Do you remember the Prophecy idea? This is the production version.

The Hyundai Ioniq5 was the first to introduce the E-GMP platform for dedicated EVs. Soon after, the equivalent Kia EV6 followed. Genesis is finishing up its bespoke electric crossover, the GV60. However, the architecture will support a wide range of body styles. The saloon will remain, but the Ioniq 6 next year will be the first sedan to be able to ride on these underpinnings.

The USA saw a prototype that was close to production, but it had less camouflage than any other. It looks almost ready to shed its disguise and reveal how the final version of the Prophecy concept has evolved over the past year and a quarter. It looked almost like a four-door Porsche 911 showcar. We’ll be watching to see how it looks on the road.

Although the Ioniq 5 was not that different from the Concept45 before, we are optimistic Hyundai will retain the Prophecy’s appeal. The test vehicle is equipped with conventional side mirrors. However, a prototype that was captured in South Korea earlier in the year used cameras to replicate the 2019 showcar. Not visible in spy shots are the same integration of the third brake lamp on the spoiler attached to the trunk lid.

The extra disguised door handles at the back make it obvious that the Ioniq 6 will feature conventional rear doors, rather than Prophecy’s suicide doors and lack of a pillar. Similar to the Ioniq 5 or EV6 crossovers, the handles will likely stay flush with the doors for improved aerodynamic efficiency. They only pop out when necessary.

The Ioniq 6’s overhangs are quite large, much like a car with a combustion engine. Although the Ioniq 5 reduced them to a minimum in order to extend the wheelbase as far as possible, the rear overhang is significantly longer on the upcoming EV. It’s perhaps not surprising, considering we are dealing with a sedan. The trunk therefore requires the extended rear.

The Ioniq 6 will go on sale in 2020. In 2024, the Ioniq 7 will follow as an electric SUV. The EV-only architecture will also be used by Kia and Genesis to support a wide range of E-GMP-based vehicles, including performance cars and minivans.