Hyundai Ioniq 6 first drive

What IS IT?

When you first see the brand new (*6*) 6 with its stretched, curved strains and Porsche 911-like rear finish, you’ll be able to’t assist however marvel: what had been the designers considering? If at present’s Hyundai had been a conservative, boring producer, the Ioniq 6 would not appear to be it does: it will probably be a model of the profitable Ioniq 5 sedan.

Or – Hyundai would have performed with the roof line, and look, the Ioniq 5 Coupé is prepared! But Hyundai is neither conservative nor boring, and ignoring conventions, the South Korean firm created a complicated electrical automotive within the type of the Ioniq 5, which basically modified the model’s market place. So it appears logical that Hyundai selected to go along with a secure sequel that lightly edits the mannequin’s angular, Lancia Delta-like styling, ditching every thing however the ‘parametric pixel’ LED mild graphics.

So what had been its designers considering? The reply is -0.1x. That was the slogan that Hyundai’s head of styling, Simon Losby, had printed on the T-shirts of the Ioniq 6’s exterior design crew, and it referred to the drag coefficient goal. This was put ahead by the crew, desirous to create essentially the most aerodynamically environment friendly doable four-seat, four-door electrical sedan—a real “electrified streamliner”. It failed. The Ioniq 6 has a ratio of 0.21, which is above the crew’s extraordinarily formidable goal. But Losbaj says, “If 0.21 is failure, then I do not thoughts failure”. Because it is the slickest Hyundai ever, and that is mirrored within the aim of the trouble—autonomy.

The official power effectivity index of the Ioniq 6 is 14.3 kWh/100 km, and the utmost mileage reserve is 614 kilometers. That’s 107 km greater than the Ioniq 5 (which has a CD of 0.29), which is predicated on the identical platform, options the identical battery and drivetrain, and is priced equally. More importantly, such autonomy permits you to overtake the 2 principal rivals of the Ioniq 6: the Polestar 2 (550 km) and the Tesla Model 3 (500 km).

Forget the reference to the ‘streamliner’ of the Thirties, it is the vary that would be the principal reference level to promote many, many Ioniq 6s. The Ioniq 6 model line-up is similar because the Ioniq 5—with a 168 kW (229 hp) rear engine or two engines with an influence of 239 kW (325 hp). The mileage of 614 km, after all, is determined by the model and gear – to realize it, you could select a rear-wheel drive automotive with 18-inch wheels and digital exterior mirrors.

How Does It Drive?

Our South Korean-spec check automotive was the AWD Long Range with 20-inch wheels: 583 kilometers due to an effectivity of 15.1 kWh/100 km. We really managed 15.6 kWh/100 km on our check route, which reveals that even the AWD model has a practical vary of 480 km.

As with different E-GMP automobiles, the platform’s 800 V electrical structure permits charging the battery with an influence of as much as 350 kW, making 10-80% charging doable in 18 minutes. Aside from the effectivity advantages, the market may even profit from the Ioniq 6’s styling. In the electrical automotive phase, the place an excessive amount of automotive similarity seems to be a severe misfortune, it actually gives one thing completely different.

From the rear, the automotive now resembles a 911 of the digital age, and visible parallels are additionally created by the grooves on the dramatic rear spoiler. Additionally, the physique shapes masks the automotive’s dimensions: it is 200mm longer than the Ioniq 5, however the roofline is 152mm decrease and the wheelbase is barely shorter. So the area accessible whenever you get in is superb. Perhaps as a result of the inside redesign would not have an effect on the drag coefficient, it shares plenty of similarities with the Ioniq 5, however the cabin is trendy, visually clear, and premium, so we cannot complain.

The two 12-inch digital screens that home the infotainment system and driving data are clear, and the software program works effectively. New to the Ioniq 6 is an inside lighting system that gives 4,096 colour combos and the power to set the lights to alter colour based on driving velocity. In addition, the automotive has the brand new e-ASD system, – a “spaceship-like” sound that adjustments altitude throughout acceleration. Most will, after all, set this to “off”.

The worth for the smoothness of the Ioniq 6‘s physique is the low roofline, which impresses with room for the heads of the rear passengers. In order for passengers to take a seat a bit of decrease, the rear seats are positioned at a distinct angle, however the compensation for the marginally extra uncomfortable sitting is the legroom, – greater than the Model 3. The 401-liter trunk capability is appropriate, however entry to the bags is restricted by the brief compartment lid. The fastback format can be extra sensible, however it will compromise aerodynamics, and the Hyundai crew wasn’t prepared for that. It’s additionally a reminder that whereas mileage is essential to many, it is not the one factor that defines a automotive.

In inviting comparisons between the Ioniq 6 and the Polestar 2 and Model 3, Hyundai pits the Ioniq 6 in opposition to a few of the most interesting-to-drive electrical automobiles in the marketplace. Despite all the benefits of the Ioniq 5, it’s characterised by a rocking journey and physique roll. The Ioniq 6 has clearly been tuned to supply a extra partaking drive. The suspension reacts extra firmly, and the automotive appears lighter, nevertheless, it maintains composure on uneven surfaces.

The steering is assured and conscious of your enter, and given the automotive’s measurement and lengthy wheelbase, it is surprisingly exact to drive. The AWD model gives loads of energy. It develops easily, offering quick access to massive reserves of torque—the official 0-100 km/h time is simply 5 seconds.

If the ‘streamliner’ made you count on an electrical sports activities automotive, you may be upset, however the Ioniq 6 sits on the sharp finish of the electrical sedan class. It’s not as partaking as some gas-powered sedans, and the Model 3 is maybe a bit extra dynamic, however the Ioniq 6 represents a nice technique to rack up the miles.

Is IT WORTH BUYING?

Hyundai would not count on the Ioniq 6 to be as widespread because the Ioniq 5, as households who do not want further mileage are more likely to go for the bigger SUV. However, on the comparable worth of each, the producer could possibly be pleasantly stunned. The Ioniq 6 has all of the qualities you’d count on from an electrical sedan: it is sensible, enjoyable to drive, and well-equipped. Although the Hyundai crew failed to fulfill the 0.1x CD goal, the Ioniq 6 is an all-around spectacular ‘failure’.