With the debut of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, an appealing compact crossover with a neo-retro look that was commissioned to introduce the Korean group's new E-GMP platform, particularly for electric cars, Hyundai has completely joined the market for 100% electric vehicles. A contemporary architecture that Hyundai will heavily rely on in the next years to develop new electric cars. Indeed, as we previously reported last year, the next electric vehicle to arrive will be the Ioniq 6 in 2023. We've been following this model for a long time.
From his several appearances on the roadways while still hidden, through his first in-person interaction in London. The day has finally come for the Hyundai Ioniq 6 to be shown to us with all of its features and specifications, with a stunning design inspired by the iconic Hyundai Prophecy concept, one of Hyundai's most striking concept vehicles in recent times. In reality, the design of the Korean brand's models, with lines that flirt with old and current styles, served to foresee the future.
A design that is complemented by a roomy, pleasant, and modern interior space, innovative technology, and 100% electric mechanics with two battery options, rear and all-wheel drive, and a range that will reach up to 614 km WLTP with a power of 324 hp in its most powerful version. All of these features and details will be discussed more below.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6's general qualities
We know that in recent times, South Koreans have kept many details of their concepts in the production model that they end up embodying, as happened with the Hyundai 45 Concept and the Ioniq 5, and as will happen with the SEVEN Concept and the future Hyundai Ioniq 7, as we predicted by the small glimpse that the Hyundai people gave us. The prophecy's bold shapes, nearly characteristic of a real sports coupé, appeared to be converted into a much more decaffeinated final vehicle, especially after viewing the first images of this model still in disguised prototype form.
Nothing could be further from the truth, and our initial impression after meeting this model in person at an exclusive preview in London more than a month ago was that they have managed to capture the essence of the Prophecy in an electric car in four-door coupé format that will leave no one indifferent when it finally hits the streets. One of the key influences for this vehicle, according to Simon Loasby, Hyundai's Global Head of Styling, who unveiled the car to us on this occasion, is the iconic, ultra-aerodynamic streamliners of the 1930s and '40s. This results in smooth and incredibly aerodynamic lines, emphasizing the dramatic fall of its roof to the rear, which is without a doubt the model's most noticeable feature, coupled with its profile.
And it is that this region is presented with two distinct spoilers, one of which is immediately after finishing the rear window and reminds us a lot of that aggressive piece that we can find in the classic 911 Turbo, which wears a glossy black finish, while the other is just after finishing the rear window. A bit lower down, at the bottom of the drop, we see another more traditional one with a duck-tail shape. Under the latter, we discover some backlights in the shape of a long horizontal line made up of the Ioniq models' iconic pixels, which completes the futuristic look.
This light formula is also present in the rear bumper region, with a very aggressive black design and two little vertical lights very similar to those seen in the concept vehicle, which complements the rest of the lines in this area. In this way, while being classified as a sedan at first glance, the Ioniq 6 attracts attention for its distinct athletic and coupé styling, fitting nicely within the category of 4-door Coupés. Its front also retains the Prophecy's style, including almost round headlights with Matrix LED technology and hundreds of parametric pixels - in total adding headlights, taillights, and other elements has more than 700 pixels - but with some additional details that leave a style that is not as aggressive as other models from the Korean house, but it certainly has a lot of presence and looks modern. Its Streamliner design, defined by simple and clean lines, along with other minor aerodynamic elements, allows it to boast a 0.21 Cd.
Its small overhang is particularly noticeable from the side, especially when compared to the lengthened and tapered rear or its wheels, which will be offered in 18- and 20-inch sizes. However, its "streamliner-like" design not only creates an electric car that is guaranteed to turn attention around town, but it is also incredibly aerodynamically efficient, with a Cd of 0.21. In truth, several elements conceal its bodywork, such as its digital rear-view mirrors, little fins at the beginning of its wheel arches that minimize air resistance, and the aforementioned rear spoilers. Another essential feature of this model's design that reveals its low front overhang is its long wheelbase of 2.95 meters, which, as we shall see later, has a substantial influence on the inside space.
We entered the Hyundai Ioniq 6
And if the inside of the Ioniq 6 sticks out from the start for anything, it is for its remarkable habitability and a very modern atmosphere, but without much fuss. The driving posture is quite similar to that of the Ioniq 5, with a dashboard with extremely straight lines and two panoramic screens, each 12 inches in a larger panoramic format than typical, virtually connected in the same piece. Under the two displays is a long horizontal line that conceals the air conditioning outlets and is bordered on the flanks by the digital mirror screens.
With all of this, we get a rather low driving position and outstanding vision thanks to relatively thin A-pillars, while the rear view is likewise quite good in terms of breadth but somewhat less in height. According to Hyundai, the aim is to create a type of individualized hideaway in which we can rest or work and let our creativity flow. Thus, one of the most recent and intricate aspects is its high center console, which houses all of the window buttons, holes for charging mobile phones (it contains an NFC connection and a USB plug), and cup holder holes. It also has a spacious opening underneath to leave heavy goods. According to Hyundai, its high height, along with its flat surface design, allows us to lay a laptop on top and utilize it when not driving, allowing us to work in the same vehicle. Hyundai has experimented with materials and lighting to create an inviting, contemporary, and functional interior.
It is also exceptionally capacious, thanks to its 2,950 mm wheelbase. The relocation of the buttons to the console area results in certain door panels that now just house the handles, new BOSE speakers with a floating design that accompany the armrests, and two-tone ambient lighting that creates a more modern ambiance. This surface design, one of the things on which Hyundai designers claim to have worked the most, not only allows you to play with the lighting better, but also allows you to give many extra holes to deposit more objects in our daily lives. Lighting, which, by the way, will play a key role in generating various types of environments and that we can customize with a spectrum of 64 colors and six pre-selected themes, in addition to being able to adapt to our own driving style by increasing the intensity of the brightness in the first row in the car speed function.
Its steering wheel, inherited from the Ioniq 5, also stands out, with a broad and athletic ring that leaves aside the Hyundai H in its middle to incorporate four pixels that help to convey facts such as the condition of the load or answer with the voice assistant. Furthermore, it contains physical buttons which is excellent news, similar to the dashboard area, with certain buttons for direct access to the browser, the multimedia system, and preferred access. There is also a dedicated space immediately below to control all of the air conditioning, however this time with touch buttons.
The Hyundai infotainment system for the Ioniq 6 is, of course, very connected, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multi-connection via Bluetooth to, for example, connect a mobile phone for calls and another device to play music, and a BOSE sound system with 8 speakers, including a subwoofer, as well as a navigation system with Bluelink infotainment updates and maps. All of this, as well as other more technical and security features, are available with the option of updating via OTA. As with the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 6 allows us to rest in the back seats with the optional Relaxation Comfort, which allows you to modify the angle of the seat. Furthermore, because they are 30% thinner than regular chairs, they contribute to the interior space.
The vast amount of room in the back seats, especially with a wide open area for the knees, is probably one of the most noticeable aspects of this interior. At the height level, its pronounced fall from the ceiling has been partially resolved by the extra free space for the heads that it has inserted inside, allowing people of medium height to ride in entire comfort, but it appears that it will remain a little more difficult for people high. In any case, the chairs are incredibly comfortable, not only because of the space but also because of the design. Its headrests, for example, feature a curved design, similar to that of several ergonomic office chairs.
Furthermore, the South Korean company intends to continue betting on the use of sustainable materials both inside and outside of this model, such as recycled paint or bamboo collection, furniture made of recycled plastic and leather with a sustainable treatment, or mats produced from fishing nets. Concepts that have already been demonstrated in proposals such as the Hyundai Transys Future Mobility Seat Concept. The unit we were able to see and touch for the first time a month and a half ago was a prototype with certain finishes and details typical of a prototype, though it is already very close to what the production model will be, so it remains to be seen how it will be in terms of adjustments and material touch. Given the model's desire for premium placement, it will almost certainly be quite high.
Technical sheet of the Hyundai Ioniq 6
Length: 4.85 meters
Width: 1.88 meters
Height: 1.49 meters
Wheelbase: 2.95 meters
Weight: NA
Trunk: NA
Engines: One 53 kW electric motor and battery, one 77.4 kW electric motor and battery, or two 77.4 kW electric motors and battery with 324 hp.
Change: Automatic one-speed.
Prices: NA
Technical specifications of the Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai has finally published the specifications of the Ioniq 6, which, as we know, shares the same platform as the Ioniq 5, the well-known E-GMP platform. Hyundai has lately stated that, because of the variety of mechanical configurations available, this car will have record autonomies. Indeed, the 614 kilometers discussed throughout this article are the official average for the two-wheel drive variant with 18-inch wheels (average consumption of 14.3 kWh/100 km). The autonomy lowers to 545 kilometers in this identical 2WD variant with a 20-inch wheel (average consumption of 16.0 kWh/100 km).
The 4x4 with 18-inch wheels travels 583 kilometers (15.1 kWh/100) while the 4x4 with 20-inch wheels travels 519 kilometers (16.9 kWh/100). These four variants correspond to the previously stated 77.4 kWh battery. The Ioniq 6 will be able to drive up to 429 kilometers with the 53 kWh and 18-inch wheels, owing to its 13.9 kWh/100 approved, a fantastic bargain. A good rapid charge will not be lacking among the features of the E-GMP design, due to the 400 V and 800 V charging technologies, the latter being standard. This implies that with a 350 kW charger, we can charge this Ioniq 6 from 10% to 80% in approximately 18 minutes. It also has a bidirectional charging function, allowing the car to be used as a massive charger to power other electrical devices without the need for a generator, either with the external power outlet or with the outlet under the seat in the back row, ideal for charging a laptop or the rest of our mobile devices.
This approach has already been seen in the Ioniq5 and Kia EV6, and it will be gradually adopted by other competing vehicles. As if it were, we may also customize our driving experience with an electronic performance adjustment system that allows us to change the hardness of the direction, engine power, accelerator pedal sensitivity, and transmission system mode. All of these may be adjusted independently to build our own arrangement. It will also come with e-ASD technology, which will provide a sound texture that varies according to the driving style.
To round out this technological arsenal, the Ioniq 6 will be accompanied by an improved package of advanced Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance systems such as Highway Driving Assistant (HDA 2), Intelligent Cruise Control (SCC), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistant (FCA), and in the case of the most equipped versions, Assistance at intersections, when changing lanes in the opposite direction, and when changing lateral lanes, in addition to evasive steering as standard. The screen also includes the Blind Spot Monitor (BVM), which shows us the blind spot, the Peripheral Vision Monitor (SVM), the Safe Exit Alert (SEW), the Intelligent Remote Parking Assistant 2 (RSPA 2), and the Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA).
A full-size SUV will also be available
However, it will be interesting to observe how Hyundai handles the significant design contrasts between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and its prior concept and the Prophecy prototype that will define the Ioniq 6 since Hyundai has stated that the latter will represent the design of the Hyundai of the future. In any case, in addition to this model, the publication TheKoreanCarBlog, which was responsible for advancing the confirmation of this model, also stated at the time that after this Ioniq 6 sedan, another model, a large electric SUV called the Hyundai Ioniq 7, will arrive in early 2024 and whose design has already advanced the spectacular Hyundai SEVEN Concept.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 range, pricing, and release date
Hyundai will begin manufacturing the Ioniq 6 in the third quarter of 2022, with a release date to be revealed later. Gravity Gold Matte, Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Nocturne Gray Metallic, Nocturne Gray Matte, Transmission Blue Pearl, Biophilic Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, Digital Green Pearl, Digital Green Matte, and Byte Blue are the exterior colors for the new electric streamliner from the South Korean company. Meanwhile, there will be four interior colors: dark gray with light grey, dark olive green with light grey, black with pale brown, and black.
Specific costs and release dates for our market have still to be determined, as have the specs of the more "earthly" mechanical models with rear-wheel drive, however, the Ioniq 6's emergence is already certain. A car with all of these traits and details is ready to compete with a heavyweight like the Mercedes EQE and the rest of the current electric sedans like the Audi e-Tron GT. Although it is not official, we predict that the output amount will be approximately 70,000 euros for the most basic variants and may approach 100,000 euros for the most equipped and powerful models.