Just when you thought the electric vehicle space couldn’t get more exciting, Hyundai has dropped a tantalizing glimpse into its future. Feast your eyes on the latest teaser for the “Concept THREE,” the first-ever compact EV concept from Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ sub-brand. This isn’t just another concept car; it’s a bold statement, wrapped in a futuristic new design language and set for a global debut at one of Europe’s biggest motor shows.
The ‘Art of Steel’ and the ‘Aero Hatch’
So, what are we looking at? The new teaser image reveals a striking side profile with a bold, energetic stance that Hyundai is calling the “Art of Steel”. Forget boring, appliance-like EVs. This design philosophy is inspired by the way steel bends and flows, creating a body with beautifully sculpted surfaces, crisp intersections, and character lines that scream motion even when the car is standing still.
But the real headline-grabber might be the new term Hyundai is coining: the “Aero Hatch”. According to the automaker, this new typology completely reimagines the compact EV silhouette. Simon Loasby, Head of the Hyundai Design Center, says the goal was to “craft a silhouette that captures a sense of flow and becomes a beautifully proportioned sculpture”.
While Hyundai is keeping the exact details under wraps, the “Aero Hatch” name strongly suggests a design that prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency to maximize range, a critical factor in any EV. Think of it as blending the practicality of a traditional hatchback with the sleek, air-slicing profile of a fastback or Kammback, likely pushing the boundaries we’ve seen on models like the IONIQ 5 and 6 into a more compact package. Exterior designer Manuel Schoettle hopes the “extremely pure” design will “bring a smile to your face”.
The Big Reveal in Munich
Hyundai is building anticipation for a grand reveal at the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich, which runs from September 9 to 14. This event marks Hyundai’s return to Europe’s largest mobility showcase after a four-year absence, a move that reaffirms the company’s commitment to the European market and its leadership in sustainable innovation.
All will be revealed during Hyundai’s press conference on September 9, where the company will provide an in-depth look at how Concept THREE is set to redefine the compact EV segment. For now, we’re left with a stunning teaser and a new term—Aero Hatch—that could very well signal the next evolution in electric vehicle design.
