Introduced in 2021, this all-electric crossover marked a major turning point for the South Korean brand as its first dedicated battery-electric vehicle rather than an electrified version of an existing model. It was developed on the E-GMP dedicated EV architecture, which helped establish a new direction for the company’s electric lineup and gave the vehicle its own proportions, packaging, and design identity. The model’s launch signaled the brand’s broader shift toward electrification and was positioned as a global volume EV rather than a niche compliance product.
From a historical standpoint, the nameplate is notable for arriving at the beginning of the brand’s modern EV era and for quickly becoming one of its most important international products. It helped define the “Opposites United” design language with a streamlined fastback-like profile, crisp surfacing, and a cabin that emphasized a lounge-like, technology-forward atmosphere. The model was also offered in multiple body and performance directions, including mainstream dual-motor and rear-drive variants as well as the high-performance GT derivative, giving it broad appeal across different markets and buyer types.
The vehicle earned significant recognition soon after launch, including major continental and North American awards in the early 2020s, which strengthened its reputation as an influential early mainstream EV from Korea. It remains in production and has evolved into one of the core pillars of the maker’s electric portfolio, representing the transition from conventional lineup electrification to purpose-built electric vehicles.