Hyundai Concept Three debuts at the 2025 IAA Mobility show in Munich, previewing the company’s future compact electric hatchback. It becomes the brand’s first small Ioniq EV, and it heralds a new subcompact model, which is likely to be named the Ioniq 3.
Bold Exterior Looks
The three-body exemplifies Hyundai’s new Art of Steel design.It features an aerodynamic (Aero Hatch) profile of a sharply sloping roofline and an integrated rear ducktail spoiler; the wraparound C-pillar and shoulder flow seamlessly into the bonnet and extend over the wheel arches.
The car also has a matte steel finish, with the glass and wheels tinted in neon yellow accents that give the Three concept a vibrant contrast. At the front and rear, Hyundai added parametric Pixel LED lights that form dynamic 3D gradient patterns, giving the hatch a futuristic graphic signature.
The Design Inspiration
Instead of purely relying on modern tools, Hyundai’s design chief Nicola Danza says that the team started with paper to capture inspiration. “Everything is fast, as well as the designers. They went back to the roots by cutting, folding, and bending the papers so as to come up with the models of a compact hatchback.
The end results shaped Concept Three as the folded paper revealed the three key areas: wraparound shoulders, pillars, the bonnet, and a guided rear spoiler styling.
Futuristic Interior and Tech
The interior consists of high-quality speakers that resemble the shape of twin exhaust pipes, while the door features small retro-style display screens or camera pods. Hyundai proceeded to embed a shape-shifting co-pilot called “MR Pix,” which runs throughoutthe interior and pops up on the screen, adding a playful connection between the driver and the car.
The seats’ upholstery and the interior panels use recycled ocean-waste textile and lightweight aluminum foam, providing eco-friendly interiors. The BYOL (Bring Your Own Lifestyle) dashboard houses some electronic components that slide out on demand.
For example, when the driver engages the car, the steering wheel and personalized gadget modules move, and on straight roads, they retract to create a more comfortable space.
The Ioniq 3 date towards production
Hyundai has confirmed that the Concept Three previews a production model. The company says that the small hatchback that was shown in Munich will launch as the Ioniq 3 in early 2026; we may expect it in March or February.Its assembly is planned at its new Turkey-based plant.
The 2026 Ioniq 3 will use the same Hyundai and Kia E-GMP platform and is expected to offer a battery pack in the range of roughly 60 to 80 kWh, which is around 260 to 365 miles WLTP range, and its pricing will be competitive among its class. The concept Three edgy tech exteriors and tech-rich interiors will be a close preview of what the buyer will see in the production model.
