Hyundai Motor unveiled the next-generation electric vehicle IONIQ 3 for the first time in the world at the 2026 Milan Design Week in Milan, Italy, on April 20 local time. The automaker presented the model as one that will accelerate the transition to electrification in the European market.

The IONIQ 3 is the latest model in Hyundai Motor’s dedicated electric-vehicle brand IONIQ lineup. It is a Europe-only model in a small hatchback style, prepared so more people can experience advanced electrification in daily life.

The IONIQ 3 features an Aero Hatch design that meets both aerodynamic efficiency and ample interior space. It is based on the E-GMP platform and is optimized for European driving conditions. It also comes with top-level driving assistance systems.

The exterior applies a new Aero Hatch silhouette that flows smoothly from the front to the roofline and rear spoiler. It achieves a drag coefficient of 0.263.

Based on Hyundai Motor’s design philosophy, Art of Steel, inspired by steel processing, the model highlights clean surfacing. Parametric pixel lighting and four dots that mean the letter H in Morse code complete the brand identity.

Hyundai Motor used a Furnished Space approach, arranging the IONIQ 3’s interior as if placing furniture. It created a warm and intuitive living space despite the compact body size.

It also has a relatively long wheelbase of 2,680 mm and a flat-floor layout to deliver interior space beyond its class. Hyundai Motor added a 119-liter Megabox under the trunk, giving a total cargo capacity of 441 liters, described as best-in-class.

The IONIQ 3 was developed on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated EV platform E-GMP. It has a 61 kWh battery and is expected to offer up to 496 km of driving range per charge. The long-range model is measured under Europe’s WLTP standard.

Hyundai Motor installed Pleos Connect, a next-generation infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS, for the first time in a model sold in Europe. It also applied advanced convenience features including Hyundai Digital Key 2, Plug & Charge and V2L for inside and outside the vehicle.

It also includes the latest SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist and Memory Reverse Assist. Hyundai Motor said the features help customers travel comfortably and safely.

Xavier Martinet (자비에르 마르티넷), head of Hyundai Motor’s Europe regional headquarters, said the company put the IONIQ brand’s values of design, advanced technology and people-centered thinking into a compact form that fits perfectly into daily life. He said the IONIQ 3 will play a very central role in Hyundai Motor’s European electric vehicle lineup.