Hyundai made at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich the world premiere of Concept THREE, a compact EV that signals the brand’s next big step in electrification.
The THREE will go into production, but availability in North America has not yet been confirmed.
It will share the same 400V platform as the Kia EV4.
The THREE revives the spirit of the Veloster.
As the first small electric vehicle under the IONIQ sub-brand, Concept THREE revives the spirit of the Veloster in a new era, delivering a bold and forward-looking answer to Europe’s fast-growing demand for compact electric cars.
2025 Hyundai Concept THREEThe “Art of Steel”
Visually, Concept THREE introduces Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language, transforming the strength and flexibility of steel into sculptural beauty. Flowing volumes and precise lines convey a sense of timeless power and elegance, enhanced by the car’s dynamic Aero Hatch silhouette. The sculpted body plays with intersecting surfaces to add visual tension, while the aerodynamic profile combines a sloping roofline with a vertical tailgate to underline its urban versatility. Distinctive Parametric Pixel lighting at the front and rear forms an expressive gradient, creating a visual rhythm that reinforces Hyundai’s growing EV identity.
2025 Hyundai Concept THREEMaterial and “Pix”
The focus on material-driven design extends to the exterior, finished with an anodized effect and paired with lemon-tinted glass and wheels. Inside, yellow and grey tones shift across textures to create a cabin that feels both calm and expressive. The interior is conceived as a furnished space, emphasizing soft volumes and intuitive layouts that bring clarity, serenity and user-friendly ergonomics. To enhance personalization, Hyundai introduces modular “Bring Your Own Lifestyle” widgets, allowing drivers to adapt the environment to their needs. Adding an element of playfulness, the character “Mr. Pix” appears in hidden details throughout the car, offering interactive design surprises and emotional storytelling.
Made for cities
This debut comes at a time when urbanization, strict sustainability regulations and the need for space-efficient solutions are pushing automakers to rethink mobility. Concept THREE positions Hyundai as a serious contender in the compact EV segment, complementing its existing midsize and large electric models while setting the tone for the company’s future design direction. According to Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, “Returning to IAA Mobility after four years away is a true milestone, and such an occasion deserves a milestone car. Concept THREE embodies our commitment to accessible, practical, and emotionally resonant electric mobility.”
Plastic from the ocean
Sustainability remains a central pillar of the project. Concept THREE incorporates ocean-waste textiles and lightweight aluminum foam inside the cabin, proof of Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining a premium design approach. This balance of technology, design innovation and ecological awareness makes Concept THREE not just another electric prototype, but a statement of Hyundai’s vision for the compact EV market.
