Hyundai is preparing to enter the compact electric SUV segment in India with a new sub-4-metre model codenamed HE1i. Spy shots of the vehicle have been captured at charging stations and on public roads, revealing key details about its design, technology, and intended feature set. The SUV is expected to be launched in India before the end of 2026 or in early 2027, and it will be locally manufactured at Hyundai's plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, with a high degree of localisation that could help keep the price competitive.
The design of the upcoming Hyundai electric SUV is tall and boxy, bearing a strong resemblance to the Hyundai Inster EV sold in global markets. Test mules have been spotted with heavy camouflage, but notable elements include top-mounted LED daytime running lights, split headlamps positioned above the bumper, and an upright front fascia with a closed-off grille typical of electric vehicles. The body panels appear to feature a simple, flat design that gives the SUV a robust presence, while the roofline and window line run nearly parallel to the ground. Other design elements observed on the test mules include blacked-out outside rearview mirrors, a flat roof, functional roof rails, body cladding, and sporty 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with Apollo tyres. At the rear, the SUV appears to have a raked windshield, a chunky bumper design, and one of the shortest rear overhangs seen in its class. Pixel-style lighting elements may be offered at both the front and rear. Interestingly, two different headlamp setups have been spotted on separate prototypes, with one featuring slim horizontal lower lights and the other displaying larger projector-style units, suggesting that Hyundai may offer variant-specific lighting designs across trims.
Interior and Technology
The cabin of the Hyundai HE1i is expected to feature a modern and well-equipped interior. Spy shots have revealed what appears to be a large digital display mounted high on the dashboard, believed to be part of Hyundai's next-generation Pleos Connect infotainment system. Additional reports suggest the SUV could receive dual 10.25-inch screens for both the infotainment system and the instrument cluster. The Pleos Connect system is developed with Android Automotive OS and is designed to offer a smartphone-like interface with window-like functionalities, voice commands powered by AI, internet connectivity, and over-the-air software updates. Other likely features include automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior may also support flexible seating arrangements to maximise cargo utility when needed, along with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing the SUV to power external devices.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Hyundai has confirmed that the sub-4-metre electric SUV will come equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving technology, also referred to as Level 2 ADAS. Standard safety features are expected to include six or seven airbags and a 360-degree camera system. While the full safety package for the India-spec model has not yet been officially detailed, the inclusion of Level 2 ADAS signals Hyundai's intent to offer a comprehensive driver assistance suite in this competitive segment.
Powertrain, Battery, and Charging
The Hyundai HE1i is expected to be built on a modified version of the E-GMP (K) platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Inster EV sold internationally. Based on the Inster EV's specifications, the SUV could be offered with battery pack options of 42 kWh and 49 kWh, though the India-specific versions may feature different capacities. Some reports suggest the battery range could span between 42 kWh and 51 kWh, with an estimated range of approximately 450 km, although these figures are considered preliminary and have not been officially confirmed by Hyundai. In terms of charging, the SUV is expected to support DC fast charging of up to 120 kW, which would allow the battery to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. Hyundai is reportedly planning to offer the HE1i in both standard-range and long-range variants to cater to different buyer needs.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
Hyundai has indicated that the sub-4-metre electric SUV will be launched in India before the end of 2026 or in early 2027. Some reports suggest a possible debut at the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo in February 2027. The SUV is expected to be positioned below the Creta Electric in Hyundai's Indian product lineup. With heavy localisation at the Sriperumbudur plant, a competitive price point can be expected, with estimates pointing to a launch price in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. Hyundai has plans to sell this new EV not only in India but also across multiple global markets, with India serving as the primary manufacturing hub.
Rivals and Market Positioning
The Hyundai HE1i is expected to compete in an increasingly crowded compact electric SUV segment. Its direct rivals are likely to include the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, and the upcoming Kia Syros EV. With its EV-specific platform, compact footprint, Level 2 ADAS system, and Hyundai's new Pleos Connect infotainment technology, the HE1i is expected to become a high-volume offering for the South Korean carmaker in India. As part of its broader product offensive, Hyundai plans to introduce 26 new models by FY2030, with this compact electric SUV being one of two new SUVs scheduled for launch in the current financial year.
Hyundai's upcoming sub-4-metre electric SUV represents a significant step in the brand's strategy to expand its electric vehicle portfolio in India. With confirmed features such as Level 2 ADAS, the Pleos Connect infotainment system, and a competitive expected price point in the Rs 10 to 12 lakh range, the HE1i has the potential to make a strong impression in the growing compact EV market. However, key details such as exact battery capacity, official range figures, and the final price remain undisclosed and will likely be revealed closer to the launch, expected by late 2026 or early 2027.
FAQs
When is the Hyundai sub-4m electric SUV expected to launch in India?
Hyundai's sub-4-metre electric SUV is expected to be launched in India before the end of 2026 or in early 2027. Some reports point to a possible debut at the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo in February 2027.
What is the Pleos Connect infotainment system?
Pleos Connect is Hyundai's next-generation in-car infotainment system developed with Android Automotive OS. It is designed to offer a smartphone-like interface with features such as window-like functionalities, voice commands with AI, internet connectivity, and over-the-air software updates.
What level of ADAS will the Hyundai HE1i offer?
Hyundai has confirmed that the upcoming sub-4-metre electric SUV will come with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities as part of its safety and driver assistance package.
What are the expected battery and range figures for the Hyundai HE1i?
While official figures have not been released, reports suggest the HE1i could be offered with battery options ranging from 42 kWh to 51 kWh, with an estimated range of approximately 450 km. These figures are considered preliminary and may vary for India-spec variants.
What is the expected price of Hyundai's sub-4m electric SUV?
The anticipated launch price for the Hyundai HE1i in India is estimated to be in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, though the final pricing has not been officially confirmed.