2021 Hyundai 45: new electric crossover drops disguise

The 45, Hyundai's first bespoke electric-only model, has been testing at the Nurburgring in preparation for an expected launch in 2021.

The crossover utility model, set to rival the Tesla Model Y and Mustang Mach-E, was first previewed with a bold, retro-styled concept at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. Despite the disguise worn by the recently spotted test mule, we can see that some of the conceptual design details of the show car have been watered down due to the realities of mass-production. 

However, the angular, wedge-like shape, low bonnet line, slim overhangs and heavily sloping rear window remain largely faithful to the concept. While still considered to be a crossover-style model, we can also see that it remains low-slung with far less ground clearance than a traditional SUV. 

The 45 concept's name references the number of years since the Korean maker’s first production car, the Pony, was previewed by a sleek coupé concept designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The concept takes design inspiration from that car, too, with clean lines said to be inspired by 1920s aircraft. 

The name also reflects the 45deg angles of the front and rear window lines. Hyundai design chief Sangyup Lee said that “the typology is taken from the 1974 concept – it’s simple, and pure.” It remains unclear whether the production car will retain the moniker.

The decision to draw from the work of 45 years ago is that Hyundai considers the production version of this concept to be the first of a new era of dedicated electric vehicles from the company. “The 45 signifies a new beginning, so we looked at the beginning of our company,” said interior design chief Hak Soo Ha. Hyundai feels that it will now be competing “on a level playing field”, he added, because the major manufacturers have very little EV heritage: “We’ve been followers. Now we want to be leaders.”