Hyundai is about to launch the boldest and most technologically advanced electric SUV in its history.

Named Elexio, the model was initially revealed in May by the Beijing Hyundai joint venture , and is already attracting attention even before its official debut in the Chinese market, scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.

And it’s no coincidence: with a modern design, robust battery, and ambitious performance promises, the Elexio aims to rewrite Hyundai’s role in the largest electric car market on the planet.

With a declared range of up to 700 km according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, the new electric SUV is directly targeting competitors such as the 
BYD Seagull and Tesla Model Y.

Although slightly smaller than Tesla’s SUV, at 4.61 m long and 1.87 m wide, the Elexio stands out for its design centered on the E-GMP platform, which already serves as the basis for Hyundai’s IONIQ models .

During a series of global tests, Elexio was subjected to extreme safety and performance situations.

In terms of structure, the highlight is the technology nicknamed “Hand of God” by the brand — a five-layer, ultra-resistant steel structure that surrounds the chassis.

The model withstood frontal and side impacts with flying colors, and even rollovers in a ditch, thanks to the combination of 360 degrees of structural reinforcement, eight horizontal beams and seven vertical beams in the floor.

And the robustness goes beyond the bodywork. The Elexio was tested in chambers with temperatures as low as -30°C, where it maintained its ability to start and recharge, even with a lower range loss than the average seen in other EVs in these conditions.

On the track, it faced 17 types of degraded urban pavement, showing suspension refinement worthy of higher segments, with special valve shock absorbers and hydraulic bushings, all calibrated after more than 300 technical adjustments.

With two engine options — 160 kW (214 hp) with single-wheel drive and 233 kW (312 hp) with all-wheel drive — the Elexio presents itself as an urban SUV with global ambitions.

And Hyundai is betting on local production to ensure competitiveness: the LFP batteries will come from FinDreams, a division of the giant BYD.

Pricing has not yet been officially announced, but Chinese media estimates the Elexio will start at 140,000 yuan, or about $19,500.

If confirmed, it will be one of the best value electric SUVs on the Chinese market, and a real threat to the current leaders.

Hyundai has already made it clear that it views China as strategic territory and promises to fight hard to gain ground — the Elexio is the first move in a new electric offensive.