Hyundai execs believe ultra-popular design trend is now obsolete
Published on Sep 21, 2025 at 12:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Sep 21, 2025 at 12:00 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Did you know that there are Hyundai executives who believe that there is an ultra-popular design trend that is now completely obsolete?
There are a lot of carmakers who still use LED lighting both inside and outside the vehicle, but recently, Hyundai’s Chief Design Boss SangYup Lee believes that the car lighting trend is so last year.
The Korean carmaker has shifted its headlight design quite drastically from the cold, long line LED headlights to a new, almost retro design, which it hopes will be a new branding motif for the automaker.
Lee believes that the move towards more electric vehicles means that the lack of an unnecessary radiator grille means that lots of lights are being used by carmakers to create drama up front, but it’s gone too far.
EXPLORE SBX CARS – Supercar auctions starting soon powered by Supercar Blondie
Hyundai execs believe ultra-popular design trend is now obsolete
When you see any car out and about on the road, you’re probably used to seeing bright LED lighting all over the exterior and interior of the vehicles.
However, Lee has recently revealed that he’s so over LED headlights that are designed that way.
He believes that with a societal move towards EVs, the radiator grille has become redundant as a design choice, so there’s a need for some more drama on the front of vehicles.
A lot of cars have used LED strip lighting to make them more exciting, but Lee thinks that this car lighting has gone way too far.
Back to the future
Hyundai has a new design of its headlights, and it looks like these new lights would transport you to the past because they’re in a fun square pixel style.
Lee hopes that his new headlight design strips away all the bells and whistles and creates an iconic look so that when people see these new headlights, they think of Hyundai.
All of Hyundai’s models within the dedicated all-electric IONIQ lineup, specifically the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, have been released with these ‘Parametric Pixel’ headlights, but it looks as though all of the automaker’s EVs will have them going forward.
It looks as though Lee wants to go back to the future with the new Parametric Pixel headlights, but maybe these will become the most fashionable EV accessory for other EV automaker brands, too.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
