Hyundai IONIQ 3 launch set for 2026, with 40,000 unit sales goal in 2027
Summary
Hyundai is gearing up to launch its first B-segment EV, the IONIQ 3, across Europe in the second half of 2026, with mass production beginning mid-August. The company aims to sell over 40,000 units in 2027, targeting the growing European compact EV market.
Hyundai is preparing to open orders for the IONIQ 3 throughout the second half of 2026. With mass production set to begin in Mid-August, Hyundai plans to sell over 40,000 next year. This coverage centres on Hyundai IONIQ 3 launch.
Hyundai ramps up IONIQ 3 production ahead of sales
Hyundai Motor Group CEO Chung Euisun visited the company’s plant in Izmit, Turkey over the weekend to “personally inspect” it as it prepared to launch the IONIQ 3.
As Hyundai’s first B-segment electric vehicle, the IONIQ 3 is expected to be a cornerstone of its growth plans in Europe.
Chung reviewed the entire production process, from body production to final assembly, urging employees to maintain the highest safety standards.
“We must prioritize quality from the early stages of mass production,” he said, adding, “In particular, regarding safety, we must ensure that it is recognized as the best vehicle in Europe.” Chung also visited Hyundai Mobis’ Battery System Assembly (BSA) facility to review battery system production processes.
Hyundai has been building pre-production models since May, with mass production set to begin in mid-August.
The IONIQ 3 will join the Inster, Kona Electric, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9 in Hyundai’s EV lineup, but is specifically designed for the European market.
In Europe, B-segment vehicles account for about 15% of sales. The share of electric vehicles in the B-segment currently stands at around 14%, but is expected to reach 33% by 2030 and 65% by 2035.
Hyundai plans to launch the IONIQ 3 sequentially throughout Europe in the second half of 2026, and aims to sell over 40,000 units in 2027.
Prices and specs
With orders set to open soon, Hyundai has already revealed prices in several markets. In the UK, the base IONIQ 3 Standard Range is listed on Vertu Motors’ website at £22,245 ($29,800). In the Netherlands, prices for the IONIQ 3 start at €27,995 ($32,000).
The IONIQ will be available with two battery packs: 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh. The standard range (42.2 kWh) delivers a WLTP range of up to 213 miles (344 km), while the extended-range battery (61 kWh) gets up to 308 miles (496 km).
With DC fast charging, the IONIQ 3 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes with the standard (42.2 kWh) battery. The long-range (61 kWh) battery takes about 30 minutes.
The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai’s first vehicle in Europe equipped with its next-gen Pleos infotainment system.
Based on Android Automotive OS, the system is more like using a smartphone with apps and customizable layouts.
The setup will be available with 12.9″ or 14.6″ center infotainment screens, plus an optional driver display. Hyundai’s new system includes an AI companion, Gleo AI, that learns and adapts based on your conversations to offer a more personalized experience.
| Hyundai IONIQ 3 trim | Battery | Starting Price |
| Advance | 42 kWh | £22,245 ($29,800) |
| Advance | 61 kWh | £25,745 ($34,500) |
| Premium | 61 kWh | £27,445 ($37,000) |
| Ultimate | 61 kWh | £29,945 ($40,000) |
| N-Line Evo | 61 kWh | £31,945 ($42,700) |
Measuring 4,155 mm (163.5″) in length, 1,800 mm (70.9″) in width, and 1,505 mm (59.3″) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm (105.5″), the IONIQ 3 is slightly smaller than the Kia EV3.
The Korean automaker said the IONIQ 3 has received “the highest-ever level of customer interest recorded for a new Hyundai model” ahead of launch.
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