Hyundai Venus and Earth concepts preview China-only EVs

Hyundai has revealed its radical Venus and Earth concepts to showcase its upcoming range of EVs built exclusively for the Chinese market.

While still part of its award-winning Ioniq EV family, the South Korean brand said its new range of China-only models will be “tailored to local customers”, and largely different to the rest of the Ioniq line-up.

As a way of emphasising the difference, the Chinese EV models will be named after planets instead of using numerical designations based on size, such as Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Ioniq 9.

Unlike the Ioniq cars with their bold, instantly recognisable pixel-influenced designs, the upcoming line of planet-inspired Hyundai models will adopt a single curve profile.

Finished in a ‘radiant gold’ to reference its planetary namesake, the Hyundai Venus pairs a wedgy, cab-forward design with what appears to be a bolstered ride height, slightly flared wheel arches, and slim LED running lights.

Inside, the Hyundai Venus does away with physical switchgear in favour of a digital display running the length of most of the cockpit. According to Hyundai, the suede upholstery and gold interior detailing emphasise the car’s “premium feel”.

The Hyundai Earth takes a more rugged approach to visuals. Tailored to the Chinese market’s appetite for SUVs, it’s finished in chunky body cladding and an even higher ride height. Nonetheless, its lineage remains visible in its angular design.

Inside, the Earth uses plenty of natural light to increase cabin space, and comes with ‘air hug’ seats comprising several air-filled pockets. Emphasising its comfort-driven nature, the Hyundai Earth appears to come with a smaller screen, and Hyundai promises several ‘shy-tech’ elements to promote a “calm and breathable” ambience.

Hyundai has yet to confirm whether either the Venus or the Earth will make it to production, let alone the arrival time for its new China-only EVs. More information will be available when they make their public debut at the Beijing motor show on April 24  later this month.

Moreover, there is no news on whether the cars will ride on Hyundai’s EV-only E-GMP platform, which underpins the existing Ioniq EVs. However, do know that these planetarily-named models will feature “market-specific solutions” such as range-extender powertrains and autonomous driving technologies.

While Hyundai has a joint venture with the Beijing-based BAIC Motor in the world’s largest car market, it’s seeking to grow its presence with a line of dedicated vehicles.

Hyundai isn’t the only brand to adopt a China-only plan with its Venus and Earth concepts. Volkswagen has an ‘in China, for China’ strategy and has developed a range of EVs via joint ventures formed with local manufacturers. Audi also launched its premium, China-only ‘AUDI’ brand as it seeks to conquer the Chinese market.