Hyundai’s Next Elantra Could Bring Back the Coupe – Here’s What It Might Look Like

Hyundai Elantra’s Complete Redesign
What if the Coupe Makes a Comeback?
AI Rendering Turns Heads

Hyundai’s Elantra has long been known for its sleek design. The seventh-generation model stands out for its high level of refinement—far from the mediocrity of past iterations. The facelift released last year has garnered praise for addressing the front turn signal placement, a design flaw from earlier models. However, with the upcoming redesign, could Hyundai revisit the idea of a two-door coupe model?

During the Elantra MD era, Hyundai briefly offered a two-door coupe version, which was discontinued after just two years due to poor sales. Despite its short-lived run, the coupe was seen as a unique attempt to add flair to the Elantra lineup. AI-generated renderings are sparking speculation about what a next-gen Elantra coupe might look like.

A Bold, Electric Sports Car-Inspired Design

While Hyundai has not yet released official prototypes of the next-generation Elantra, industry sources confirm that development began in October 2023. The AI-rendered coupe showcases an impressive, electric sports car-inspired silhouette. The front end features diagonally split headlamps and a trapezoidal grille with dot-shaped lights, adding a modern, futuristic feel.

The rear design continues the theme of bold innovation, with a light strip and integrated LED tail lights that break from traditional lamp box configurations. The muscular rear fender line and strong character lines reinforce the car’s sporty coupe identity, setting it apart from typical sedans.

Design Elements from the CN7: Sedan Meets Coupe

The rendering heavily influences Hyundai’s CN7 design, as seen in the prominent parametric grille and sharper headlamps. The model hints at an illuminated Hyundai emblem, enhancing the premium feel, while dish-style wheels provide a striking new look for the Elantra.

With a relatively short bonnet, the design exudes a sports car vibe, yet the elongated cabin room suggests that Hyundai still considers rear seat comfort in this concept. The DLO line (the design line running along the windows) features a slight angle that perfectly blends coupe and sedan characteristics, while digital side mirrors and a glass roof promise a more open, airy cabin feel.

Elantra Coupe Proportions and Sports Car Details

The design continues with classic coupe proportions—a long hood, a short tail, and a roofline that extends neatly to the trunk. This creates a shooting brake look, evoking performance cars. Racing-inspired elements include an auxiliary brake light at the rear bumper and twin mufflers.

The midship sports car proportions add to the vehicle’s sleekness, while the integration of the grille and headlights shows a modern approach to design that feels ahead of its time. The strong shoulder line reflects the car’s athletic nature, though the sharp design compromises interior space, likely affecting passenger comfort.

Hyundai has not yet confirmed whether this rendering represents the direction for the 2026 Elantra, but it certainly inspires anticipation for what’s to come.