First revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Hyundai 45 Concept was a combination of retro styling cues and modern design that was unlike anything else we've seen from Hyundai, much in the same way that the all-electric Kia CV should break new ground for Kia.
Subsequent to this, the production version of the 45 (known as the NE internally) has been spotted testing, albeit in heavy camouflage, but thanks to a rendering via Electric Vehicle Web we've now got a clearer idea of what the electric vehicle could look like. And it shows off a much tamer version of the 45 Concept.
The angular lines remain, with lots of sharp edges, and, as with many EVs, smooth body panels and a closed-off grille. The artist incorporated similarly intricate wheels as seen on the concept, but the roofline is more conventional and raised, as the production version's will be. While the concept had sliding, minivan-like doors, the rendering uses four conventional doors with retractable handles.
The 45 has notably short overhangs, and according to KCB, the wheelbase measures 118.1 inches, which is longer than the Palisade SUV's wheelbase. "If you use a platform dedicated to electric vehicles, the interior space is large because you do not need space to put engines," said an industry insider. Notably, the 45 will be the first mass-produced vehicle to make use of the Hyundai Group's dedicated EV platform, e-GMP.
The length and width of the 45 is said to be close to that of the Santa Fe SUV, so together with its EV-specific platform, it should be roomy inside. It will also offer excellent charging capability, with an 80 percent charge achievable in just 15 minutes. A maximum range of around 280 miles is anticipated.
Overall, while the rendering is a lot more realistic than the 45 Concept, it's also a lot less visually alluring. We'll have to see if Hyundai has gone this conservative route or not once the camo comes off. Although Hyundai does have the Kona EV already, the 45 was developed to be an EV from the ground up, so it should really show what the Korean brand is capable of in this space.