Hyundai has been spotted testing a prototype version of the new Elexio fully electric SUV set for China. It’s understood engineering teams are out here for hot weather testing.
The Aussie summer is well and truly over for this year, so there is a possibility the team is conducting driving dynamics testing here as well. That would makes sense given we have some pretty ordinary roads.
This example was spotted by yours truly in an area where I do my suspension and handling tests, interestingly. As such, the roads feature a lot of patchwork and crude bitumen surfaces, with lots of ripples and degradation. Could this suggest an Australian introduction down the line?
There is no official word that this model is coming to Australia, but given its sibling brand (and competitor), Kia, currently offers the similar EV3 and EV5, it could be on the cards further down the track.
It doesn’t appear to be rear-wheel drive, which could mean it uses the front-motor setup, similar to the EV3 (E-GMP K3). This comprises a 400V electrical system as opposed to the 800V system featured in vehicles such as the IONIQ 5. However, full specs for the Elexio are yet to be confirmed.
Hyundai unveiled the Elexio at the Beijing Auto Show just a couple of weeks ago. It will go on sale in China later this year in an effort to rebuild sales figures in the region. It’s set to offer over 700km range, although that’s on the (ambitious) Chinese CLTC test cycle.
