Hyundai IONIQ 3: Does it have what it takes to become an electric bestseller?

With nearly 500 km of range, an aggressive price, and a format designed for Europe, the Hyundai IONIQ 3 could very well become one of the brand’s most important electric models.

On paper, Hyundai seems to have carefully checked the boxes. The IONIQ 3 measures just 4.16 m, offers five doors, a generous trunk of 441 liters, and, above all, avoids the oversizing of large electric SUVs. A recipe that aligns quite well with European expectations.

The first known prices reinforce this impression. In the Netherlands, the IONIQ 3 starts at €27,995 with a 42 kWh battery and a WLTP range of 344 km. Even more appealing, the 61 kWh version promises up to 497 km for €31,995.

This places it in a particularly favorable position. Because Hyundai is not only looking to sell an affordable electric vehicle. The IONIQ 3 also features the new PLEOS Connect system under Android Automotive, the Gleo AI assistant, and a significantly more ambitious interior presentation than that of a simple city car.

And the charging?

However, not everything is set. The fast charging limited to 115 kW is nothing exceptional, and competition is fierce. Kia EV2, Renault 4 E-Tech, Volkswagen ID. Polo, Skoda Epiq, or Cupra Raval now occupy the same space, with prices sometimes dropping below €30,000.

But the IONIQ 3 may have the most dangerous combination: a reasonable price, almost 500 km of range, plenty of space, and a design that doesn’t look like that of all the other electric cars.

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If Hyundai manages to maintain a price positioning in France close to that observed in the Netherlands, the IONIQ 3 will clearly have what it takes to become one of the European electric successes of 2027.