Hyundai debuts its Seven EV concept

Hyundai has given us a glimpse into what its next EV might look like with the reveal of the Seven, a new all-electric SUV concept for the Automobility LA show.

Hyundai says that following the 45 concept in 2019 and the Prophecy concept in 2020, the Seven concept ‘‘opens a new chapter for the Ioniq brand’’ and that its ‘‘space innovation and hygienic features transform the vehicle as an innovative living space on wheels’’.

The Seven concept is built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated BEV architecture that the Ioniq 5 also sits on, and the company says it has a ‘‘target range’’ of more than 480km, with ultra-fast charging capabilities – using a 350kW charger, the Seven is capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes.

The bold, minimalist exterior features Hyundai’s now-signature ‘‘Parametric Pixel’’ LED lighting, as well as new wheels that feature integrated Active Air Flaps, which deploy or retract depending on brake-cooling or low-drag requirements.

While Hyundai stresses that the Seven is just a concept, it doesn’t take too much imagination to see the basic form of what will be the Ioniq 7 (the name is also a hint), the next member of Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq subbrand.

But while the outside is fairly straightforward, the interior is where Hyundai has really let go, and will likely depart significantly from any eventual production version.

The company says the ‘‘interior design priority lies in the space innovation offering greater freedom for our customers than ever before.’’ As such, the Seven’s big 3200mm wheelbase and flat floor has allowed the designers ‘‘to explore an alternative to the traditional row-based seat arrangements’’, creating a more fluid interior layout.

Pillarless coach doors (don’t say suicide doors) offer ‘‘a grand entrance to reveal a welcoming interior with a completely new dimension of space’’ and the streamlined roofline, long wheelbase and flat floor that extends to the third row ‘‘opens new opportunities to furnish the interior like a premium lounge’’.

And they have very much done just that, with a big wrap-around couch arrangement up the back and two large armchair-style captains seats that slide and swivel to allow for several configurations.

We would expect, however, to see a more traditional five or seven-seat arrangement in the eventual production Ioniq 7.

However, Hyundai says the Seven also embodies its future vision of autonomous mobility – it doesn’t feature a traditional steering wheel, and the driver’s seat features a retractable control stick that hides away when not in use, while the lounge-like seat arrangement can be customised depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes.

The concept’s vision roof features a panoramic screen that not only displays various content based on passengers’ tastes, but also changes the overall interior atmosphere to ‘‘guarantee maximum relaxation and pleasure during the journey’’.

‘‘Seven dares to break from the beaten path,’’ said SangYup Lee, senior vice-president, head of Hyundai global design.

‘‘Seven paves the way forward for what an SUV needs to become in the EV era with a unique aerodynamic pure form that does not compromise on its rugged personality. The interior opens up a new dimension of space that cares for its passenger as a family living space.’’

But it’s not just about the styling, as Hyundai has focused on developing the Seven to ‘‘ensure a safe and healthy travel experience’’ with the use of various eco-friendly materials and segment-leading hygienic features, such as the Hygiene Airflow System and UVC sterilisation.

The mineral plaster, bamboo wood and carpet, bio resin and interior paint are based on renewable sources, while extensive use of copper and hygienically treated fabric with proven antibacterial functions ensure all surfaces inside the Seven remain clean at all times.