Hyundai has officially launched its Ioniq brand in China, unveiling the Earth and Venus concepts that preview future production EVs with a planet-themed naming strategy.
The Earth is a rugged SUV with suicide rear doors and air-hug seats, while Venus is a high-riding sedan finished in Radiant Gold with a Lamborghini-inspired front end.
Hyundai has long been a recognised name in China, but the company never formally introduced its premium all-electric Ioniq sub-brand to the market until now. That changes with the unveiling of two purpose-built concepts at the Ioniq Brand Launch Event held at Hyundai Motorstudio Beijing from 7 to 10 April 2026.
The Venus Concept sedan and Earth Concept family SUV debut as two planets in what Hyundai is calling a new universe of models, ahead of their motor show appearance at Auto China 2026 in Beijing on April 24.
A Whole New Universe of Planet-Named EVs
For China, Hyundai will curate a whole line-up of Ioniq electric vehicles named after planets of the solar system. Customers are positioned as the sun, with each vehicle acting as a planet orbiting them, forming what the company calls the Ioniq Universe.
Both the Earth and Venus concepts will eventually spawn production-spec versions, and it will be interesting to see how much of these show cars trickles down when that happens.
Hyundai Earth Concept, the Bolder of the Two
The more striking of the two concepts is undoubtedly the Earth. Sharing some similarities to recent Kia concepts, it carries a bold front fascia and a rugged design, painted in a shade Hyundai calls Aurora Shield.
Up close, the design features skid plates and exposed bolt accents that reinforce its tough character. A glass roof and transparent structural elements balance durability with lightness, while a distinctive lighting signature subtly forms Hyundai's H motif. The windscreen is raked, the bonnet is short, and it emerges from the bumper area as a separate structural section, which gives the front end a notably unconventional look.
Earth Concept Interior, Calm Meets Technology
Inside, the theme shifts entirely. The interior is conceived as a comfortable, small Earth, featuring innovative air-hug seats made of soft air modules. Serene mood lighting that mimics tree shadows and clever, shy-tech elements create a calm and breathable space, while a fun Aero character and hidden map patterns of Beijing offer a sense of discovery.
The cabin also features suicide rear doors, reminiscent of those found on luxury saloons, and a large central infotainment screen that integrates the instrument cluster.
Hyundai Venus Concept, a High-Riding Sedan with Star Quality
The Venus takes a different approach altogether. Rather than the rugged bulk of the Earth, it presents itself as a high-riding sedan with a sleek, low-slung character.
Inspired by the brightest planet's timeless beauty, it is finished in Radiant Gold and features a distinctive one-curve silhouette and a frame-structured roof. The front end draws clear visual inspiration from Lamborghini's design language, with slim LED daytime running lights giving it an aggressive, wedge-like presence.
Conventional door handles sit alongside a gently sloping roofline, and the glass area is notably limited, lending the car a cocooned, purposeful look.
Venus Concept Interior, Gold Accents, and Smart Technology
Inside, the driver-focused cabin features warm hues and layered mood lighting that evoke Venus's glowing atmosphere. A large widescreen display is present alongside an avatar called Lumi that interacts with passengers.
Gold ambient lighting, sporty seats trimmed in premium soft-touch materials with stitching, a distinctive steering wheel, and twin wireless chargers complete a cabin that feels genuinely unlike anything currently in Hyundai's showrooms.
Production Versions Are on Their Way
Both concepts are more than just styling exercises. The Venus Concept sedan and Earth Concept SUV serve as design previews for upcoming production models, with future Ioniq vehicles in China to carry planet-themed names.
Over the next three years, Hyundai plans to introduce a range of EV and REEV models in China covering mid-to-large segments across various body styles, with battery packs sourced from CATL, undergoing more than 100 internal validation tests to ensure safety and durability. Further production details are expected to be revealed at Auto China 2026 later this month.
Also read: