When we last saw Hyundai’s Three Concept, Hyundai teased it in the form of several concept sketches that showed up on the internet. These sketches revealed Hyundai had something interesting in mind but we were forced to wait for more information.

Hyundai has chosen to unveil the answer with the all-new Three Concept which made its official debut at the IAA Show in Munich, Germany.

Three Concept could preview new EV model

The Three Concept is providing a glimpse into a new gateway EV model for the brand which would allow it to be slotted below the Ioniq 5 when it eventually goes on sale. Hyundai has always focused on a functional naming structure for its vehicles and look for the Three Concept to potentially morph into the Ioniq 3 when it eventually makes production.

While the Three Concept seemingly resembles a traditional hatchback, Hyundai says it’s actually an “Aero Hatch” with the firm saying the combination of the sporty roof, visual tension from the intersecting lines created by the ‘Art of Steel’ design language and the upright rear window blend performance and practicality. Regardless of how Hyundai tries to justify this approach we think it looks pretty cool and chances are good the Concept Three’s core essentials will carryover into production largely intact.

Lighting plays prominent role

Hyundai has been a company that takes lighting very seriously in its vehicles. While the concept gets a modernized version of the company’s “Parametric Pixel” lighting, the lighting here in this concept features a special gradient treatment that makes the upper pixels much brighter than the lower ones.

The interior is perhaps the biggest departure for Hyundai with the concept not having a formal touchscreen infotainment system. Instead, the occupants are expected to bring their own gear and widgets that they can mount onto the dashboard to customize their experience. The front seats are pod shaped and they are adorned in sustainable fabrics and other materials.

Kia EV4 might donate its heart to the Concept Three

Hyundai chose to not reveal any information about performance hardware, but a production model could be closely related to the Kia EV4 which means a 400-volt electrical system versus the 800-volt systems commonly used in other EVs.

This makes sense since buyers in the EV4’s (and presumably the Ioniq 3’s) segment are looking more at price and range versus outright performance and are not looking to make waves out on the track. Instead, they are looking for usability and look for this compact to deliver the goods in certain markets.