Hyundai’s new midsize SUV gets dual 12.3-inch displays, a generative AI voice assistant and a 115 PS petrol engine, with bookings already underway
Hyundai Motor India has revealed the exterior and interior of the upcoming Bayon, ahead of its launch on October 26, 2026. Positioned between the Venue and Creta, the new SUV brings a fresh design language, a technology-heavy cabin and the familiar 1.5-litre petrol engine. Bookings are open for Rs 11,000 through Hyundai dealerships and the company’s website.
The Bayon adopts Hyundai’s latest Art of Steel design language, with a sculpted bonnet, sharp body lines and a wide front fascia. The front gets an H-Edge LED daytime running light signature, while the main headlamps sit lower on the bumper. Black cladding around the wheel arches and lower doors, bridge-type roof rails and geometric alloy wheels give it a more rugged appearance.
At the rear, the SUV gets slim tail lamps connected visually by a dark band, with BAYON lettering spread across the tailgate. A roof spoiler, rear wiper and dual-tone bumper complete the design. At around 4.2 metres long, the Bayon is intended to offer a balance between road presence and urban usability.
The cabin is a significant part of the Bayon’s pitch. It features two curved 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. The dashboard has a layered design, with vertical air vents and a separate climate control panel. Hyundai has retained physical controls for frequently used functions.
The headline feature is Hyundai’s first generative AI voice assistant in India. Developed with intelligence from Perplexity and voice technology from SoundHound AI, it is designed to understand conversational requests and provide information such as weather updates, travel suggestions and restaurant recommendations. The AI assistant works in English, while more than 500 embedded voice commands are available in English, Hindi, Hinglish, Tamil, Bengali and Telugu.
The Bayon also gets Hyundai Bluelink with over 70 connected features and over-the-air updates for up to 19 controllers. The connected-car navigation cockpit is accelerated by NVIDIA technology. Power comes from a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 115 PS and 144 Nm. Buyers will have a choice of a six-speed manual or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) automatic. Hyundai has not announced fuel-efficiency figures or prices yet.
The Bayon will be launched on October 26, with deliveries scheduled to begin during the festive season. Its pricing will determine how it stacks up against the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and other midsize SUVs.