HYUNDAI REVEALS IONIQ CONCEPT THREE: A COMPACT EV BUILT FOR EUROPE - AND IT LOOKS AMAZING!
Hyundai has pulled the covers off Concept THREE, its first compact EV under the IONIQ sub-brand, at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. This is a clear sign of Hyundai’s next move: breaking into the compact EV market with something as stylish as it is practical. And if they can make it anything like the current IONIQ models, especially those with the N badge, they’re gonna do great in the wild. Until now, the IONIQ lineup has focused on midsize and large EVs. With Concept THREE, Hyundai is addressing the massive demand in Europe for smaller electric cars - driven by city living, stricter sustainability regulations, and the growing need for space-efficient mobility. Hyundai says Concept THREE marks a shift in its EV philosophy, moving beyond pure tech and into emotional connection. Think of it less as a rolling battery pack and more as a daily companion designed to feel good to drive, live with, and look at.
Concept THREE debuts a new design approach Hyundai calls “Art of Steel” - using the strength and flexibility of steel as inspiration for sculpted forms and precise lines. The result is a body that’s clean and flowing, but also sharp where it needs to be.
Key design highlights include:
Aero Hatch profile - Sleek, aerodynamic surfaces meet a vertical tailgate, giving it a distinctive roofline while maximising urban practicality.
Parametric Pixel lighting - Now more expressive, with gradients that create rhythm and depth front and rear.
Material-driven finishes - An anodised-effect exterior finish paired with lemon-tinted glass and wheels adds a playful pop of colour, flowing into a cabin dressed in calming yellow and grey tones.
It’s a compact EV that still carries the bold, pixel-heavy Hyundai identity while adding a fresh, almost sculptural edge.
The cabin is designed to be less “car interior” and more “furnished space.” Soft volumes, intuitive layouts, and tactile textures create an atmosphere that feels warm and uncluttered. Hyundai wants you to feel at ease here, not overwhelmed by screens and tech.
Some standout interior ideas:
Customisable “Bring Your Own Lifestyle” widgets - Modular add-ons that let drivers personalise their in-car experience.
Mr. Pix - A quirky digital character hidden throughout the car, offering playful interactive surprises.
Sustainable materials - including textiles made from ocean waste and lightweight aluminium foam - align with Hyundai’s eco-focused goals.
Concept THREE is all about Hyundai showing us where IONIQ is headed next: smaller, smarter EVs that aim to connect with drivers on both a practical and emotional level. Expect this to influence Hyundai’s next wave of production compacts - and given the brand’s track record of turning concepts into reality, don’t be surprised if we see something very close to this on European streets soon - and maybe on the Nurburgring when they slap an N badge on the rear.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the folks over at Electrifying who know a lot more about future EV technologies than we do as they take a look at the Concept THREE. How damn cool does it look?: FIRST LOOK: IONIQ Concept 3 – the next Hyundai IONIQ 3? | Electrifying
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