down on China Despite Intense Competition

Unlike some legacy carmakers that are scaling back operations in China due to intense competition from domestic EV manufacturers, Hyundai is doing the opposite. The company has ramped up its commitment with the Hyundai Motor China Advanced Tech and R&D Center, its first digital R&D facility outside South Korea. This center is crucial to Hyundai’s strategy of tailoring its EVs to Chinese buyers by integrating local technology and design elements.

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The logic behind this move is clear. With brands like BYD and Nio dominating the market, Hyundai knows it can’t just drop a global model into China and expect it to perform well. It needs something purpose-built for the region, and that’s exactly what this new electric SUV aims to be.

A First Look at Hyundai’s Upcoming Electric SUV

This week, Beijing Hyundai released the first spy shots of the new EV prototype, showcasing a vehicle that shares design cues with the IONIQ 9 but in a more compact, city-friendly form. A full-width light bar at the front, a closed-off grille, and a sleek, futuristic rear light strip suggest that Hyundai is keeping its signature styling alive while adapting to local market preferences.

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There’s no official name yet, but Hyundai’s pattern of using the “E” designation in IONIQ names strongly suggests that this could be the long-rumored IONIQ 4. The vehicle is expected to ride on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the same architecture that underpins the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Genesis GV60. However, one big question remains: will it get the premium 800V charging system, or will Hyundai opt for a more affordable 400V setup to keep costs down?

Could This SUV Work in Australia?

While this new model is being developed primarily for China, its potential extends beyond a single market. We’ve already seen Kia’s EV5, a compact electric SUV originally designed for China, find success in Australia.

Early reviews have been positive praising its practicality, design, and affordability. If the EV5 can carve out a space here, there’s no reason Hyundai couldn’t follow suit with its own version.

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Australia’s EV market is evolving rapidly, and there’s growing demand for affordable, practical electric SUVs. The challenge for Hyundai will be ensuring that this model meets Australian safety and regulatory standards, as well as securing a competitive price point against rivals like the BYD Atto 3, Tesla Model Y and new competitors like the Geely EX5.

What’s Next?

Hyundai’s new electric SUV is set to launch in China later this year, with full specifications and pricing expected to be revealed soon. While there’s no confirmation on whether it will make its way to Australia, the success of similar models like the Kia EV5 proves that there’s a strong case for it.

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If Hyundai wants to keep its momentum in the global EV race, expanding this model beyond China could be a smart move. With the Australian market showing increased interest in electric SUVs, this could be the perfect time for Hyundai to introduce a fresh competitor.

Stay tuned for more updates as Hyundai officially unveils its latest EV challenger. Would you like to see the IONIQ 4 in Australia? Let us know in the comments!