Quick Highlights:
- New Hyundai electric SUV spied testing in Mumbai in multiple test mules.
- Sub-4m size suggests direct rivalry with Tata Punch EV.
- Dedicated EV design with pixel LED lighting and front-mounted charging port.
- Likely India-first product, expected to be manufactured at Hyundai’s Talegaon plant.
New Hyundai Electric SUV Spied Testing in India
Fresh spy shots of a new Hyundai SUV have surfaced yet again, and this time the images leave little room for doubt. The mystery test mule spotted on Indian roads is clearly a fully electric SUV, and all indicators suggest it is being developed specifically for the Indian market.
What caught my attention is that the vehicle was seen driving in a convoy of three test mules in Mumbai city traffic, which usually means Hyundai has moved into an advanced phase of public road testing. This is no early prototype anymore.
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EV-Specific Front Design Confirms Electric Identity
The clearest giveaway comes from the front fascia. The SUV features four dots positioned at the centre of the nose, a design element Hyundai has been consistently using across its newer models. These dots represent the letter ‘H’ in Morse code, already seen on steering wheels and exterior elements of recent Hyundai cars like the new Venue.
More importantly, there is no fuel filler lid visible on either side of the vehicle. This strongly suggests a front-mounted charging port, similar to the layout used on the Hyundai Creta EV. Combined with a closed-off front end, this confirms that the SUV is not based on an ICE platform.
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The lighting signature further strengthens the EV narrative. The SUV uses pixelated LED DRLs and tail lamps, a theme Hyundai has adopted across its global EV range, including the Ioniq family and the Inster EV. The windshield angle also closely resembles the Inster EV, hinting at shared design inspiration.
Sub-4m Dimensions and Segment Positioning
In terms of proportions, the SUV looks compact, upright and boxy, with short overhangs and a flat tailgate. These cues strongly point to sub-4 metre dimensions, placing it below the Venue in Hyundai’s lineup.
This creates an interesting positioning question. Hyundai already has the Exter as its micro SUV and the Venue as a strong seller in the sub-4m ICE space. From my perspective, it would make little sense for Hyundai to position this EV as a direct Venue alternative, as that would risk internal cannibalisation.
A far more logical target is the Tata Punch EV, which currently dominates the electric micro SUV segment. This new Hyundai EV appears more rugged and purpose-built, potentially giving buyers a more EV-focused alternative rather than an electrified ICE conversion.
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India-First Development and Made-in-India Strategy
One detail that stands out is where this SUV has been spotted. Hyundai test vehicles are usually seen in South Korea first, before appearing on Indian roads. In this case, there have been no sightings outside India so far, strongly suggesting this is an India-first product.
Hyundai has already publicly committed to launching a fully localised, mass-market electric vehicle for India, with a tentative timeline around 2027. The current testing schedule aligns perfectly with that plan, as manufacturers typically begin extensive public road testing 12–18 months before launch.
The Mumbai test location adds another crucial clue. Mumbai is close to Hyundai Motor India’s Talegaon plant, which has recently gone operational and currently manufactures the new-generation Venue. Given the proximity, it is highly likely that this electric SUV will be produced at the Talegaon facility. Local manufacturing will be key for Hyundai to achieve competitive pricing and meaningful volumes in the sub-4m EV segment.
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Expected Features and Powertrain Details
While Hyundai has not revealed technical specifications yet, expectations from this electric SUV include:
- Front-mounted charging port
- High localisation levels for cost control
- Connected car technology and digital cockpit
- Strong focus on affordability and volume-driven sales
Battery capacity, driving range and power output remain under wraps for now, but given the target segment, a real-world range suitable for urban usage is likely to be a priority.
What This Means for Hyundai’s EV Plans
With multiple test mules now running openly in dense city traffic, more concrete details should surface soon. From what I can see, this SUV could become a cornerstone of Hyundai’s long-term EV strategy in India, especially as competition in the affordable electric space heats up rapidly.
If Hyundai manages to price it aggressively while offering a distinct EV design and strong feature set, this could be one of the most important electric launches in the coming years.
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Frequently Asked Question — FAQs
Q. When will the new Hyundai electric SUV launch in India?
- The SUV is expected to launch around 2027, based on Hyundai’s public EV roadmap and the current testing timeline.
Q. Is the new Hyundai electric SUV based on an existing ICE model?
- No, the design cues such as the closed-off front, pixel LED lighting and lack of fuel lid suggest it is a dedicated electric vehicle, not an ICE-derived model.
Q. Which cars will this Hyundai EV compete with?
- The primary rival is expected to be the Tata Punch EV, positioning it in the sub-4m electric SUV segment.
Q. Where will the new Hyundai electric SUV be manufactured?
- It is likely to be produced at Hyundai’s Talegaon plant in Maharashtra, supporting a high level of localisation.
Q. Will this be an India-first Hyundai EV?
- Yes, there have been no global sightings so far, indicating this is a made-for-India, India-first electric SUV.
Also Read: Hyundai Confirms Affordable EV Below Creta Electric — Localized Compact EV SUV
