A rash of concepts make their appearances at IAA Mobility 2025, most portrayed as pointing the way for future design languages as automakers test the water of public opinion.
Returning to the Munich auto show after a four-year absence, Hyundai shows off its much-heralded Concept Three, the automaker’s first truly compact battery-electric vehicle concept as it plans to expand into the sector in Europe.
Its stated business strategy is to offer consumers an electrified version of every model in Europe by 2027 while also introducing 21 BEV models globally by 2030.
Concept Three is the first compact concept under the Ioniq BEV sub-brand to complement its existing midsize and large models.
Hyundai says it is responding to surging demand for compact BEVs, although only the very inexpensive offerings, from Chinese automakers and budget brands like Renault’s Dacia, are seeing any real uptick in sales as premium compact products, such as the Volvo EX30, see sales wilt.
Urban BEVs still face many hurdles in finding public charging points for consumers living in high-rise apartments without access to private vehicle charging. This market only appeals to suburbanites who have parking at home and a comparatively short commute into town.
Still, highlights of the new design language are flowing lines enabled by the qualities of steel construction.
This so-called Aero Hatch is said to create “enveloping forms using three main surfaces, while intersecting lines add visual tension.”
It employs what Hyundai calls “Parametric Pixel” lights front and rear of the vehicle and the bodywork is finished in an anodized steel with glazing lemon-tinted glass to match colors on the wheels and in the interior.
In-cabin HMI features a Mr Pix digital assistant “offering playful storytelling through ‘hidden surprises,’” according to the marketing material.
Sustainability credentials are covered by the extensive use of sustainable materials such as ocean waste textiles and lightweight aluminum foam.
Another concept we had been told was coming is Cupra’s Tindaya Showcar (pictured below) again claiming to point the way to future model design features.
“The Cupra Tindaya Showcar is not a dream, not even an ambition,” says Markus Haupt, the brand’s interim CEO. “This is our CUPRA statement, and it’s going to be a reality,” he promises.
From the company’s release, the car’s illuminated logo is the key indicator of future design presented as a “‘front black mask’ becoming humanized, alive.”
Its front end features a shark nose, flanked by aerodynamic keels to guide airflow into the side intakes.
Overall, the car has a crossover image at 15.5 ft. (4,720 mm) long, large 23-in. wheels, a 1/3 cabin to 2/3 body ratio and high ground clearance.
A key focal point is the ”ýpsilon-” shaped central structure holding two detachable roof panels.
The rear bumper echoes the front with two side keels plus a pronounced rear diffuser to enhance aerodynamic qualities.
Inside, seats and central console are upholstered in sustainable bio-attributed leather complemented by waxed bronze microfiber material used throughout the interior, while structural elements are made from 3-D-printed aluminum.
A yoke steering wheel is used to allow a clear view of key digital visuals and shortcuts on the car’s infotainment system.
Meanwhile Volkswagen Group Czech brand Škoda unveils its Vision O concept BEV station wagon which majors on a minimalist-designed interior and, as a must for all BEVs, an aerodynamic exterior to boost range.
As such, the exterior is comparatively minimalist too while inside the car boasts all the usual advanced technologies expected these days, including autonomous driving capabilities, smart AI solutions and plenty of applications of renewable materials.
In its marketing release, the brand pledges that its Vision O will form the basis of a series production vehicle within “the next decade.”
America’s sports brand Corvette also chooses the Munich show to give its two latest concepts an airing in Europe.
Its Corvette CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo that debuted at last month’s The Quail, in Carmel, CA, are not destined for series production but, again, point where Corvette’s designers are looking for future models.
The cars are the last of several Corvette concepts to be revealed this year, as part of a General Motors design exercise involving some of its global design studios.
Now back to the real world: Chinese newcomer to European markets Changan displays its second BEV that will be sold on the continent.
The Changan Deepal S05 joins the Changan Deepal S07 that was released in the spring. Both are SUVs to be sold in the C- and D-segments respectively and have been extensively adapted to meet European Union vehicle and safety regulations.
The automaker pledges that the pair are just the vanguard of a lineup of eight models it plans to bring to Europe by 2027.
Its SO5 employs a 68.8-kWh, lithium iron phosphate battery pack that can be charged at a fast-charging station with up to 200 kW and claiming a maximum range of up to 301 miles (485 km).
The Deepal S05 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and employs a permanently excited synchronous electric motor on the rear axle delivering a maximum output of 268 hp and 213 lb.-ft. (290 Nm) of torque.
The AWD variant, with an electric motor on the front axle, adds 88 hp of power and 156 lb.-ft. (212 Nm) of peak torque. It also claims a potential maximum towing weight of up to 1.6 metric tons.
Aimed at the urban user it is 15 ft. (4,572 mm) long, 6.2 ft. (1,890 mm) wide and 5.2 ft. (1,585 mm) high. Cabin options include a heads-up display with augmented reality technology for online navigation and over-the-air updates on the Qualcomm-powered infotainment system.
It will be available in European markets from this autumn, with a starting price of €38,990 ($45,779).
Its bigger brother, the Deepal S07, is equipped with a 79.97-kWh lithium-ion battery claiming a range of up to 295 miles (475 km).
Its single-motor system claims 217 hp and 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) of torque to enable a claimed 0-to-62 (100 km/h) mph sprint time of 7.9 seconds.
It is already selling in Europe from a starting price of €44,990 ($52,824).
