Hyundai’s most affordable EV gets a ‘luxury’ upgrade — Here’s our first look at it [Video]

Hyundai launched the Casper Electric Lounge as the top-tier trim, featuring a “luxurious interior” and a new style. The Casper Electric is Hyundai’s most affordable electric vehicle, sold overseas as the Inster EV.

Hyundai Casper Electric Lounge adds luxury to the mix

The Casper Electric starts at just 27.87 million won (about $18,500) in Korea, making it Hyundai’s entry-level electric car.

After launching the rugged, off-road-focused Cross variant last year, Hyundai introduced a new range-topping trim on Wednesday that adds a bit of luxury to the lineup.

Unlike the Cross, the new Casper Electric Lounge has a more premium feel inside and out. The new model features a trim-exclusive bumper design and side profile with 17″ wheels, metallic cladding, side molding, and an added roof rack that comes standard.

Inside, the new trim includes natural leather seats, making it among the first in its class. It also features a new premium speaker system with Kevlar cones.

The previously optional full-folding first-row seats, sliding and reclining second-row seats, and luggage board are now included as standard.

While the new variant was introduced just on Wednesday, we are already getting our first look at it in real life. A video from HealerTV shows the Hyundai Casper Electric Lounge driving in public in Korea.

Like the Cross and Inspiration trims, the Lounge variant draws power from a 49 kWh NCM battery, providing a driving range of up to 295 km (183 miles). Hyundai’s electric city car can recharge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.

Hyundai launched the new Casper Electric Lounge trim in Korea, priced from 34.57 million won (roughly $23,000).

Will Hyundai launch the top-tier trim overseas? After launching the Inster EV Cross in Europe last year, Hyundai will likely introduce the “Lounge” variant later this year. We will find out more soon. Check back for updates.