Hyundai Teases All-New Bayon as It Evolves into a Global SUV

Hyundai has officially dropped the first official design sketches and teasers previewing the second-generation Hyundai Bayon. Arriving to replace the current facelifted model (first introduced in 2021 and updated for 2024), the upcoming B-SUV (codenamed internally as BC4 SUV) represents a radical stylistic departure, trading its urban hatchback origins for an assertive, authentic SUV stance.

Positioned directly below the Kona in Hyundai’s SUV hierarchy, the all-new Bayon is set to intensify competition in Europe’s crowded B-segment, taking aim straight at rivals such as the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, and Volkswagen T-Cross.

Tucson-Inspired Exterior: Geometric Angles and Boxier Proportions

The teaser sketches confirm what early prototype test mules hinted at in the Arctic Circle: Hyundai is leaving behind the “hatchback on stilts” look in favor of a much more rugged, athletic aesthetic.

• L-Shaped Light Architecture: Drawing heavy inspiration from the upcoming design language seen in the next-generation Tucson (2027), the front fascia adopts sharp, L-shaped lighting units paired with Hyundai’s signature geometric motifs.

• Chiseled & Geometric Lines: The bodywork ditches soft curves for aggressive surfacing, a high shoulder line, and an upright silhouette that significantly enhances road presence.

• Squared-Off Wheel Arches: Emphasizing its crossover pedigree, the profile features pronounced, squared-off cladding over widened wheel arches, housing newly designed aero-optimized alloy wheels.

Digital Cockpit: Seamless Screens and Tactile Controls

Inside, the next-gen Bayon takes a substantial technological leap forward. The sketches reveal a modernized, driver-centric dashboard layout that bridges the gap with Hyundai’s higher-segment offerings like the Kona and Santa Fe:

• Unified Dual-Screen Display: A wide, continuous horizontal glass panel dominates the upper dashboard, integrating both the digital driver instrument cluster and the touchscreen infotainment system into a single cohesive panoramic setup.

• Ergonomic Center Console: Flowing downward to seamlessly merge with the central tunnel, the console features dedicated physical rotary dials and tactile controls for essential functions such as dual-zone climate and volume adjustments, ensuring seamless usability on the go without driver distraction.

• Expanded Cabin Room: Thanks to an updated platform architecture with an elongated wheelbase, passenger knee room and rear cargo volume are set to grow considerably.

Global Model Built in İzmit, Turkey

While the first-generation Bayon was originally conceived primarily around European tastes, the second-generation Bayon will step up as a true global model.

For the European market, production will officially remain centered at Hyundai Assan Otomotiv Sanayi (HAOS) in İzmit, Turkey, which has served as the key manufacturing hub for Hyundai’s small car family (alongside the i10 and i20). In addition to traditional internal combustion and mild-hybrid configurations, the new generation is expected to expand its powertrain portfolio with a full hybrid (HEV) option to meet tightening European emissions standards.

Hyundai is slated to reveal the vehicle in full over the coming months ahead of its market launch.