Hyundai has launched the IONIQ 5, a great-looking mid-sized crossover opens new chapter for Korean car maker.
The Ioniq 5 is by no means the first electric car that Hyundai Motor group, but it is the first developed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, and marks a definite milestone in Hyundai’s history. The Ioniq 5 is the first of 12 electric models due to be released by Hyundai over the next four years.
The Ioniq 5 takes generous inspiration from the Giugiaro-designed Pony, Hyundai’s first production car, as well as the Hyundai 45 concept the car maker showed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019.
The V-shaped headlight design also helps it stand out from Hyundai’s current line-up, and the light signature it envelops is bespoke to the Ioniq 5. The small, circular clusters are also used for the rear light design.
Hyundai will offer two battery sizes for the Ioniq 5 as well as the option to have either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The range topping model comprises a 72.6kWh battery that sends a combined 300bhp and 446 lb ft of torque to motors on both axles. This enables a hot-hatch rivalling 0-60mph time of 5.2 seconds. The smaller battery is a 58kWh unit, which in entry 2WD guise comes with 168bhp and a 0-60mph time of 8.5 seconds.
The new electrical powertrain that the Ioniq 5 is taking for its maiden voyage can support both 400V and 800V charging, meaning that it can be used with next-gen 350kW chargers that will take battery level from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. By comparison, the Nissan Ariya will only be compatible with rapid chargers up to 130kW, and the ID.4 takes 38 minutes to charge from 10 to 80% using a 125kW charger, the most powerful it can support.
Other known capabilities of the Ioniq 5 include ultra-fast charging which allows it to drive more than 100km (62 miles) after a 5-minute charge. Hyundai has previously claimed that E-GMP vehicles will be capable of over 500km (310 miles) on a single charge.
Meanwhile, Ioniq 5 can also act as a charger thanks to its Vehicle to Load (V2L) function, enabling it to supply up to 3.6kW of power to high-devices like electric bikes or scooters. That’s enough juice to power beefy 110V/220V appliances like a full-sized oven, treadmill, or five giant speakers, as Hyundai’s already teased. Teslas can’t do that without hacking an inverter into the circuitry and possibly voiding your warranty. The Ioniq is fitted with V2L outlets on the inside and outside of the car.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 interior
Hyundai has worked to make the interior of the Ioniq 5 as comfortable as possible, and designed the cabin by viewing it as a “living space”. E-GMP’s flat battery and long wheelbase allows for a more spacious and customizable interior for both passengers and cargo.The seats with a wide reclining angle and leg rests that seem like they would be more at home on a leather armchair than in a car, while the seats have been made 30% thinner in order to improve rear space.
Backing up the environmentally-friendly image of electric vehicles, much of the upholstery comprises sustainably-sourced materials including recycled PET bottles and plant-based yarns.
The cockpit is centred around a 12in infotainment screen, while a customisable 12in digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver.
For the first time in a Hyundai, a head-up display (HUD) is included, which projects important info onto the windscreen, meaning that the driver shouldn’t need to take their eyes off the road as often.
Advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) include the Highway Driving Assist II system, which has so far only been used on cars made by Hyundai’s luxury sister company Genesis — a brand also launching in Europe this year. The system maintains a set speed and distance from the car in front, and helps keep the car in its lane.
Optional Solar Panels on the roof
The feature that we’re most excited about, not just because it makes sense, but to see how many people opt for the upgrade, is the solar panels on the roof.
In an interview with Ruff Van Nuffel from Hyundai we learned that we could expect to gain 2000km in range annually if you live in the south of Spain or somewhere relatively sunny.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 will come to some regions in the first half of 2021, but it won’t hit North America until the fall. Pricing has yet to be announced, but we should get that information as launch time approaches.
