Automotive
We have officially reached a strange new stage in the evolution of the modern car interior. Hyundai is now treating a dedicated instrument cluster as optional equipment on select versions of two of its newest models, the redesigned Korea-market Avante, known in the United States as the Elantra, and the new Ioniq 3 electric hatchback. The move comes as Hyundai rolls out its next-generation Pleos Connect infotainment system, which places more responsibility on a large central touchscreen and, depending on the trim, a slim 9.9-inch display positioned directly in the driver’s line of sight.
In South Korea, buyers of the entry-level Avante can add that 9.9-inch driver display for 350,000 won, or roughly $255. That is hardly an outrageous price in the world of new-car options, but the idea of paying extra for a traditional instrument display is still likely to raise a few eyebrows. We have become accustomed to paying extra for bigger touchscreens, premium audio systems and digital gauges with flashy graphics, but having a dedicated display for something as basic as vehicle speed has traditionally been part of the car, not something buried on the options sheet.
The situation is even more interesting with the Ioniq 3. Hyundai’s new compact EV is the first European model to use Pleos Connect, and the least expensive version reportedly goes without the slim driver display altogether. Instead, key information is presented through the central screen, an approach that immediately brings Tesla to mind. Buyers wanting the more traditional driver-facing display need to move into a higher trim level, creating a much larger price jump than the relatively modest option cost on the Avante. Hyundai has not abandoned physical controls completely, however, as the Ioniq 3 retains actual buttons for commonly used functions such as climate control and audio volume.
Pleos Connect itself is a major piece of Hyundai Motor Group’s push toward software-defined vehicles. Built around Android Automotive OS, the system combines a large central display with app support, over-the-air updates, navigation and Hyundai’s Gleo AI voice technology. Hyundai says the interface was developed around intuitiveness, safety and openness, and the company plans to roll it out across roughly 20 million Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles globally by 2030. The new Grandeur sedan was the first Hyundai to receive the system in Korea, where its higher positioning means the forward display comes standard across the lineup.
For U.S. buyers, there is no need to start searching the options list for an instrument cluster just yet. Current Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles sold here do not use this exact Pleos Connect arrangement, although the platform is headed toward a much wider global rollout. The bigger question is whether Americans will accept a future where the gauge cluster becomes something you pay extra to get. Automakers have already convinced buyers to pay for everything from larger wheels to heated seats and advanced software features. A speedometer sitting directly in front of the driver, however, feels like one piece of hardware many people will expect to remain part of the package.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
