[Beijing Motor Show 2026] "In China, For China, Toward the World"... Hyundai Bets on China-Specific Ioniq

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its first mass-produced Ioniq model tailored specifically for the Chinese market. This move demonstrates the company's determination to regain its market share in China, which has not recovered since the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) crisis, through a full-fledged electrification strategy.

Hyundai Ioniq 5. Hyundai Motor Company

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On April 24, Hyundai Motor Company held the world premiere of the "Ioniq V" at the 2026 Beijing International Motor Show (Auto China 2026), which took place at the China International Exhibition Center Shunyi Hall.

The Ioniq V is the production version of the "Venus Concept" that was unveiled on April 9. As the first China-strategy model under the Ioniq brand, it is optimized for the lifestyle of Chinese customers and offers market-leading features tailored to their needs.

The Ioniq V boasts Hyundai's advanced electrification technology and expertise, resulting in a refined and quiet driving experience with outstanding product value. Through technological collaboration with local companies, the model is equipped with a platform and battery optimized for local conditions.

The design of the Ioniq V is based on Hyundai's new design language, "The Origin," which focuses on creating an exceptional first impression. "The Origin" embodies Hyundai's commitment to leading the market with a new design tailored to the lifestyle and needs of Chinese consumers.

The Ioniq V measures 4,900 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, 1,470 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. Legroom is 1,078 mm for the first row and 1,019 mm for the second row. Shoulder room is 1,502 mm for the first row and 1,473 mm for the second row, offering class-leading interior space and comfort.

In addition, the model is equipped with a wide range of advanced features, including a Horizon Head-Up Display (H-HUD), Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset, and a large 27-inch 4K display, providing a convenient and pleasant user experience. Removable physical buttons can be attached below the large display, allowing customers to customize their interface according to their preferences.

The next-generation immersive audio technology, Dolby Atmos, comes standard, delivering spatial audio through a total of eight speakers. This enables a balanced sound experience in every seat, allowing for more immersive enjoyment of music, movies, and other content inside the vehicle.

Hyundai has also equipped the Ioniq V with crystal-shaped mood lamps, integrated into the left and right sides of the crash pad and synchronized with the air conditioning, speed, and drive mode settings, to enhance the premium feel. For the first time in a Hyundai vehicle, an electric air vent has been introduced, creating a clean and futuristic interior design.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is set to launch at the Hyundai booth at the 2026 Beijing Motor Show on the 24th. Beijing, China ? Photo by Youngchan Choi

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The Ioniq V delivers not only a striking exterior and advanced features but also excellent driving performance.

Hyundai has achieved precise and stable handling through meticulous chassis tuning, while optimizing the rear suspension bushing structure to minimize road shock.

Additionally, by improving tire performance and reinforcing body rigidity, the company has reduced road noise. The application of sound-insulating glass, optimization of the side mirror shape, and use of advanced sound-absorbing and insulating materials have further reduced wind noise at high speeds.

The vehicle also comes equipped with various safety and convenience features, including Pedal Misoperation Safety Assist (PMSA), which provides emergency braking to prevent accidents in case of pedal misapplication, a nine-airbag system, Smooth Mode to minimize motion sickness with gentle acceleration and deceleration, a smart artificial intelligence (AI) system based on a large language model (LLM), and Walk-Away Lock, among others.

Furthermore, the platform jointly developed with Hyundai's joint venture partner, BAIC Motor, has been adopted, and a battery developed in collaboration with China's leading battery manufacturer CATL has been installed. According to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standard, the vehicle is expected to achieve a driving range of more than 600 kilometers on a single charge. In addition, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features have been implemented through collaboration with Momenta, a Chinese autonomous driving technology specialist.

On this day, Hyundai also presented a comprehensive strategy for the Chinese market, including ongoing investment, development of locally tailored products, and strengthened partnerships. Hyundai plans to launch a new electrified SUV in the first half of next year and continue to expand its electrified lineup-including extended range electric vehicles (EREVs)-to the mid- and large-size segments, introducing 20 new vehicle models to the Chinese market over the next five years.

Li Fenggang, President of Beijing Hyundai, stated, "Unveiling the Ioniq V in China, a global leader in electrification, is not just about introducing a new car. It expresses our deep respect for the Chinese market and our firm commitment to its future. The Ioniq V and our new China market strategy showcase Hyundai's intention to set a new global mobility standard, leveraging China's capacity for innovation."

Jose Munoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, added, "China is the place that combines the fastest development speed, excellent battery supply chain, demanding EV consumers, and a sophisticated innovation ecosystem. For Hyundai, China is an essential and core market."

He continued, "From large-scale investments in Beijing Hyundai, to the launch of 20 new models over the next five years, the official introduction of the Ioniq brand in China, and the unveiling of the Ioniq V, we are opening the strongest, most ambitious, and most anticipated new chapter in the Chinese market. Based on our 'In China, For China, Toward the World' strategy, we will work together to define the future of mobility in China."

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