Hyundai unveiled the production-ready IONIQ V in Beijing just 15 days after showing the VENUS prototype. The move accelerates its push into China with a sedan set for launch in September 2026. The model leads the company’s plan with BAIC to introduce 20 new vehicles in China over five years.
The IONIQ V stands apart from the rest of the IONIQ lineup: it is built for China. Its design, called The Origin, replaces the rounded look of the IONIQ 6 with a sharper, wedge-shaped profile. The V stands for VENUS, not five. The fastback shape, frameless doors and floating mirrors are designed to improve aerodynamics and appeal to local tastes. Buyers can choose from eight colors, including gold and purple. Official pre-orders began at the Chengdu Auto Show in August 2026, weeks before the public launch.
Inside, the IONIQ V replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a 27-inch 4K screen stretching across the dashboard, alongside a head-up display. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip powers the system, while Baidu’s Ernie Bot and ByteDance’s Doubao handle voice commands. Safety features include nine airbags and a system that brakes if the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator.
Hyundai and BAIC have invested 8 billion yuan in their joint venture, Beijing Hyundai. Their plan is to launch 20 new models in China over five years and reach annual sales of 500,000 units. The IONIQ V leads the push, with a new SUV already set for early 2027. CNEVPost says several industry publications have described it as the first IONIQ-branded model developed exclusively for the Chinese market. The move reflects Hyundai’s effort to regain share in China’s rapidly growing NEV segment.
The IONIQ V uses the E-GMP platform, also found in the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and KIA EV6. CATL supplies LFP batteries in 53.5 and 66.8 kWh capacities, replacing the NMC batteries used in Europe. All versions are rear-wheel lead, with a choice of 140 kW (190 hp) or 168 kW (228 hp) motors. The Chinese CLTC range is 520 to 650 km, equivalent to about 421 to 527 km under the stricter WLTP standard. LFP batteries have lower energy density, but cost less and are better suited to regular full charging.
Hyundai will not disclose charging specifications until September 29. The car uses 800-volt technology to support fast charging. LFP batteries generally charge more slowly than NMC batteries, but the hardware is ready. For assisted driving, Hyundai has partnered with Momenta, a leading Chinese ADAS supplier. The car offers highway navigation assistance.
Pre-sale prices began at 119,900 yuan for the 540 Max, 129,900 yuan for the 540 Max+ and 139,900 yuan for the 650 Max+. That works out to about €15,300 to €17,800. These are early prices, and final launch prices are expected to be lower. For comparison, the IONIQ 6 starts at €44,770 in Spain with a 63 kWh battery. Hyundai advertises a price of €30,485, but only with strict financing and trade-in deals. The gap reflects China’s 13% VAT, fierce price competition and cheaper LFP batteries.
Hyundai also wants to export. The company’s “In China, For China, To Global” slogan points to broader plans. CEO José Muñoz named the UK, Europe and the Middle East as possible markets for Chinese-made cars. For the IONIQ V, but, potential markets are limited to Asia-Pacific, Australia, the Middle East and Latin America. Europe is excluded. Beijing Hyundai did not join the EU’s anti-subsidy probe, and imports would face a 45.3% tariff before shipping costs, dealer markup and VAT. The only route into the market would be to accept a high minimum price, erasing the IONIQ V’s cost advantage over the IONIQ 6.
The car faces another obstacle: its software is tied to Chinese AI and ADAS systems and would need major changes to meet European cybersecurity and data rules. The UK and Norway, which do not impose additional tariffs, are the most likely European options if the IONIQ V reaches the region.
Hyundai is not alone. Other brands, including Geely, have also stepped up their EV efforts to keep pace with local rivals and global shifts.
The IONIQ V may never reach Spanish showrooms, but its influence is already visible: the slim light bar replacing pixel LEDs is appearing on new Hyundai models. Following moves by Volkswagen and BMW, Hyundai now calls China its basic base for electric vehicle development. An extended-range IONIQ V could arrive later, and the lineup is set to expand into larger segments. Hyundai has cut development time and worked with Chinese suppliers on batteries, software and driver aids to bring the car to market months ahead of schedule. If the approach succeeds in China, European buyers could soon see its effects in technology and pricing.
