Hyundai unveils Seven concept

Hyundai Motor has revealed its Seven sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV) concept, on display at AutoMobility LA from November 19-28.

It also represents Hyundai’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2045, has a targeted range of 480km, and can charge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes with a 350kW charger.

“The Seven concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future,” Hyundai Motor North America president and chief executive José Muñoz says.

“Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers.”

Expansive design leveraging Hyundai’s E-GMP platform explores a new SUV typology optimised for dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Interior architecture provides freedom and comfort for passengers, while furniture-like seats and features offer premium lounge experience

The Seven debut press conference can be viewed at Hyundai Motor America’s website.

Hyundai has also released a lifestyle-oriented storytelling video.

The company’s Ioniq electric sub-brand changes EV customer experiences, accommodating diverse lifestyles without constraints, Hyundai Motor Company executive vice president and global chief marketing officer Thomas Schemera says.

“Seven represents our commitment to a human-centred approach to redefine everyday experiences.”

The wheels feature integrated active air flaps which deploy or retract depending on brake-cooling or low-drag requirements.

Ioniq’s signature parametric pixel lights deliver a “Welcome Light Sequence” on start-up in the Seven concept.

Its wheelbase reaches 3.2 metres, and the flat floor allows Hyundai Motor to explore an alternative to the traditional row-based seat arrangements. Pillarless coach doors offer a grand entrance and the streamlined roofline, long wheelbase and flat floor that extends to the third row opens new opportunities to furnish the interior like a premium lounge.

Seven also embodies Hyundai’s future vision of autonomous mobility. The driver’s seat features a retractable control stick that hides away when not in use. Without the need for the usual driver’s equipment, the ultra-slim cockpit and integrated screens create a lounge-like experience.

The seat arrangement is unlike traditional SUVs, with swivelling lounge chairs and a curved bench seat that can be customised depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes.

Seven offers flexible space and various in-car appliances that can be personalised for individual passengers.

It has a universal island console, specially designed home appliances and a multi-functional Smart Hub graphic user interface, while Seven’s built-in mini-fridge provides chilled refreshment on the go and shoe-care compartments refresh passengers’ footwear.

The concept’s vision roof features a panoramic screen that displays various content based on passengers’ tastes.

“Seven paves the way forward for what an SUV needs to become in the EV era with a unique aerodynamic pure form that does not compromise on its rugged personality,” Hyundai senior vice president and global design head SangYup Lee says.

“The interior opens up a new dimension of space that cares for its passenger as a family living space.”

The SUEV uses various eco-friendly materials while offering segment-leading hygienic features, such as “Hygiene Airflow System” and “UVC Sterilisation”, the latter helping clean the living space of bacteria and viruses. In addition, there are sanitising storage compartments in the bench and Smart Hub console for personal belongings.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor’s new Xcient heavy-duty fuel cell truck makes its North American auto show debut at AutoMobility LA and is included in Hyundai’s show display.