Hyundai Ioniq 7: Everything we know in March 2023 [Update]

Update: ‘Interior’ section updated.

With the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 out of the pipeline, the next big Hyundai EV debut is the Hyundai Ioniq 7. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming flagship Ioniq model that will seat 6-7 occupants:

Three-row mid-size electric SUV

The Hyundai Ioniq 7 will be a mid-size vehicle (as per U.S. classification) and offer plenty of space. José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America, has confirmed that it will be a three-row model. The revelations don’t differ from the speculation, but it’s nice to get confirmation as we can now list them as facts.

We will follow the exciting Ioniq 5 compact CUV with the stunning Ioniq 6 mid-size sedan next year and the Ioniq 7 three-row mid-size SUV in 2024, and that is just the beginning. Hyundai will introduce 23 battery electric vehicles worldwide by 2025.

José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America (Ioniq 5 U.S. debut, in 2021)

During the online presentation of the E-GMP architecture in December 2020, HMG slyly teased the Ioniq 7, showing its outline in the form of suspended art. The silhouette showed a large SUV with traditional proportions while elaborating on the platform layout and variable width, overhang, and wheelbase composition that can be applied to multiple segments.

Ioniq 7: Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV in the making

Space & road presence

The Hyundai Ioniq 7 will be an interesting amalgamation of traditional SUV styling with modern SUV characteristics. It will sit close to the ground and feature a sloping roofline and a slightly hunched tail section.

The Ioniq 6 features over 700 Parametric Pixels in multiple places, such as headlamps, rear combination lamps, front lower sensors, air vent garnishes, and console indicator. Considering the Ioniq 7’s size, it may integrate more. Cool Hunting reported on August 24, 2022, that the Ioniq 7 will feature seven pixels on the front spoiler to display charging status. There will likely also be 4-dot Interactive Pixel Lights on the steering wheel of the large electric SUV. You can also expect to see flush door handles and camera-based digital side mirrors, although the availability of the latter depends on local regulations.

Hyundai has proven that it can design production EVs very close to concept versions and still offer them at a fair price. As radical as the Seven concept (detailed in the following section) may look, the Ioniq 7 will not be far from it. Munoz straight out told MotorTrend that the production version would be “pretty close,” so close that we’ll be “amazed.”

Our exclusive rendering (above) shows the Hyundai’s flagship EV in a production-ready state. We’ve tweaked the front lights with a higher focus on illumination and range than styling, cast new bumpers with provision for the electronics, modified the bonnet and sidewall to accommodate an accessible frunk, swapped the retractable side mirrors with fixed digital mirrors, replaced the pillarless coach doors with regular doors featuring flush-fitted handles, rims inspired by the Prophecy and Seven Concept vehicles, added a charging port, shark fin antenna, and new rocker panels for realism. Additionally, we chose a body color that is neither the stereotypical blue color nor the concept’s green.

Hyundai will adopt several some eco-friendly measures for the Ioniq 7’s exterior. Like on the Ioniq 6, it may use recycled pigment paint from end-of-life tires on the cladding and bamboo charcoal pigment paint on the body.

Hyundai Seven Concept

Simon Loasby, Head of Hyundai Style Group, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) told Car And Driver that the Ioniq 7 will carry the Seven’s pixel light headlights. The production model will feature a flat and translucent cover over the pixel-shaped lights instead of separate lights. The latter would look original and more appealing, but it wouldn’t be as practical, as it accumulates dirt.

A feature of the front-end that won’t make it to production will be the hood-integrated brand logo. It’s easier done on plastic panels, like that of the concept, than on sheet metal. Loasby also revealed that the production model will feature a frunk (front trunk) for extra cargo space. He confirmed that the concept’s all-glass tailgate would not make it to the Ioniq 7.

Interior

Car And Driver has been told the interior of the Seven concept is less representative of the production model’s cabin. Only some elements will appear in the Ioniq 7, like the capsule-shaped cut-outs in the door panels, for instance.

MotorTrend also received the information that the interior will have extensive changes. SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hyundai Design, has said that the company envisioned the Seven concept for the fully-autonomous driving future, and hence the interior “is a little more visionary.” Obvious changes would be a regular steering wheel in place of the retractable one and a center console (not present in the concept).

Gil Castillo, senior group manager, Alternative Vehicle and Advanced Vehicle Strategy, Hyundai Motor North America, told MotorTrend that Hyundai can carry over the concept’s Vision Roof Display to the Ioniq 7. However, offering this feature might not make sense now, Castillo said. The company used it in the concept only to explore how far it could stretch to convert EVs into a living space when fully autonomous driving becomes commonplace.

Swiveling seats

Among the features that we expect to see in the production model is the swiveling rear seat. However, there might be two of them instead of just one.

Hyundai could offer lounge-style swiveling second-row seats in a comfort-focused version that accommodates six people. The swiveling seats may allow the rear-seat passengers in the second and third rows to sit face-to-face, and that’d be particularly useful for business executives and VIPs trying to make the best out of their travel time. A more practical seven-seat version with a normal bench will likely be the standard fitment, though. The third-row passengers are unlikely to feel left out of features, as Hyundai may offer cup holders and mobile charging ports for them, too.

‘Phygital’ interior

Another highlight of the interior could be a new display concept in which there’s a dedicated climate control display placed between the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. A mix of a dashboard-integrated touch-controlled panel and physical controls like buttons and knurls should allow accessing the various functions of these displays.

Specifications

A Carscoops report has said that the Hyundai Ioniq 7 will come in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The all-wheel drive variant will offer a system power of 308 hp. A 100 kWh battery pack will supply electricity to the motor(s), and the car could offer a ground clearance of more than 8 inches.

According to a report from The Korea Times (dated February 2, 2021), the Ioniq 7 will likely come with SK Innovation battery packs (with pouch cells) as part of the third batch. Later, a report from autohome.com.cn (dated February 9, 2021) said that the battery packs of the Hyundai Ioniq 7 will come from SK Innovation and CATL. HMG conducted vendor bidding for battery packs of three of its EVs, including the Hyundai Ioniq 7, in 2021. South Korea’s SK Innovation and China’s CATL won the bids.

Aspect	Hyundai Ioniq 7 Specification (Expected)
Length	195 in.
Width	81 in.
Height	70 in.
Wheelbase	122 in.
Driveline	RWD/AWD
Max. System Power	308 hp
Battery Pack Capacity	100 kWh
Range (EPA)	300+ miles
Peak DC Charging Power	350 kW
10-80% DC Fast-Charging Time	~20 minutes
V2L	Yes

Improved power module

Hyundai’s E-GMP platform will soon benefit from new silicon-carbide (SiC) power modules, according to a press release by STMicroelectronics dated December 7, 2022. The ACEPACK DRIVE SiC-MOSFET Gen3 power modules will deliver higher performance and longer driving range over previous-gen units. Of the five modules, three have already entered full-scale production – the remaining two will do so by March 2023.

Equipped with the company’s “sintering technology”, these new modules will be more reliable and robust than ever. Apart from their improved energy efficiency and higher power density, the ‘plug-and-play’ third-gen modules support direct liquid cooling and can handle charging voltages of up to 1200 volts. It’s truly possible that all (current and future) E-GMP models from Hyundai and Kia will get them, thereby benefiting from shorter charging periods, higher maximum range, and improved overall performance.

Features

New ambient lighting

We expect the Ioniq 7 to feature Dual Color Ambient Lighting that allows customers to choose from 64 single colors and six dual theme colors. Like in the Ioniq 6, this feature could work with a Speed Sync Lighting mode that changes the brightness of the interior lighting in the first row as per the speed of the vehicle.

Advanced and recycled materials

Thanks to the premium positioning, it might be possible for Hyundai to use newly developed high-tech materials on the Ioniq 7. One of the many innovative features of the large electric SUV could be paints and trims that serve more than just aesthetics.

Several interior touchpoints, such as door trim, headliner, seats, armrest, and floor, could be made from eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials. Plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, recycled PET bottles, bio paint with plant extracts, recycled fishing net carpet, and artificial leather with plant-based extracts could be some of the eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials.

The Ioniq 6 is the first Ioniq model in which Hyundai has used recycled fishing net carpet. Moreover, the company has applied eco-process leather and recycled PET fabric for its seats, bio TPO skin for its dashboard, and bio paint derived from vegetable oils for the doors. The electric sedan’s headliner also sees the usage of recycled PET fabric.

Electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD)

In addition to Speed Sync Lightning, Electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD) could help make the driving experience exciting. e-ASD emits a spacecraft-like driving sound through the speakers based on the speed of the vehicle, the torque state of its motor, and the intensity with which the driver pushes the accelerator pedal.

Highway Driving Pilot

At Hyundai Motor Company (HMC)’s 2022 CEO Investor Day, its President and CEO Jaehoon Chang said that the Genesis G90 will become a Level 3 autonomous driving capable car with Highway Driving Pilot (HDP). This will make the G90 among the first mass-produced car with Level 3 autonomy.

Currently, most vehicles across the globe, with this feature, use Level 2 and Level 2+ semi-autonomous systems, although Mercedes-Benz has introduced Level 3 cars already.

Level 3 autonomy allows drivers to do other activities; however, it’s conditional, and drivers must be ready to take over if required. The system uses Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), various AI systems, and onboard sensors. LIDAR is a crucial component of autonomy. According to a report from The Korea Economic Daily, Hyundai will install LIDAR sensors on all Level 3 cars, and the same can be expected in the Ioniq 7. However, local regulations would decide whether this technology is available.

The lower variants of the Ioniq 7 should have semi-autonomous driving features of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The electric crossover comes with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDAII), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), and many more advanced driver assistance systems. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) that lets the driver remotely park or exit a parking spot for parallel and perpendicular parking should also be included in the list of autonomous driving functions.

Hyundai says that in Level 3, “the car is able to manage safety functions under certain conditions, but the driver is expected to take over when alerted.”

Autonomous Parking with RSPA2

Apart from autonomous driving, the Hyundai Ioniq 7 may offer the convenience of autonomous parking. It could feature the company’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) in its most developed version. Chang said at HMC’s 2022 CEO Investor Day that RSPA 2 will get updated through OTA and HMC will continue its development to provide a remote parking function. Like the Ioniq 6, the Ioniq 7 should support over-the-air software updates.

On October 11, 2022, HMG announced that it will offer Feature on Demand (FoD) services from 2023. The Ioniq 7 should come with this convenience. Customers will likely be able to access new functions and features, including those for autonomous driving, by paying for them online and enabling them at any point during their lease or ownership.

Digital Key

Another highlight of the Hyundai Ioniq 7 could be the next-gen Digital Key. Hyundai’s current Digital Key technology allows users to unlock and start their Hyundai via their smartphone. The Digital Key is downloaded via a smartphone application and can be used by up to four authorized people.

Currently, the user needs to hold the smartphone with the Digital Key against the driver or front passenger door handle to unlock the car. The Hyundai Ioniq 7 could come with the more advanced Digital Key 3.0 that needs the user’s smartphone to be in enough proximity to the vehicle for a specific time period to unlock the doors. It provides passive access where the user would not need to lift the smartphone out of the pocket or bag.

V2L (Vehicle to Load)

One of the first features of the Ioniq that 5 Hyundai featured in its marketing campaign was V2L. This utility feature should be available even in the Ioniq 7. V2L allows using the electrical energy stored inside the vehicle’s battery pack to power external devices like domestic appliances, camping equipment, consumer electronics, etc. With V2L, one can also charge another EV’s battery pack. In the U.S., the peak power available in the Ioniq 5 for V2L functions is 1.9 kW instead of 3.6 kW globally.

Vision roof

The Hyundai Ioniq 7 should eventually feature a large panoramic sunroof called ‘Vision roof.’ The mid-size electric SUV’s ceiling may consist of one large glass panel without cross members so that the occupants can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the night sky. This feature will not be available at launch.

Virtual mirrors

In some markets, including South Korea, where regulations permit, Hyundai will offer the Ioniq 7 with virtual mirrors. Cameras are mounted in place of traditional mirrors made of glass, and their feed is displayed on two screens mounted, usually on the front door panels or the corner of the dashboard/A-pillars.

Biometric authentication

The Hyundai Ioniq 7 could feature a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. HMG uses this technology in the Chinese-spec Santa Fe, the GV70, and the GV60.

LG home appliances in the Hyundai Ioniq 7

With the advent of autonomous driving technologies and space-saving electric vehicle platforms, cars are becoming more like homes and offices on wheels. Companies are constantly searching for innovative comfort and convenience features to meet the demands of occupants. Hyundai has tied up with LG Electronics to source customized home appliances for the production Ioniq 7. The home-based electronics company will make products like the Styler steam closet and refrigerator for the road-ready Ioniq 7, as per a report from The Korea Economic Daily. Other LG companies will reportedly supply display panels for the Ioniq 7, and that sister concern could be LG Display.

Would there be a Hyundai Ioniq 7 N model?

A large SUV on steroids isn’t the ideal choice for driving enthusiasts, and most would scoff at this idea. However, in a world where Cadillac has a go-faster Escalade (the Escalade-V) and Mercedes-Benz has an AMG version of the GLS in showrooms, why shouldn’t Hyundai give the Ioniq 7 the ‘N’ treatment?

The Hyundai Ioniq 7 N could get a sportier exterior with a uniquely designed grille, bumpers, and wheels, an aero kit, sports seats and steering wheel, modified welcome animations in the screens, unique color schemes, and much more. A sportier suspension setup, and a dual-motor system tuned to produce around 600 hp and 550 lb.-ft is on our Ioniq 7 N wishlist!

Production

According to a report Chosun Biz published on January 31, 2023, global production of the Hyundai Ioniq 7 will take place at the Hyundai Asan plant in South Korea. This factory already manufactures the Ioniq 6. The battery pack of the electric SUV will come from SK On’s Seosan plant, which is about 50 km (31 miles) away from the Asan plant. SK On’s batteries already power three of HMG’s EVs – the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Kia EV6.

U.S. production

Vehicle production

HMG is constructing a dedicated EV plant and a battery plant at the Bryan County Megasite in Bryan County (Georgia), USA. The new manufacturing facility will entail an investment of USD 5.54 billion, although HMG plans to establish the battery plant in a joint venture. Production of the Hyundai Ioniq 7 will take place at the new smart factory, as per a Reuters report dated May 9, 2022.

On October 25, 2022, HMG held the groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming dedicated EV and battery plant at the Bryan County Megasite. A newly established Group company called ‘Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA)’ is in charge of operations. HMG has confirmed that, as the name suggests, the future electric vehicle assembly facility will make models from all three brands – Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.

The HMGMA plant will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 electric vehicles. HMG expects commercial production to begin in the first half of 2025. On January 4, 2023, Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor America, said the company is on its way to achieving its goal of commencing production on time, Bryan County News reported the same day.

Suppliers have started preparing for HMGMA’s upcoming EV production site. Joon Georgia is the first of them, a part of Ajin USA, which already supplies multiple HMG facilities. It will build a new automotive parts manufacturing facility for HMGMA and other EV companies at Bruce Yawn Commerce Park in Bulloch County, a little over 30 miles north of Bryan County Megasite. The company will invest USD 317 million in the project.

Battery production

The EVs made at the new U.S. factory will have batteries sourced from a nearby SK On production facility. According to a report from BusinessKorea, published in May 2022, Hyundai Motor Company and SK On have partnered to build an EV battery plant with an annual production capacity of 40 GWh (enough to power 500,000 EVs offering a range of 311 miles) in Georgia. HMC will invest in SK On’s Georgia battery plant, which could cost about KRW 3 trillion (USD 2.4 billion).

An industry insider said that HMC wants to keep its stake in this factory as low as possible. Even if SK On makes the entire investment, it will supply batteries to HMC. Further, the report states that Hyundai will use its batteries in the Ioniq 7 and Kia in the EV9. The new battery plant will become operational in 2025, as per the report.

On November 29, 2022, Hyundai Motor Group and SK On announced the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU). According to this deal, HMG will source the batteries for EVs that it will make at its U.S. plants after 2025 from SK On. The South Korean companies didn’t have much to say and will reveal more details on the cooperation later.

In related news, SK On recently signed purchase contracts for sourcing lithium with resource development companies in countries that have signed free trade agreements with the U.S., including Australia and Chile. The company took this step to meet the requirements for Clean Vehicle Credit as per the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Release Date

Hyundai originally planned to launch the Ioniq 7 in 2024. However, The Korean Car Blog reported on July 25, 2022, that the Ioniq 7 would debut in early 2023. According to the article, the third bespoke Ioniq EV will launch earlier than expected, but Hyundai has not confirmed deviations in the original plan.

For the U.S., which has the potential to be its biggest market, the Ioniq 7 will be a major launch, but not for European countries. Automotive News Europe asked Michael Cole, President and CEO of Hyundai’s European division, in August 2022 if the Ioniq 7 would be a smaller volume model than the Ioniq 5 and the Ioniq 6. Cole said that the company doesn’t plan to sell the Ioniq 7 in big numbers as it is a large SUV. Sales of the Ioniq 7 in Europe could start in 2024.

Concept’s Canadian debut at the 2023 Montreal International Auto Show

Over a year after its U.S. debut, the Seven Concept made its first appearance on Canadian soil at the 2023 Montreal International Auto Show, held between January 20 and 29, 2023. It’s a given that the Canadian public’s reaction would influence the local sales and marketing team’s strategy for the Ioniq 7.

Ioniq 7 subscription & Free charging

HMG has confirmed that American Hyundai dealers will offer an Ioniq subscription service in the future. The Ioniq 7 should be available to subscribe to in the U.S. An all-inclusive monthly payment would cover the vehicle, insurance, and maintenance costs and provide customers with a more convenient, low-risk way of owning their preferred Ioniq model. The subscription tenure options could start from one month.

Customers of the Hyundai Ioniq 7 could be offered one or two years of free unlimited 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations in the United States, as is the case with Ioniq 5. By 2024, Electrify America’s network would have significantly expanded from the current 600 charging stations. Electrify America wanted to open 800 charging stations with more than 3,500 ultra-fast chargers or have them in development by the end of 2021.

Hyundai electrification gains

According to a report Automotive News released on January 29, 2023, Hyundai’s early entry into the EV market is paying off. The Ioniq 5 has helped it gain popularity among EV buyers and the Kona Electric, as well as the partially electric variants of the Tucson, Santa Fe, Elantra, and Sonata have performed well.

Hyundai has become the No.3 EV brand in the U.S., which is a “monumental thing,” Terry D’Arcy, dealer principal of Illinois-based D’Arcy Hyundai said. Kevin Reilly, the Chairman of Hyundai’s National Dealer Council and the owner of Virginia-based Alexandria Hyundai, said the company’s investment in EVs will lead to a “very bright future.” Dealers are excited about its growing market share, and that momentum should continue as the demand for EVs rises in the coming years.

In Q4 2022, Hyundai sold 2835% more Ioniq 5s and 35% more Kona Electrics in the U.S. compared to Q4 2021. Sales of the Tucson Hybrid, Santa Fe Hybrid, and Elantra Hybrid during that period were 38%, 85%, and 431% higher than in the same period in 2021.

Hyundai plans to expand its EV line-up to 11 models by 2030. The Ioniq 7 will probably be the tipping point of the E-GMP platform for the company. Hyundai EVs more advanced than the Ioniq 7 will arrive starting in 2025.

TopElectricSUV says

The Ioniq 7 will be the largest and most high-tech model in the brand’s history. Expected to be made in America in subsequent model years, the electric SUV should provide excellent value for money and sure-shot attractions like advanced connectivity, charging and safety technologies, futuristic design, and a spacious interior. Among the first affordable electric family SUVs, American customers asking for a premium Palisade should find the Ioniq 7 attractive. The SUV would even draw Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot owners planning to go zero-emissions.

Hyundai Ioniq 7 FAQs