The Hyundai Seven Concept has officially debuted at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show and it gives us a glimpse of what the production Ioniq 7 three-row crossover will be like. This thinly veiled concept previews the third vehicle in the Ioniq sub brand. Built on the E-GMP platform that also underpins the Ioniq 5 and the upcoming Ioniq 6 sedan.
Built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the Hyundai Seven Concept features a long wheelbase and a flat floor. The exterior design is upright except for the A-pillar, which is swept back to make the crossover more aerodynamic. Designers also made the front end more rounded, giving it a softer carlike look. The tiered headlight treatment from the other Hyundai SUVs and crossovers remains, giving it a family resemblance. In the Seven Concept, it adopts the Ioniq sub brand’s pixel-style LED lighting treatment. The upper tier also spans the width of the crossover.
Quite possibly the most controversial aspect of the Seven Concept is the rear end. It’s nearly vertical and pixel-like taillights are mounted low. You also see the rounded roofline and muscular rear fenders, which add to its unique look. Retractable active air flaps help the crossover slip through the air better and can also be used to improve brake cooling.
The biggest highlight of the Hyundai Seven Concept is its interior. Think of it as a lounge on wheels thanks to its 126-inch wheelbase and wheels pushed outward. Thanks to the flat floor, designers are able to do more than a conventional three-row arrangement. A retractable control stick can be stowed when it’s not being used. Swiveling lounge chairs allow for extensive customizability depending on whether you’re in driver-controlled or fully autonomous mode. A universal island console and specially designed appliances essentially turn the crossover into a living room. On the tech front, the panoramic glass roof doubles as a projection that shows media content and changes the atmosphere to maximize occupant comfort.
Hyundai doubles down on the use of renewable materials throughout the Seven Concept’s interior. Mineral plaster, bamboo, carpet, and bio-resin are all made from renewable sources that reduce pollution during the production process. Extensive use of cooper and hygienically treated fabric with antibacterial properties ensure maximum cleanliness in the cabin. Even the climate control system is inspired by the ones found in aircraft and can isolate airflow between the front and rear passengers. UVC sterilization is used to clean the interior of bacteria and viruses. The storage compartments in the bench and Smart Hub console are also able to sanitize your belongings.
Thanks to the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the Seven Concept can DC charge at peak rates of up to 350 kW. That means a 10 to 80 percent charge is done in 20 minutes. According to Hyundai, the Seven Concept has a targeted range of 300 miles on a single charge; however, it didn’t reveal the size of the battery. If we were to guess it’s likely over 90 kWh to make up for the crossover’s size upright profile.
The Hyundai Seven Concept gives us a near-production look at the upcoming Ioniq 7, the flagship electric crossover due out in 2024. Based on the show car, the production model should double down on practicality, clever interior storage solutions, and technology.
