Hyundai Elexio bound for Australia: Sister car to Kia EV5 sets sights on Tesla Model Y and rivals from China

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Hyundai Worldwide, in partnership with Beijing Hyundai, has today revealed its new midsize electric SUV known as the Elexio. The model, described by Hyundai as “In China, For China, To Global” will initially launch in China before arriving in Australia in early 2026. 

The Hyundai Elexio will likely cost more than the compact Inster and small Kona Electric EV SUVs, but less than the Ioniq 5 midsized EV when it arrives early next year, in a similar structure to Kia’s EV5 positioning above the EV3, but below the EV6.

That means an expected starting price in the realm of $56,770 before on-road costs, matching the base model Kia EV5 Air front-wheel drive. 

Competitive pricing is crucial for the Hyundai Elexio if it is to contend with long-term global EV benchmark, the Tesla Model Y. In base rear-wheel drive trim, that car starts from $58,900 before on-road costs. 

Like the Kia EV5, the ace up Hyundai’s sleeve to ensure cut prices for its Elexio midsize SUV is Chinese manufacturing. This will help Hyundai compete with the upper midsize $54,990 BYD Sealion 7 and $54,800 Xpeng G6, both in Australia and in China. Prices shown are before on-roads.

Hyundai’s Elexio differs somewhat from the rest of its EV siblings. Its rounded front end best compares to the pre-facelift Ioniq 6, where neither car has a strong connection to Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language.

Its midsize silhouette is similar to the Hyundai Tucson, featuring slender roof rails, modest-size alloy wheels and an understated rear spoiler. It additionally features two-tone matte black wheel arches and front and rear body-width strip-LED DRLs.

Despite aiming to launch to Australia in as little as two months, local technical specifications for the Elexio are not yet known. In China, the base front-driver Elexio features a 160kW front electric motor and 64.2kWh battery. 

All-wheel drive models gain an additional 73kW rear electric motor and larger 88.1kWh battery for a combined output of 230kW. The range topping battery will deliver a WLTP range of over 500km, says Hyundai, and can charge from 30-80% in 27 minutes.

For those following the Australian EV market, these specifications should appear familiar. Every figure quoted above is identical to the Australian-market EV5, and indeed, both vehicles also share the same 800-Volt ‘E-GMP’ platform. 

They also share external dimensions. The Hyundai Elexio measures 4615mm long, 1875mm wide, and 1673mm tall, with a 2750mm wheelbase — identical to the EV5, bar a 42mm height difference. 

Inside, the Elexio features a colossal 27-inch infotainment screen. It appears that the large screen also assumes the responsibility of the instrument cluster, similar to Tesla’s central screen. This would mean the driver has to glance toward the center console for driving data. 

Fortunately, at least in China, a standard-equipment heads-up display eliminates this grievance.

The rest of the interior appears more conventional – two wireless device chargers and four cup-holders in the center console, column shifter and the usual spread of controls on the steering wheel and column, and a familiar five-seat layout. 

Dolby Atmos immersive audio and an eight-speaker BOSE sound system are also equipped as standard. 

Boot space is a somewhat standard 506-litres, which can expand to 1540-litres with the second row folded. 

Australian-specific details, including power outputs, range figures, dimensions and pricing will be revealed by Hyundai closer to the Elexio’s local launch early next year.