Hyundai Grandeur Facelift Reveals “Tesla-Style” Interior and Major Exterior Overhaul

The first undisguised images of the Hyundai Grandeur (GN7) facelift have surfaced. Initially broken by the prominent Korean automotive YouTuber Media Auto, the leak provides a comprehensive look at how Hyundai plans to redefine its flagship sedan through a “software-first” philosophy and a more sophisticated design language.

Interior: A Digital Sanctuary with “Pleos Connect”

The biggest shock for traditionalists is the interior, which has been completely gutted to make way for a minimalist, EV-inspired layout.

• Portrait Central Display: Taking a page from Tesla’s playbook, the new Grandeur features a large, vertically-oriented central touchscreen. This hub replaces almost all physical buttons, integrating climate control, navigation, and vehicle settings.
• Pleos Connect Debut: This facelift marks the first time an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Hyundai will feature the Pleos Connect infotainment system. This next-gen UI offers smartphone-like responsiveness and is expected to unify the software experience across Hyundai’s future fleet.
• Revised Driver Interface: To accommodate the new tech, Hyundai has introduced a smaller steering wheel and a slim digital instrument cluster tucked behind it. The cluster is positioned higher on the dash, significantly improving visibility and reducing the need for a traditional HUD.

Exterior: Ditching Vertical for “Horizontal Elegance”

Hyundai has listened to feedback regarding the current GN7’s “Staria-esque” front end. The facelift moves toward a sleeker, more expensive-looking aesthetic.

• Horizontal Headlight Design: The vertical headlight units that defined the original GN7 are gone. They have been replaced by horizontal MLA (Micro Lens Array) headlights, which emphasize the car’s width and give it a look closer to the Genesis G80.
• The Seamless Horizon: The iconic LED DRL strip across the hood is now thicker and more defined, creating a high-tech signature even at night.
• Rear Refinements: While the rear silhouette remains familiar, there is a major functional change: the turn signals are now integrated into the main taillight bar, rather than being buried in the lower bumper, addressing visibility concerns.

Powertrains and Pricing

While the design is a leap forward, the mechanical heart of the Grandeur remains grounded in reliability.

Expected Release: The official reveal is slated for the first half of 2026. Pricing: Due to the advanced MLA lighting and the expensive Pleos infotainment hardware, a price hike of roughly 2 million KRW (approx. $1,500 USD) is anticipated across all trims.