Sitting atop Hyundai’s EV-specific E-GMP architecture, the Ioniq 7, like the Seven concept, will benefit from a flat floor, short overhangs and bonnet, and, at least on the concept, a 3200mm-long wheelbase – roughly as long as that of even the largest version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. These are all features that allow for a much more spacious cabin environment than offered by Hyundai’s existing SUVs.
It is in this respect that the production-spec Ioniq 7 will differ most obviously from the concept, which ditches a conventional three-row seating layout in favour of a more “fluid” format comprising a pair of movable, swivelling armchairs – complete with footrests – and a curved corner sofa-style arrangement at the back of the cabin.
On the Seven concept, a retractable joystick replaces the steering wheel, for example, and in place of a conventional dashboard, a sleek digital control panel spans the width of the cabin – an evolution of the set-up shown in the Prophecy concept – while a huge OLED screen in the ceiling serves as a sort of virtual sunroof with customisable displays.
With the front seats turned rearwards, the Seven is transformed into a mobile lounge, with ambient lighting supplied by distinctive tube-shaped devices in the door panels, an in-built fridge and even dedicated shoe care compartments.
