Hyundai’s mid-size electric SUV, the Hyundai Elexio, produced by Beijing-Hyundai, a Chinese joint venture, specifically for Chinese consumers, seemed destined to remain exclusive to the local market for a long time. However, in a sudden move, the SUV is heading towards overseas markets, with its first major sighting taking place in Melbourne, Australia.

E-GMP Platform and 722 Kilometer Range

The transition from “China only” to “global market” began with whispers. Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano gave the first hint at a different launch event, referring to the Elexio as “a promising vehicle being considered for Australia.”

Now the rumors are over: the Elexio will officially launch in Australia next year. The proof is concrete; the mid-size electric SUV was spotted on a vehicle carrier truck in Melbourne. It seems that when a product is promising enough, country-specific limitations don’t last long.

The Elexio is built on the E-GMP platform, which powers the popular Ioniq series and Kia’s latest EVs. This solid foundation makes the Elexio a serious competitor in the battery segment:

• Battery: It boasts a substantial 88.1 kWh battery.
• Range: This battery provides a range of 722 km on a full charge, according to the CLTC.
• Charging: Fast charging can increase the battery capacity from 30% to 80% in approximately 27 minutes.
• Options: Buyers can choose between a single-motor or dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for better performance and traction.

The Elexio fits perfectly into the mid-size SUV category. Measuring 4.61 m in length, 1.87 m in width, and 1.69 m in height, the vehicle has a wheelbase of 2.75 m. Slightly shorter than the Tesla Model Y, but quite similar in size to the BYD Yuan Plus, sold as the Atto 3 in overseas markets. This size positions the Elexio directly opposite the Geely EX5, Australia’s other best-selling electric car.

What truly makes the Elexio unique is its interior technology. Designed in partnership with BAIC Motor, the Elexio boasts advanced Chinese technology integration as a direct result of its origins. This includes ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features provided by tech giant Huawei. The real masterpiece of the cabin is the massive 27-inch 4K widescreen display powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip.

While official overseas pricing has not yet been announced, the Elexio is expected to be a value-oriented offering in markets like Australia. With the local Ioniq 5 currently starting at AUD 76,200 (€43,200) excluding taxes, speculation suggests the Elexio will be slightly cheaper.

In China, however, pricing is quite attractive; Pre-sale models, offered in Fun, Smart, or Tech trim levels, start at 119,800 RMB (approximately €14,400). Even if the price is significantly higher once it reaches Australia or potential neighboring markets (such as New Zealand), this aggressive pricing structure will position the Elexio as an accessible entry into the high-quality EV world.

It’s important to remember that despite its Australian launch, the Elexio isn’t a truly global car like the Ioniq models. Hyundai built the vehicle from the ground up to meet the specific tastes, designs, and technology preferences of Chinese buyers. This makes the vehicle’s “Down Under” (Australia) journey a significant test case demonstrating the brand’s confidence in bringing a tech-heavy electric SUV to a diverse market environment.