Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the compact electric vehicle concept car ‘Concept THREE’ for the first time globally at the ‘IAA Mobility 2025 (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung Mobility 2025)’ held in Munich, Germany.
On the 9th (local time), Hyundai revealed Concept THREE, expressing its vision to expand the Ioniq brand’s electric vehicle lineup into the compact category. Concept THREE is a hatchback-style compact electric vehicle concept car, marking Ioniq’s first model in the compact EV segment.
After revealing the mid-sized EV concept car ’45’ in 2019, the mid-sized EV concept car ‘Prophecy’ in 2020, and the large-sized EV concept car ‘SEVEN’ in 2021, Hyundai has expanded its lineup by launching the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Ioniq 9. The unveiling of Concept THREE is part of a strategy to address the demand for compact EVs in the global electric vehicle market.
Hyundai first unveiled Concept THREE in the European market, where the transition from internal combustion vehicles to electric vehicles is rapid and where there is a high demand for hatchbacks. A Hyundai official stated, “Concept THREE is a model that represents Hyundai’s next-generation electrification journey,” adding, “Through its compact body and ‘Art of Steel’ design language, it embodies practical yet stylish mobility.”
Concept THREE is designed with an aerodynamic ‘Aero Hatch’ to enhance performance. A ducktail rear spoiler in lemon color is mounted at the back to optimize airflow while adding a sporty feel. The vertical tailgate maximizes interior space utilization, providing a spacious interior despite being a small EV.
The exterior adopts the ‘Art of Steel’ design language, which emphasizes the elasticity and inherent strength of steel materials, a technique first applied to the hydrogen electric vehicle concept car ‘INITIUM’ last year. Concept THREE’s exterior showcases expansive use of steel to express curves and strong volumes, with a three-dimensional structure extending from the C-pillar to the rear, projecting a strong presence. The exterior color is ‘Tungsten Gray’ to underscore the texture of the steel material.
The interior creates a comfortable atmosphere akin to furniture by retaining the material’s inherent texture. Seats, door trims, consoles, and dashboards use curved structures to maintain a soft spatial impression. The ‘BYOL (Bring Your Own Lifestyle) widget,’ located on the driver’s dashboard, allows users to customize driving features according to preference. This widget moves towards the steering wheel upon ignition to offer a driver-centric interface.
The brand character ‘Mr. Pix,’ which can change shape, is also incorporated into Concept THREE, placed throughout the interior and exterior for visitors to discover.
At the IAA Mobility, Hyundai established a 580㎡ exhibition booth along Ludwigstrasse. The exhibition booth is composed of a 7m high glass structure inspired by Ioniq’s design elements, the Parametric Pixel. The booth showcases seven electric vehicle models, including Concept THREE, the Insteroid concept car, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 N, Ioniq 9, and the Kona Electric, along with the Casper Electric Cross.
In addition, they showcased sculptures inspired by Concept THREE, like ‘The Essence’ and ‘Furnished Lounge,’ to allow visitors to experience the design philosophy. Hyundai also introduced the modular accessory attachment solution ‘Hyundai AddGear,’ enabling visitors to have a hands-on experience.
Throughout the exhibition period, Hyundai will also run a test drive program for electric vehicle models such as Ioniq 5, Ioniq 5 N, Ioniq 6, Ioniq 9, Casper Electric, and Casper Electric Cross.