Exploring the Seven Concept’s Influence on the 2024 Ioniq 7’s Features
Hyundai has given us a glimpse of its upcoming 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 7 electric SUV through the stylish Hyundai Seven concept. While concept cars often feature extravagant designs that don't make it to production, Hyundai's design team assures us that the Seven concept closely resembles what we can expect from the Ioniq 7.
The Hyundai Seven concept showcases some notable features that are likely to make their way to the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 7. One such feature is the pixel lighting, which the automaker has previously used on the smaller Ioniq 5. The high-mounted light bar on the Seven concept serves as the daytime running lamps, while the lower-mounted units act as the low- and high-beam lights. This design is expected to carry over to the production Ioniq 7, albeit with a flat and translucent cover to protect the pixel lights from debris.
Drawing inspiration from the Hyundai Staria van, the Ioniq 7 embraces modern design elements. The front fascia of the Ioniq 7 shares styling cues with the Staria, and the Seven concept's continuous light bar is something the Hyundai design team hopes to incorporate into the production model. However, the flush Hyundai badge seen on the concept's hood will not be present on the Ioniq 7 due to the challenges of integrating it into metal body panels.
While the Seven concept features a unique glass rear hatch reminiscent of the Volvo C30, the production Ioniq 7 is expected to have a rear end similar to that of the Staria. The glass on the hatch door will likely occupy a significant portion, with the remaining space housing exterior-painted panels for the license plate holder and hatch handle.
One exciting detail confirmed by Hyundai's design team is the inclusion of a dedicated cargo area, commonly known as a "frunk," in the production Ioniq 7. This feature adds practicality and expands the available storage space in the vehicle.
The Seven concept introduces camera-fed exterior mirrors, but these will likely be replaced by traditional glass units on the Ioniq 7, at least in the American market. Hyundai may offer a camera-based mirror system as an option, similar to what is available for the Ioniq 5, but the extendable cameras seen on the concept are unlikely to be included.
While the interior of the Seven concept is not an accurate representation of the Ioniq 7's cabin, certain design elements will carry over. The oval-ish cutouts in the door panels are expected to make their way into the production model. However, features designed around Level 4 autonomous driving, such as the L-shaped third-row seat and the steering-wheel-replacing joystick, are concept-only and won't be part of the Ioniq 7's interior.
The Seven concept showcases unique materials like wool seating upholstery and bamboo wood trim, which Hyundai's design team would like to incorporate into future models. However, consumer acceptance and comfort are important considerations, and Hyundai will need to gauge customer preferences before implementing these materials in production vehicles.
Hyundai is getting ready to launch the Ioniq 7, and the Hyundai Seven concept gives us a glimpse of what to expect. The Ioniq 7 is designed to impress with its stylish appearance and groundbreaking features. It aims to make a bold statement in the electric SUV market, offering both elegance and eco-friendliness. When it comes to specifications, the Hyundai Ioniq 7 stands strong and competes effectively with other electric vehicles.
