By Jordan Grim • November 01, 2025 • 06:11 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 01, 2025 • 06:11 AM (PDT)
Developed in collaboration with China’s BAIC, the Elexio will compete with electric SUV heavyweights like Tesla’s Model Y.
When Hyundai unveiled the Elexio, a new electric SUV developed with joint venture partner BAIC and separate from the Ioniq lineup, most people assumed it would only be sold in China. This was correct, as such collaborations are often designed for the domestic market.
But now, Hyundai has confirmed that the Elexio will also be coming to Australia. It’s expected to arrive next year and slot between the Kona EV and Ioniq 5 in the local lineup.
But now, Hyundai has confirmed that the Elexio will also arrive in Australia. It’s expected to arrive next year and slot between the Kona EV and Ioniq 5 in the local lineup.
Underneath, it runs on the Hyundai Group’s familiar E-GMP platform and features a single 88.1 kWh battery pack. Charging from 30 to 80 percent takes approximately 27 minutes, which is longer than the approximately 18 minutes it takes for the Ioniq 5 to top up from 10 to 80 percent.
In China, the Elexio’s driving range is claimed to be 722 km (449 miles), but under the (much less generous) WLTP cycle, Hyundai is only reporting a range of “over 500 km” (311 miles).
According to Drive, three different versions of the Elexio are expected in Australia. The base model will be a single-motor standard-range variant, the middle version will be a single-motor long-range model, and the flagship will be an all-wheel-drive long-range variant. Both two-wheel-drive options use a 160 kW (215 hp) motor, while the AWD variant increases this to approximately 230 kW (308 hp). This configuration is similar to the Kia EV5, which also has similar output figures across its lineup.
Inside, the Elexio clearly shows Chinese design cues, though in this case, that’s not a bad thing. The dashboard features a 27-inch panel that combines the main infotainment screen with a separate passenger display.
The driver gets a small display below the windshield, while a wireless charging pad and an eight-speaker Bose audio system complete the cabin’s tech package.
In China, the Elexio starts at 119,800 yuan and goes up to 149,800 yuan, which is roughly US$16,900 to US$21,100, or about AU$25,700 to AU$32,200 in local currency. These prices are tempting, but don’t get too excited. Prices like these never make it past customs.
Hyundai hasn’t revealed Australian pricing yet, though it’s safe to assume the local price won’t be as good. Expect something between AU$55,000 ($36,000) and AU$65,000 ($42,600); this range puts the Elexio squarely in the mid-size electric SUV competition.
It’s a crowded corner of the market, but Hyundai seems quite happy to carve out a niche.