hyundai compact EV rendering
Hyundai’s upcoming compact electric SUV has become the subject of an AI-generated design video, offering an interesting interpretation of what the production model could look like based on the heavily camouflaged prototypes spotted testing in India. The visuals should not be mistaken for leaked production images, but they do give us an idea of how the SUV’s known proportions and design cues could translate once the camouflage comes off.
The model, currently known by its HE1i codename, is expected to make its debut by the end of 2026. Hyundai has confirmed that the new compact EV will be based on the E-GMP (K) platform and will be offered in Standard Range and Long Range versions. It will take on electric SUVs such as the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.
So, what does the AI video imagine? The SUV gets a boxy, upright stance, which is broadly in line with what we have seen from the real-world test vehicles. The imagined front features split lighting, with slim LED DRLs positioned higher up and the main headlamps placed lower in the bumper. A black panel visually connects the lighting elements, giving the compact SUV a fairly clean face.
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The side profile shown in the AI render also follows the proportions visible in the spy shots. It gets a flat roofline, roof rails, blacked-out pillars, conventional door handles and chunky wheel arches. The squared-off proportions make the SUV look relatively substantial despite its compact footprint. However, details such as the exact wheel design, surfacing and lighting elements remain purely speculative at this stage.
At the rear, the AI-generated version features square-shaped LED tail-lamps connected visually by a black strip. It is a neat interpretation of the heavily camouflaged test cars, but there is no confirmation that Hyundai’s final design will use this exact lighting arrangement. In fact, even the source of the video describes the design as an expected interpretation rather than an official reveal.
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Interestingly, the AI design doesn’t look completely out of character for Hyundai. The upright proportions and clean surfaces make it look like a smaller, more rugged cousin of the company’s existing SUVs. And that could work in its favour in India, where buyers generally prefer a compact SUV that looks substantial rather than simply being a raised hatchback.
What we do know is that the real HE1i will be a dedicated EV rather than a petrol SUV converted to electric power. Hyundai has confirmed multiple battery options, with the initial vehicles using Svolt cells before the company transitions to locally sourced Exide cells. The SUV is also expected to feature next-generation infotainment and Level 2 driver assistance technology.
For now, therefore, treat these AI visuals as a design exercise, not a leak. The spy shots tell us the broad shape of Hyundai’s upcoming EV, while the AI video fills in the blanks with its own interpretation. But if the production SUV ends up looking anything close to this, Hyundai could have a rather handsome contender on its hands.
