Hyundai previews future Ioniq sedan with Venus concept

Along with launching its Ioniq brand in China, Hyundai has unveiled two new concept cars, one of which is called the Venus. These concepts offer a glimpse into the design of future Ioniq models. The carmaker says they highlight its “readiness” for China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market and that future Ioniq models for the country will be named after planets. 

1. Concept exterior features a transparent spoiler and a ‘Radiant Gold’ finish
2. Its wraparound cabin gets a large infotainment screen and suede seat upholstery
3. Production versions could be powered by range-extender hybrid powertrains

Hyundai Venus concept exterior and interior details 

Sedan is inspired by the planet Venus and gets sharp exterior design

Hyundai says that the Venus sedan concept takes inspiration from the planet Venus. This is done by giving it a ‘Radiant Gold’ paint job, and visually, its design takes a departure from the retro, pixel motifs seen on the current Ioniq models. Moreover, it looks sharper than the similarly sized and positioned Ioniq 6, which leans on the curvy side.  

The front end features slim LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) that represent two halves of the letter ‘H’, along with an illuminated Hyundai badge. The bumper sports a sharp design with a wide air vent and a black finish for the splitter. The concept’s “frame-structured” roof is lightweight and characterised by a single curve. Dual-tone alloy wheels and a transparent spoiler complete the look.

Its wraparound cabin adopts a grey colour scheme, complemented by gold accents and stitching. A large infotainment screen that doubles up as a passenger display dominates the dashboard, and there’s a squared-off three-spoke steering with a column-mounted gear lever. The high-set centre console houses two wireless phone charging pads and storage spaces, while the seats are wrapped in suede upholstery with chrome gold highlights.

Hyundai Venus concept: Additional details

Hyundai has not revealed the production readiness of the concepts, a launch timeline, or whether the vehicles based on them will sit on the current Ioniq models’ E-GMP architecture. However, it did confirm that the cars would come with locally developed ADAS tech and “market-specific” solutions such as range-extender hybrid vehicles. Additional details on the concepts will be revealed upon their public debut at the Beijing Auto Show.

The carmaker said the Ioniq brand will be “tailored to local customers”, with the concepts being distinct from the current Ioniq line-up sold globally. It also has a new naming strategy for the upcoming Ioniq vehicles, under which models sold in China will be named after a planet and, unlike the current Ioniq portfolio, will not use numerical designations.