Testing Hyundai’s All-New Pleos Connect in the Grandeur Facelift

After previewing early beta software months ago, we traveled back to Seoul to experience the final production version of Hyundai’s next-generation Pleos Connect infotainment system. Installed inside the updated Hyundai Grandeur Facelift, this marks a major leap in Hyundai Motor Group’s transition toward Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), spearheaded by their autonomous software affiliate, 42dot.

Watch our full in-depth video walkthrough below, and read on for key impressions, UI breakdown, physical controls, and our honest take on the driver ergonomics.

What is Hyundai Pleos Connect?

Pleos Connect is Hyundai Motor Group’s flagship next-generation cockpit platform. Powered by an underlying Android Automotive OS (AAOS) architecture, it departs from the older ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) system found in current models.

The system emphasizes:

• Customizable Multi-Zone Layouts: A three-area interactive home screen.

• Smartphone-Style Gestures: Smooth swipes, pinch-to-zoom, and a 3-finger swipe to bounce widgets between sections.

• Smart Air Vent Direction: Digital vent adjustment controls reminiscent of modern minimalist EVs.

• Native App Ecosystem: Rapid app integration via Android, including Spotify, Naver Whale, YouTube, and localized streaming platforms.

Three-Zone Layout & The UI Breakdown

Sitting in the Grandeur, the wide center display is visually split into three zones:

1. Fixed Vehicle Control Panel (Left Side): Hyundai keeps essential car controls anchored permanently on the left side of the display closest to the driver. This includes quick-toggle access to door locks, child safety locks, exterior mirror settings, Auto Hold, trunk release, and exterior lighting controls.

2. Modular Main Widgets (Center & Right): Unlike previous generation Hyundai interfaces, the remaining two zones are fully modular. You can swipe through media, maps, and widgets, resizing them or swapping their arrangement with multi-touch gestures.

Watch: Full Pleos Connect Hands-On Walkthrough

Dark Mode & Display Hardware

Pleos Connect features a built-in Dark Mode theme. While the display panel itself is non-OLED—meaning pitch-black contrast has slight backlight glow in pitch-dark conditions—the panel resolution, viewing angles, and matte anti-glare finish provide clear visibility under harsh sunlight.

Did Hyundai Keep the Physical Buttons?

One of the biggest concerns for modern car buyers is the removal of tactile switches. Fortunately, Hyundai did not strip away every button:

• Climate Controls: Dedicated physical toggles remain for temperature adjustments, fan speed, air distribution mode, as well as seat heating and ventilation.

• Audio & Shortcuts: A physical volume dial and core primary shortcuts remain accessible on the center console stack.

• Steering Wheel Switches: Multifunction controls on the steering wheel allow navigation through core cluster functions without reaching for the central screen.

The Driver Display & Ergonomic Quirks

Above the primary screen sits an ultra-wide horizontal digital instrument cluster, accompanied by a color Head-Up Display (HUD).

While the horizontal screen presents critical driving metrics—such as speed, turn-by-turn navigation, route data, and fuel efficiency—it introduces two notable quirks:

1. Information Redundancy: Because the horizontal cluster is already positioned high up in the driver's natural line of sight, having a traditional HUD projecting nearly identical data feels redundant.

2. Steering Wheel Visibility (The "i-Cockpit" Dilemma): Similar to Peugeot’s small-wheel / high-cluster layout, taller drivers may find that the top rim of the steering wheel partially obstructs the horizontal cluster. Lowering the steering column clears the view, but compromises comfortable driving posture.

AI Assistant & Global Rollout

In the Korean-spec Grandeur test unit, the onboard AI assistant (Cleo AI) was limited to Korean language input. However, representatives from Hyundai and 42dot confirmed that an English-language version of Cleo AI will debut alongside the system’s imminent overseas market launch.

Additionally, while testing this internal combustion/hybrid Grandeur model, certain digital vehicle controls (like front trunk opening and motorized doors) were naturally grayed out. Those functions will debut on upcoming dedicated EV flagships, including the anticipated Genesis GV90.

Final Thoughts: A True Tech Milestone for Hyundai

Hyundai’s Pleos Connect feels considerably faster, cleaner, and more smartphone-intuitive than any generation of Hyundai software before it. The Android Automotive backbone provides smooth transition animations, responsive gesture controls, and a software framework that will continue to evolve via over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Have questions about Pleos Connect or the Grandeur Facelift? Drop a comment on our YouTube video or leave your thoughts below!