Hyundai announces IONIQ sub-brand dedicated to EVs

Hyundai is planning to introduce three new IONIQ EV models over the next four years, first of which will be the IONIQ 5 – a compact crossover model that will be based on the 45 Concept. 

In 2015, Hyundai had launched its dedicated luxury arm in the form of the Genesis sub-brand, that looks after the Korean marque's more luxurious and spruced-up models. And now, Hyundai is ready to launch yet another sub-brand, only this time for its future EV model lineup. The official brand launch took place in London, by converting the London Eye into a giant, lit-up letter 'Q', just before the tourist attraction's official reopening.

With the sub-brand christened IONIQ, the name's association with the Hyundai Motor Group goes back to 2016 when the Korean carmaker had launched its long-term Project IONIQ at the Geneva Motor Show. This was followed by the announcement of the IONIQ Autonomous Concept vehicle at the 2016 LA Auto Show.

While it's too early for any concrete details to surface about the upcoming IONIQ cars, Hyundai has announced that it will roll out three new IONIQ EV models (numerically-named) over the next four years. Even numbers will be reserved for sedans whereas the odd numbers will be used for SUVs/CUVs. The chain will begin with the IONIQ 5 (expected debut - early 2021) that will be based on the 45 Concept shown at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Next, in 2022, the line-up will expand with the IONIQ 6 sedan that will be based on the recently-unveiled Prophecy Concept. The sedan will then be followed by the IONIQ 7 full-size electric SUV, slated for an early 2024 reveal. Hyundai is yet to reveal any information about IONIQ 7's design inspiration, although our guess is that it'll be based on the Vision-T Concept.

Hyundai has also revealed that all IONIQ brand models will sit on an Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), that will feature fast-charging capabilities and longer driving range. The E-GMP will also focus on enhanced ergonomics that'll focus on the 'smart living space' theme.