Image Source: Inside EVs
Sleek Design Unveiled at IAA Mobility
Hyundai has unveiled the Concept Three, a compact electric hatchback, at the IAA Mobility 2025 event in Munich. This concept offers a clear preview of the upcoming IONIQ 3, expected to hit production in 2026. It’s designed to be smaller than the Creta EV sold in India, placing it firmly in the compact EV Europe segment. The size advantage makes it perfect for city life, and it embodies Hyundai’s innovative new design ethos called Art of Steel, first reported by Rushlane.
The sculpted roofline, vertical tailgate, and tungsten gray exterior paired with a Moonbeam Yellow interior reflect Hyundai’s fresh design direction. With Parametric Pixel lighting and gradient-style front and rear lights, the Concept Three balances futuristic appeal with practicality. As noted by Autocar India, Hyundai’s evolving design language is setting benchmarks in the EV space.
A Car Made for Personal Expression
Inside, the Concept Three moves away from Hyundai’s traditional layouts. Instead of a central touchscreen, it features a modular dashboard where drivers can customize their experience by mounting widgets according to personal preference. The goal is to create a calm, intuitive cabin that feels unique to each owner. Reports from NDTV Auto highlight how this modular setup could redefine in-car technology for everyday EV users.
Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, emphasized that the car represents “mobility that is practical, accessible, and emotionally resonant.” The brand’s comeback at IAA after four years underlines the significance of this concept for Hyundai’s EV portfolio.
A Look at What’s Coming: IONIQ 3 Details
As the first compact EV under the IONIQ sub-brand, the Concept Three confirms Hyundai’s ambition to dominate the European electric hatchback segment. According to Hyundai Global, production is scheduled for late 2026 in Turkey.
Built on Hyundai’s advanced E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 3 will be offered with two battery options—58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, delivering an estimated range between 260 to 365 miles under WLTP standards. Publications like Car and Driver and Reuters have highlighted how this range puts the IONIQ 3 on par with premium compact EV rivals.
Measuring 4.29 meters long with a 2.72-meter wheelbase, the Concept Three is sized similarly to the Volkswagen ID.3, blending hatchback practicality with coupe-like style. Coverage from Economic Times Auto points out that such proportions are ideal for urban driving in European cities, where space is always at a premium.
What This Means for the Future of Compact EVs
With compact EVs becoming the preferred choice for urban buyers, the IONIQ 3 could play a vital role in reshaping the segment. Reports from Electrek and New Atlas note how Hyundai’s focus on personalization, design, and efficiency aligns with growing consumer expectations.
Hyundai has committed to offering EVs across all major segments by 2027, and the IONIQ 3 slots neatly between the Inster and Kona Electric. Analysts at Carscoops and Hindustan Times Auto suggest that this launch could give Hyundai an edge over established European automakers.
The Hyundai Concept Three is more than just a futuristic design study—it’s a preview of an EV built for modern city life. By combining compact proportions, customizable interiors, and long driving ranges, Hyundai has positioned the IONIQ 3 to become a strong contender in the compact EV Europe market. As production nears, it is set to redefine what an affordable yet stylish electric hatchback can offer.
