All-new Hyundai Mistra EV sedan goes on sale in China [Update]

The Hyundai Mistra (Chinese name: Hyundai Mingtu) has entered its second generation and gained an all-electric variant. The all-new 2021 Hyundai Mistra and the first-ever Hyundai Mistra EV debuted at the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show, unmistakably featuring a Creta-like front end.

Hyundai Mistra EV design

The 2021 Hyundai Mistra and the first-ever Hyundai Mistra EV are reminiscent of Hyundai ix25 and Creta due to the similar headlamp design. They are the first Hyundai sedans to feature a multi-LED headlamp setup, which Hyundai had first offered on the Kona in 2017. The Hyundai Mistra EV has almost the same design as the new-generation Mistra, with the electric variant featuring a closed radiator grille, cleaner bumpers, and 17-inch low drag wheels.

The Hyundai Mistra EV features dual 12.3-inch displays (virtual instrument cluster and infotainment system), panoramic sunroof, eight airbags, and an around view monitor (360-degree camera). The infotainment system has been developed in cooperation with Baidu. It offers Xiaodu’s voice control, enabling the user to control features, such as the sunroof and seat heating, with voice commands.

The Mistra EV packs a plethora of advanced driver assistance technologies like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blindspot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Following Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, etc. as well.

Hyundai Mistra EV specifications

The Hyundai Mistra EV measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, and 1,470 mm in height. It has a generous wheelbase of 2,770 mm, making it a spacious car for rear-seat passengers, an attribute that determines success in China.

The pure electric sedan uses a single motor that generates 135 kW or 183.5 PS of power and 310 Nm of torque. This motor gets its energy from a standard 56.5 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack that allows a range (NEDC) of 520 km. The slow-charging time (for 0-100% SoC) is nine and a half hours, and the fast-charging time (for 30-80% SoC) is 40 minutes. The Hyundai Mistra EV can accelerate from 0-50 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach 165 km/h. Like most electric cars, customers can drive it in Comfort, Eco, or Sport mode.

As chejiahao.autohome.com.cn states in its 2021 Hyundai Mistra EV review, EVs can be uncomfortable to drive initially for adopters because of regenerative braking. However, the all-new Hyundai Mistra EV allows the driver to adjust the intensity of regenerative braking in three levels with shift paddles behind the steering wheel, making it a comfortable experience.

Thanks to the multiple regenerative braking modes and drive modes, the experience of an internal combustion engine vehicle can be replicated in this Hyundai EV, the Chinese website notes. However, the low rolling resistance tires of the car lead to a noticeable road noise when the speed is close to 40 km/h.

Hyundai Mistra EV SpecificationValue
Length4,815 mm (189.5 in)
Width1,815 mm (71.4 in)
Height1,470 mm (57.8 in)
Wheelbase2,770 mm (109 in)
Motor power output135 kW (183.5 PS)
Torque310 Nm (228.6 lb-ft)
Battery capacity56.5 kWh
Charging time (30-80% SoC)40 minutes
Range (NEDC)520 km (323.1 mi)
Top speed165 km/h (102.5 mph)
Acceleration (0-50 kmph/31 mph)3.8 seconds
Specification table of the Hyundai Mistra EV based on info from Chinese portals & official website

Hyundai Mistra EV price

Beijing-Hyundai launched the Hyundai Mistra EV in China in March this year, with prices starting at CNY 178,800 (approx. EUR 23,000 or USD 28,000) and going up to CNY 203,800 (approx. EUR 26,000 or USD 31,918). Like in the previous generation, the Mistra should remain exclusive to China.

Hyundai Mistra electric car 2020
The Creta-styled Mistra EV (pictured) and all-new Hyundai Mistra (above) are now on sale in China. Image courtesy: Autohome.com.cn

Hyundai’s electric vehicle strategy in China

With market-specific models like Mistra and LaFesta, Hyundai expects to grow its business in China significantly. The company is expanding its portfolio of EVs in response to the growing demand in the market, having just launched the Genesis brand. This year, it plans the Mistra EV and Ioniq 5, and in 2022, it plans to release an electric SUV that would be a “China dedicated” model like the former.

New Hyundai product roadmap 2021-2022
Following the Mistra EV in 2021, Hyundai will introduce another China-only EV, an SUV, in 2022. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Company Investor presentation, March 2021.

Along with Kia, Hyundai expects to increase sales in China from 664,744 units in 2020 to 817,000 units in 2021, recording a 23% Y-o-Y growth, as per an EconoTimes report. It says that the Hyundai Nexo hydrogen FCEV will also go on sale in the country this year.

Featured Image Source: Hyundai