Hyundai Ioniq 3 set for mid-2026 launch with Concept Three influences

Update (October 31, 2025): Story revised with exclusive photos and observations from observing the Concept Three.

After introducing larger, higher-margin models like the Ioniq 6, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 9, Hyundai is turning its attention to smaller, more accessible EVs. The next entry is the Hyundai Ioniq 3, expected in mid-2026, which was previewed by the Concept Three at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich.

Confirmation & Target markets

Europe will be the Ioniq 3’s primary market, where compact EVs are in demand due to stricter emission regulations and their urban-friendly proportions. The model is also expected to roll out in Australia, New Zealand, and select Southeast Asian countries, catering to buyers looking for an affordable and stylish second car.

Design

We studied the Hyundai Concept Three in person at Auto Zurich 2025, and it’s clearly a design exercise that pushes well beyond what the production Ioniq 3 will offer next year. The shape looks futuristic, but the basic proportions and stance look close to what’s already been seen in prototypes on public roads.

In person, the car’s rear end stands out immediately. The ducktail spoiler is huge, more like something fitted on a performance car than a compact EV. The rear glass is short, which limits visibility, and the diffuser below it is oversized for an urban hatchback.

These features, including the gullwing doors, work as concept elements, but they’re unlikely to survive production. The tires are unusually wide, with a webbed pattern that looks optimized for show display. I expect standard-width tires and smaller wheels on the road-going Ioniq 3.

Viewed from the side, the sloping roofline makes it clear that Hyundai isn’t chasing maximum practicality with this model, differentiating it from the mechanically-related Kia EV3. Parked near the boxier Inster, the difference in attitude was obvious. The Concept Three is lower and sportier, aiming for a different type of buyer.

Source: YouTube/CarSpyMedia

We also noticed camera pods where the mirrors would normally sit, but digital mirrors are expensive, and may not be on the agenda for the Ioniq 3.

Interior

Inside, the Concept Three used bright yellow materials and seat-integrated speakers. The rear seat looked more like a lounge sofa than something meant for everyday use, but safely expect functional interiors in the production-spec Ioniq 3.

The dashboard and console were simple, with a dock that appeared to hold a smartphone in place, possibly hinting at a bring-your-own-infotainment approach in the entry-level variant.

In Europe, we just showed the Ioniq 3 as a true mass market EV, equipped with our next generation infotainment system.

Jose Munoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, at the 2025 CEO Investor Day on Sept 18, 2025

The Ioniq 3 is expected to come well-equipped. Wireless charging, USB-C ports, smart key with motion sensing, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel should be offered in higher variants. We also expect ambient lighting with multiple color selections and an optional panoramic roof.

Apple CarPlay Ultra & Pleos Connect

Hyundai has confirmed that the Ioniq 3 will come with its next-gen infotainment system. As per Top Gear, Apple CarPlay Ultra will be available as an option on the Ioniq 3, offering full-screen integration across the infotainment system and the digital gauge cluster, customizable themes and widgets, and deep vehicle-data blending.

The model is also expected to have Pleos Connect, Hyundai’s next-generation connected car platform which supports over-the-air software updates, advanced voice recognition, enhanced navigation, and Gleo AI.

Class-leading wheelbase

While it may not have the luxury factor, the Ioniq 3 will feature a long wheelbase that offers more space than its combustion-engined counterpart and other comparable EVs. Dedicated EV platforms allow a wheelbase longer than similar-sized gas models. Hyundai design boss SangYup Lee has said all Ioniq EV models will have a best-in-class wheelbase, as per a report from Car and Driver.

Lee said that the space revolution is the key for electric vehicles and utilizing the freed-up space opens up many new possibilities for designers. If not a movable island, the Ioniq 3 is expected to feature a large storage console between the seats.

Specifications

Battery & Range

The Ioniq 3 is expected to follow the same two-battery strategy as the Kia EV3. The standard-range version should use a 58 kWh battery pack and deliver up to 270 miles of range on the WLTP combined cycle. A long-range version with an 81 kWh pack could stretch that figure to about 375 miles (WLTP).

Performance

Both variants are likely to feature a single front-mounted motor producing 201 hp and 283 Nm of torque. Performance should include 0-62 mph in about 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) bi-directional charging is expected to be standard, enabling the car to power camping equipment, power tools, or small household appliances.

Safety

On the safety front, expected equipment includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and seven airbags, keeping the Ioniq 3 consistent with Hyundai’s strong safety record.

On the Ioniq 3 N

Hyundai executives have hinted to Auto Express that a hot Ioniq 3 N is under consideration following the Concept Three’s debut in Munich. “The concept is quite sporty, and obviously you have heritage with N brand,” said Hyundai Europe’s President & CEO Xavier Martinet, while the head of Hyundai Design Center Simon Loasby added the need for compact hot hatchbacks in Europe is “a topic for discussion.”

It felt like the Concept Three is Hyundai’s attempt to test a sportier interpretation of a small EV, which would help it make a decision and shape the Ioniq 3 N.

Price & Release Date

Pricing for the Hyundai Ioniq 3 in the UK is expected to start at around GBP 27,000 (USD ~36,604), positioning it slightly above its Kia sibling but below the Kona Electric. Sales are expected to commence in mid-2026 (July-September quarter) in Europe, as per Autocar UK.

Given its unique design and competitive expected specifications, the Ioniq 3 could also have potential in the U.S. If it manages to pass the North American entrance exam, it would slot below the Kona EV and compete with budget EVs from Chevrolet, Ford, and Nissan.

Likely to be assembled in HMGICS

The Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICS) currently rolls out the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. It is worth noting that this facility is just assembling the EV from completely knocked-down kits (CKDs), not conducting its full-scale production. Back on October 13, 2020, local publication Straits Times had reported that it will build even the yet-to-be-announced Ioniq 3.

The Singaporean plant could become Hyundai’s production site for domestic sales and regional exports. Given its focus on European cities, the main production center of the Ioniq 3 should be at one of Hyundai Motor Group’s plants in Europe.

Also Read: 8 Affordable Electric Cars expected in the U.S. (2025-2027)

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Featured Image Source: Hyundai

Sagar Parikh Web Editor

International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.