South Korean automaker Hyundai has officially expanded its electric vehicle lineup, as Hyundai confirms the base variant of the all-new Elexio medium SUV for the Australian market. The new entry-level version will join the existing Elite trim in the second quarter of 2026, broadening customer choice in one of the most competitive EV segments.
Currently offered in a single Elite variant priced at $59,990 driveaway, the Elexio is Hyundai’s newest addition to its growing EV portfolio. With this announcement, Hyundai confirms the base variant will sit below the Elite, making the futuristic family SUV more accessible to Australian buyers.
Positioned in Australia’s Most Competitive EV Segment
The Elexio enters a crowded medium electric SUV market featuring strong rivals such as the BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X, Tesla Model Y, and Kia EV5. It also faces pricing pressure from more affordable Chinese brands like Geely and Leapmotor.
Hyundai describes the Elexio as a family-focused EV that balances size, space, efficiency, and value. Dimensionally, it sits between the Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5, offering practical proportions tailored for modern Australian families. According to Hyundai Motor Company Australia COO Gavin Donaldson, the Elexio has the potential to become the brand’s top-selling EV in the country.
Powertrain, Battery, and Range Details
Both variants share an 88 kWh LFP battery supplied by BYD, featuring the well-known Blade battery technology. The front-wheel-drive setup produces 160 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque.
The WLTP range stands at 546 km for the Elite variant, while the newly announced base version delivers an even higher 562 km thanks to its smaller 18-inch wheels (compared to 20-inch wheels on the Elite). With these figures, Hyundai confirms the base variant will offer one of the strongest driving ranges in its class.
Built on a 400V version of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the Elexio supports DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in 38 minutes using a 150 kW charger, although peak charging speed is approximately 120 kW.
Features, Technology, and Australian Tuning
The Elexio includes a 16A vehicle-to-load (V2L) socket in the boot, capable of powering appliances up to 3.5 kW. However, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality is not available, as this remains exclusive to the flagship Ioniq 9.
Manufactured in China through the Beijing Hyundai joint venture with BAIC Motor, the Elexio is the first Hyundai passenger vehicle for Australia sourced from China. It is also the first model under Hyundai’s “In China, For China, To Global” NEV strategy.
To suit local conditions, Hyundai conducted a dedicated Australian ride-and-handling program, developing bespoke suspension and steering tuning to deliver comfort, stability, and refinement.
With more mainstream styling than the pixel-heavy Ioniq 5, the Elexio aims for broader appeal. As Hyundai confirms the base variant, the model appears well positioned to become a major player—and potentially Hyundai’s best-selling EV in Australia.
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