Hyundai EO arrives in China with a $16,800 sticker price

Beijing Hyundai, a partnership operating in China, has officially pulled the wraps off its newest electric vehicle, the Hyundai EO. This new compact electric SUV enters one of the world's most competitive markets with an aggressive price tag. The EO was known as the Elexio in its concept phase, and is Hyundai's first step into the crowded field of affordable EVs.

The headline-grabbing number is the price, of course. The Hyundai EO launches in three versions: Fun, Smart, and Tech with the cheapest "Fun" model priced at just RMB 119,800 - that's roughly $16,800. The mid-range "Smart" trim costs RMB 129,800 (about $18,200), and the top-tier "Tech" version comes in at RMB 149,800 (about $21,000). For that money, all three launch models come with a single electric motor and a battery good for a 540-km range, based on China's CLTC testing cycle.

The new EV is built on Hyundai's global E-GMP platform, which is the same base used for popular EVs like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. The Hyundai EO measures 15.12 ft long, 6.14 ft wide, and stands either 5.48 ft or 5.54 ft tall, depending on the trim. Its 9.02 ft wheelbase is generous for a compact vehicle, a common benefit of dedicated electric platforms that push the wheels to the corners.

On the outside, the design is distinct, featuring daytime running lights inspired by "lucky crystals" that incorporate a digital "8" shape. Inside, the Hyundai EO takes a minimalist approach. The designers removed the traditional instrument screen that usually sits behind the steering wheel and all driving information is now shown on a head-up display.

The dashboard is dominated by a huge 27-inch 4K screen. This single panel stretches across the dash, serving as the main control center for the driver and an entertainment display for the front passenger. The interior also features a two-tone, three-spoke steering wheel and a layered center console with a retractable storage compartment, dual wireless charging pads, and a slightly unusual four-cup holder design.

Depending on the trim level, buyers can get a premium Bose sound system, perfect for the quiet cabin of an EV. The quiet is helped by double-layer acoustic glass to reduce wind noise. Other available features include a large panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade, plus there's an electric tailgate for easy loading.

The launch models share one powertrain, but Hyundai has confirmed more options are coming. For now, all versions get the familiar single-motor, front-wheel-drive option, which delivers 215 horsepower. A more powerful dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version will also be offered, providing a combined 312 horsepower.

Buyers will also get to choose between two different battery packs: a 64.2 kWh pack and a larger 88.1 kWh pack. Both use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is known for its durability and lower cost. This powertrain variety leads to five total range options, starting at 322 miles and going all the way up to 449 miles on the CLTC cycle.

The Hyundai EO is the start of a major product offensive for Beijing Hyundai. The company plans to follow the EO with a C-segment sedan, a B-segment SUV, and another C-segment SUV between 2026 and 2027. Looking even further ahead, a D-segment SUV, an MPV, and another sedan are planned for 2028 to 2030. By the end of the decade, Beijing Hyundai will have a lineup of 13 electric vehicles and seven gasoline-powered cars, including major updates to its popular Elantra and Tucson models.

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