Hyundai and BAIC's EV Designs: A Competitive Edge in the Local Market

KatadataOTO – South Korean automotive manufacturer, Hyundai, had difficulty competing with the flood of electric cars from China. Especially in China, the prices are very competitive and tend to be affordable.

In 2023, Hyundai's sales in China were considered poor, a stark contrast to their global achievements which were on the rise.

In the run-up to the end of 2024, Hyundai and BAIC, a local Chinese brand, formed a joint venture to produce Hyundai models tailored to the needs and tastes of Chinese consumers. 

Recently, Beijing Hyundai revealed the presence of their first all-electric SUV (sport utility vehicle).

Photo : Beijing Hyundai

Reporting from the official Beijing Hyundai website, on Sunday (30/03), the electric car is being tested in cold weather conditions, or winter testing, in Heihe, China.

“The first pure electric SUV from Beijing Hyundai undergoes winter testing in Heihe, challenging its braking performance,” read the statement from Beijing Hyundai.

Unfortunately, there is no further information regarding the specifications of Beijing Hyundai's newest electric car. Even its exterior, down to the wheel design, is wrapped in camouflage.

So only its posture is visible, which is similar to the Ioniq 9, but with smaller dimensions. However, its front fascia bears a fleeting resemblance to the Aion V electric car.

The Ioniq 9 itself will likely not be marketed in China. Therefore, the presence of this model is touted as its replacement, still part of the Ioniq EV series.

Visible on the rear, Hyundai has embedded pixel-patterned taillights, one of the identities of the newest vehicle line from the manufacturer with the slanted H logo.

There is a high probability that Hyundai will use the e-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), as used in the Hyundai and Kia EV lines, such as the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9.

Photo : Beijing Hyundai

If it uses a similar platform, the assumption is that the car, predicted to be the Ioniq 4, can be equipped with a large-capacity battery of up to 110.3 kWh, offering impressive range and performance.

In China, Hyundai currently only sells one electric car model, the Ioniq 5 N. The high-performance EV has also been launched in Indonesia with a price tag in the range of Rp 1 billion.

According to preliminary information, the precursor to the Ioniq 4 will be sold exclusively in China. Hyundai has other plans for the global market, including the introduction of the Ioniq 9 and a rally version of the Inster in several countries.