Hyundai Motor Company has revealed the SEVEN, the brand’s new sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV) concept at AutoMobility LA. This category-bending electric SUV concept will be on display at Hyundai’s booth at the LA Convention Center from 19-29 November.
Following the 45 concept in 2019 and the Prophecy concept in 2020, the SEVEN concept opens a new chapter for the IONIQ brand, Hyundai’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) showcase.
These differentiated design and technology innovations prioritise customer values over industry norms. SEVEN is also a representation of Hyundai’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2045.
José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO, said: “The SEVEN concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future.
“Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers.”
The SEVEN concept electric vehicle (EV), like the brand’s recently launched IONIQ 5 electric crossover, is built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated battery electric vehicle architecture. E-GMP’s long wheelbase and flat platform floor enable a completely new class of vehicle that offers new experiences for customers.
Hyundai’s SEVEN concept has an aerodynamic shape with a low leading edge of the bonnet, a single streamlined roofline and elongated wheelbase. The 3.2-metre wheelbase pushes the wheels outward to extend the wheelbase as much as possible.
This combined with the flat floor allows Hyundai to explore an alternative to the traditional row-based seat arrangements, creating a more fluid interior layout. The pillarless coach doors offer a grand entrance to reveal a welcoming interior with a completely new dimension of space. This opens new opportunities to furnish the interior like a premium lounge.
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 seating arrangement is unlike traditional SUVs, with swivelling lounge chairs and a curved bench seat. The arrangement can be customised depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes. As the name suggests this electric car can seat up to seven people.
The concept features a panoramic roof screen that not only displays various content based on passengers’ tastes, but also changes the overall interior atmosphere and provides maximum light.
Hyundai have also focused on using various eco-friendly materials while offering segment-leading hygienic features, such as Hygiene Airflow System and ultraviolet radiation (UVC) sterilisation.
The Hygiene Airflow System takes inspiration from the sophisticated airflow management of passenger aircraft. In its vertical mode, air is taken in through built-in air intakes in the roof rails from which the air travels from above to below and extracted through the exterior vent behind the rear wheels. In its horizontal mode, the air flows from the slim dashboard to the rear vents.
Bio-paint has been applied to the SEVEN’s exterior and recycled and renewable materials are used throughout the interior. These include mineral plaster, bamboo wood and carpet, bio-resin and interior paint based on renewable sources that can reduce pollution from the production process.
Extensive use of copper and hygienically treated fabric with proven antibacterial functions ensure all surfaces inside SEVEN remain clean at all times.
When it comes to performance, the SEVEN concept, will have a target range of over 300 miles (483km). It also features ultra-fast charging capabilities and with a 350kW charger, the SEVEN is capable of charging up to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.
SangYup Lee, Hyundai senior vice president and head of Hyundai Global Design, said, “SEVEN dares to break from the beaten path. 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. The interior opens up a new dimension of space that cares for its passenger as a family living space.”
The full launch of the SEVEN concept at the AutoMobility LA show can be seen below:
