Hyundai has used Auto China 2026 to unveil the Ioniq V, its first dedicated Ioniq production model for China and the opening move in a much bigger product push for the market.
The new EV is built around Hyundai’s “In China, For China, To Global” strategy, which sounds like corporate shorthand but says something important: Hyundai is no longer treating China as just another export destination. It wants the country to be a development base for future EVs, software and local partnerships.
Hyundai said Beijing Hyundai, its joint venture with BAIC Group, plans to introduce 20 new models in China over the next five years, covering battery-electric vehicles and extended-range EVs. The company is also targeting 500,000 annual vehicle sales through renewed growth in China and export opportunities.
The Ioniq V is the first production model under that renewed plan.
Hyundai said it is developed specifically for Chinese buyers and is derived from the earlier Venus Concept. A long-range version is claimed to deliver more than 600km on China’s CLTC test cycle, although final specifications could still change before market launch.
The Ioniq V measures 4,900mm long, 1,890mm wide and has a 2,900mm wheelbase.
Hyundai said the cabin uses a wraparound layout, with a 27-inch ultra-thin 4K panoramic display, Horizon head-up display, ambient lighting and an eight-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos as standard.
The technology package is also very China-specific.
Hyundai listed a large-language-model-based Smart AI Assistant using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset, while advanced driver assistance is powered by Momenta. Safety kit includes a reinforced body, nine airbags and pedal misapplication safety assist.
Hyundai has not confirmed whether the Ioniq V will be sold outside China. For now, it is best seen as a China-first EV, and one that shows how far global carmakers are willing to localise when facing Chinese buyers on their own ground.
