Hyundai Nexo 2: Still Running on Hydrogen, Just a Lot More Brilliantly
If you thought hydrogen cars were about as exciting as a bowl of beetroot at a wedding buffet, Hyundai is here to set the record straight — and do it with flair. Taking last year’s bold Initium concept, running it through something called the Art of Steel design philosophy (yes, really), they’ve reimagined it into the second-generation Hyundai Nexo: a hydrogen-powered crossover that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film, but drives like it’s late for brunch.
The old Nexo offered 163 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Respectable, sure. But the new one? Now we’re talking 204 horses and 350 Nm, giving you a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 7.8 seconds. That’s quick enough to leave a Prius wondering where its relevance went.
And then there's the hydrogen tank. Once a modest 6.33 kg, it now holds 6.69 kg. A seemingly small bump, but in reality it means an extra 100 kilometres of range — bringing the total to a rather tasty 700 km. And because range anxiety is so 2020, Hyundai threw in a FCEV Route Planner, which finds the nearest hydrogen station before you even start panicking.
On the outside, the Nexo looks like a sushi knife carved it into shape. Inside? Think Scandinavian tech lounge meets spaceship bridge. You get two 12.3-inch displays, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and yes — generative AI. What exactly that does in a car is anyone’s guess, but it sounds futuristic enough to impress your passengers.
You’ll also find dual wireless chargers, a fingerprint scanner (yes, to start the engine or confirm your hydrogen payment), and the ability to use your Apple Watch as a digital key. You can even register up to 15 devices. Clearly, this car is aimed at people with more gadgets than actual human friends.
And if all that tech feels a bit too posh, don’t worry — the V2L (vehicle-to-load) system lets you power anything from your espresso machine to your DJ setup, directly from the car. Because obviously, your lakeside camping trip now needs a full-blown techno set.
To wrap it all up: e-Handling for smarter traction, auto-regenerative braking, a cold-climate-ready hydrogen system, and yes — it can tow a one-tonne trailer, perfect for hauling your electric SUP board and four drones to the nearest glacier.
The all-new Nexo will hit the market by the end of this year. And whether you love it for its eco-credentials, or just want a car that sounds smarter than your phone — this one’s got hydrogen in its veins and the future in its dashboard.
