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This is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the first battery-electric model to sit on the South Korean automaker’s brand new Electric Global Modular Platform. It’s also one of the coolest electric vehicles to arrive this year. We totally understand if you look at it and think it’s a compact hatchback, but this hatch is supersized to SUV proportions. We don’t even mean a crossover small SUV either, but a proper size SUV like an Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60.
It’s only slightly smaller than the Hyundai Santa Fe, but here’s the really fascinating thing: its wheelbase is longer than Santa Fe’s, which means loads of space inside. There’s so much room in fact that Hyundai has included two reclining ‘relaxation seats’ up front so the driver and passenger can take a nap while it’s charging. Because the Ioniq 5 has a completely flat floor, the centre console between the front seats can slide back so those sitting in the rear can use it as a table, too. It’s spacious and cleverly packaged.
What will its rivals be?
The rivals list is getting longer, seemingly by the day this year and the Ioniq 5 will have to compete with the likes of the Audi Q4 e-tron, Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.4 among others. It will also have to take on the new Kia EV6, due in October, which is essentially the same car beneath its different exterior design.
Any tech info?
There’s lots of cool tech, such as LED head- and taillights using parametric pixels. Then there’s a 44-inch augmented reality head-up display. No, we haven’t got that measurement wrong; it is basically the width that the projection just over a metre ahead of the car appears to be. This is supplemented by two 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, but Hyundai has stopped short of putting everything into touchscreens, which means you get a proper physical volume control.
The Ioniq 5 has vehicle-to-grid capability, too, which means you could put power back into the grid when it’s plugged in at home (when that becomes available). Alternatively, you could use it to power your laptop or even charge an electric bike.
What will the range be like?
Hyundai Ireland has not confirmed the full line-up or pricing yet, although we expect it to be similar to the price of the EV6, which starts at €50,000. It will be available with one or two electric motors, which means rear- or all-wheel drive. Driving range is up to 500km courtesy of either a 58kWh or 72.6kWh battery pack. It also has 800-volt charging like the Porsche Taycan, which means it’s capable of reaching 80 per cent charge in just 18 minutes or a splash-and-dash five-minute charge giving you 100km of range.
Expectations?
Super high on this one. Hyundai has been doing some incredible stuff in recent years, especially when it comes to design, and the Ioniq 5 definitely stands out for this. Its design and tech make it as cool as the Honda e, plus that 800-volt charging means that if you manage to find a decent fast charger you could be on your way again in minutes. If you weren’t excited about electric cars already, this could be the one to change your mind.