IAA 2025: Hyundai Concept THREE debuts: the compact EV of the future

A debut that represents not just the preview of a new model, but the declaration of a precise identity: that of a manufacturer that aims to lead the European energy transition with accessible, exciting, and sustainable products.

Europe is at the heart of this vision. A market demanding compact, electric mobility, shaped by increasingly congested cities, stringent environmental regulations, and consumers eager for concrete solutions. Hyundai, already a leader in the EV revolution with models like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, is now relaunching with a concept that addresses the heart of urban demand: an electric car with an innovative design, agile dimensions, and capable of combining efficiency and personality.

The Concept THREE's design language introduces the "Art of Steel" language, celebrating the strength and malleability of steel, transforming them into sculptural, fluid, and timeless forms. The Aero Hatch body sculpts taut, enveloping lines, optimized for aerodynamics, with a vertical tailgate that provides versatility and a dynamic profile. The Parametric Pixel light signature, now a hallmark of Hyundai EVs, takes on new depth thanks to a play of shades that make the headlights and rear combination lamps more expressive.

The exterior features an anodized finish that emphasizes the material beauty, enhanced by the yellow windows and matching wheels, creating a visual dialogue with the passenger compartment. The interior is dominated by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where shades of yellow and gray strike a balance between expressiveness and serenity. Space, comfort, and simplicity are at the service of both driver and passenger. The experience is customizable thanks to the modular "Bring Your Own Lifestyle (BYOL)" widgets, which allow the vehicle to be adapted to the needs of the moment.

A playful touch is also present: "Mr. Pix," a stylized character, appears in hidden and interactive details, transforming the cockpit into a place capable of surprising and creating an emotional connection. It's a different way of conceiving the relationship between driver and machine, with a narrative made up of small symbols, Easter eggs, and curiosities that bring technology closer and more human.

Sustainability is a central pillar of the Concept THREE. Hyundai uses fabrics made from recovered marine debris and lightweight aluminum foams, materials that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing quality and design. This confirms a path that looks beyond simple electrification, seeking to impact the entire production and life cycle of the car, consistent with the principles of the circular economy.

There's a clear strategy behind this concept. Nearly 80% of Hyundai cars sold in Europe are produced locally, a move that demonstrates the brand's integration in the continent and its ability to meet specific customer needs. The roadmap is clear: by 2027, every model offered in Europe will be available in an electrified version, while globally, the manufacturer will launch 21 electric vehicles by 2030. At the same time, Hyundai is continuing its research into hydrogen, convinced that fuel cell technology can become a key solution for the future of clean mobility.

The return to Monaco after a four-year absence was emphatically emphasized by Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe: "Concept THREE represents the next step in Hyundai's electrification journey. With its compact dimensions and Art of Steel design language, it perfectly expresses our vision of practical, accessible, and exciting mobility." A phrase that sums up the essence of a project destined to open a new chapter in the history of compact electric cars.

IAA Mobility 2025 not only offered Hyundai the ideal platform to showcase Concept THREE, but also the opportunity to reaffirm the company's role as a leader in the energy transition. The entire IONIQ lineup was on display in Munich, from the IONIQ 5 SUV to the IONIQ 6 sports sedan, up to the upcoming IONIQ 7 maxi SUV. This lineup interacts with and complements Concept THREE, making Hyundai's electric family increasingly complete and capable of covering all key market segments.

The message coming from Munich is clear: electrification is no longer a technological exercise, but an experience to be lived. Hyundai understands this well, and with the Concept THREE, it seeks to demonstrate it, giving urban mobility a new benchmark. A compact vehicle that combines distinctive design, sustainability, emotional technology, and a strong connection to Europe, it is destined to transform the very concept of the electric city car.