Hyundai has officially confirmed that an entry-level variant of its new Elexio electric vehicle (EV) will be introduced to the Australian market in the second quarter of 2026. This strategic move aims to broaden the appeal of Hyundai’s latest EV offering and enhance its competitiveness in Australia’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle segment.
Currently, the Hyundai Elexio is available in a single, premium ‘Elite’ variant priced at $59,990 driveaway. The upcoming base model is expected to be positioned as a more accessible option, further strengthening Hyundai’s presence in the crowded medium SUV EV market.
A Crowded EV Landscape
The Elexio enters a highly competitive arena, facing over a dozen rivals in the medium SUV category. Key competitors include the popular BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X, Tesla Model Y, and Kia EV5. The Australian market also sees significant competition from more budget-friendly electric vehicles manufactured by Chinese brands such as Geely and Leapmotor.
Family-Focused Design and Value Proposition
Hyundai positions the Elexio as a family-oriented vehicle, blending futuristic design with practical, smart features. Physically, the Elexio slots between the Kona Electric and the larger Ioniq 5 in Hyundai’s EV lineup. This positioning aims to offer a compelling balance of interior space, efficiency, and value.
“Designed for modern Australian families, Elexio delivers the ideal balance of size, space, efficiency and outstanding value,” stated Gavin Donaldson, Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company Australia. During the Elexio’s launch event, Donaldson expressed optimism about its market potential, suggesting it could become Hyundai’s top-selling EV in Australia, potentially outselling even the popular Kona EV.
Shared Powertrain and Battery Technology
Both the current Elite variant and the upcoming base model will share the same powertrain specifications. This includes an 88 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery manufactured by BYD, utilizing their advanced blade technology. The electric motor is mounted at the front, driving the wheels and producing 160 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque.
The official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range stands at 546 km for the Elexio Elite, which features 20-inch wheels. The upcoming base variant, equipped with smaller 18-inch wheels, is expected to achieve a slightly higher range of 562 km, attributed to reduced rolling resistance.
Charging Capabilities and Platform
The Elexio is built on a 400-volt version of Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). While this platform offers robust performance, charging speeds on the Elexio are comparatively slower than those experienced with Hyundai’s Ioniq models, which utilize an 800-volt system.
Hyundai states that a 10% to 80% charge can be completed in approximately 38 minutes when connected to a 150 kW DC fast charger. However, the vehicle’s maximum charging speed is capped at around 120 kW. This charging speed is a factor to consider for drivers with frequent long-distance travel plans.
A practical feature included is a 16-ampere vehicle-to-load (V2L) socket located in the boot. This allows the Elexio to power external devices with a maximum output of 3.5 kW. However, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology will not be supported on the Elexio. V2G capability is currently reserved for Hyundai’s flagship Ioniq 9 model, which is undergoing rigorous testing for safety and reliability with bidirectional charging systems.
Manufacturing Origin and Global Strategy
Significantly, the Hyundai Elexio marks the first passenger vehicle for the Australian market to be manufactured in China. It is produced through the Beijing Hyundai joint venture, a 50/50 partnership between Hyundai Motor Company and BAIC Motor. This follows the introduction of the Hyundai Mighty electric truck in 2023, which was the brand’s first vehicle of any type sourced from China for Australia.
The Elexio is also a key component of Hyundai’s ‘In China, For China, To Global’ new energy vehicle (NEV) strategy, as previously reported. This suggests that consumers can anticipate the future arrival of more Hyundai EVs manufactured in China for the Australian market.
Australian-Specific Tuning and Design Philosophy
To ensure the Elexio performs optimally on Australian roads, which present unique driving conditions, Hyundai conducted a local ride and handling development program. This involved creating bespoke suspension and steering tunes specifically for the Australian market, aiming to deliver a refined driving experience.
Hyundai asserts that this localized tuning results in “A superb blend of comfort, stability, refinement and handling.”
The exterior design of the Elexio represents a departure from the signature pixelated lighting elements commonly found on other Hyundai EVs. While the pixel theme is subtly integrated into the rear horizontal light bar, the overall aesthetic is more mainstream, a deliberate choice by Hyundai to achieve broader market appeal compared to models like the Ioniq 5.
Colour Options and Exterior Finishes
Customers can choose from five exterior paint options. Crystal White is offered as the standard colour at no additional cost. Four optional mica premium paint finishes are available for an additional $750: Medium Grey, Pebble Blue, Phantom Black, and Dragon Red.
Interior Design and Trim Differences
Inside, the Elexio features a blend of futuristic and minimalist styling, with the Elite variant incorporating high-quality, tactile materials. These include leather-appointed seats with heating and ventilation for the front occupants, a heated leather steering wheel, and a synthetic suede dashboard finish.
The upcoming base Elexio variant will differ primarily in its interior appointments. It will feature cloth seats instead of leather and will lack the seat heating, ventilation, and memory functions found in the Elite model. Other distinctions include a single wireless phone charging pad, compared to two in the Elite, and a manual tailgate operation instead of an powered one.
Practicality: Boot Space and Storage
The Elexio offers a practical boot space of 506 litres, which can be expanded to 1,540 litres by folding the 60/40 split rear seats flat. A shallow compartment beneath the boot floor is designed to accommodate charging cables. Notably, there is no front trunk (frunk) storage area.
For smaller items, the cabin is equipped with several convenient storage solutions. These include shelves on the passenger side of the dashboard, a lower section in the centre console, storage behind the centre console, cup holders integrated into the rear door armrests, and a lower drawer compartment in the rear.
Infotainment and Driver Technology
A significant new feature for the Elexio is the debut of the ‘Connect-C’ infotainment system, built on a next-generation Android Automotive operating system. This system is accessed via a large 27-inch panoramic widescreen display. Positioned slightly towards the passenger, it presents key driver information on a dedicated panel on the right-hand side of the screen.
In place of a traditional instrument cluster, the Elexio utilizes a new generation projector-based head-up display (HUD). This system projects vital information directly into the driver’s line of sight, including vehicle speed, remaining range, selected gear, and detected speed limits. Drivers can also configure the HUD to display maps, media information, or turn-by-turn navigation prompts.
Hyundai Bluelink connectivity services are standard, along with support for over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The Elexio also features Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Touch, which allows compatible NFC-enabled smartphones to function as vehicle keys for locking, unlocking, and starting the car. However, it does not include the more advanced touchless digital key functionality based on ultra-wideband technology.
Safety Credentials and ANCAP Rating
As a family-focused SUV, safety is a priority for the Elexio. The vehicle is equipped with nine airbags and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The Elexio has achieved a 5-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), with an overall score of 84%. It particularly excelled in occupant protection, scoring 88% for adult and 86% for child occupant protection.
Pricing and Launch Offers
The Hyundai Elexio Elite is currently available for purchase, with customer deliveries expected to commence shortly. An introductory driveaway price of $59,990 is being offered until March 30th, 2026. Following this promotional period, the price will revert to $61,990 plus on-road costs. This launch offer represents a substantial saving of approximately $7,500, based on Hyundai’s own pricing calculator.
When the base Elexio variant is released in the second quarter of 2026, it is slated to start at $58,990 plus on-road costs, positioning it as a more affordable entry into the Elexio lineup.
Further details and first impressions following an in-depth media test drive event will be published later this week.