In detail: Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the second model in the electric Ioniq series from Hyundai and the brother of the already well-known Ioniq 5. Since the end of June we have known for sure that Hyundai does not pursue a coherent design with the cars of this electric label, although there are some details that betray the family connection. Broadly speaking, however, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 are completely different. Not only is the ‘5’ a crossover and the ‘6’ a streamlined sedan, the latest model also uses much rounder shapes and smoother lines than the square 5. Designer Niels van Roij thinks this is the case, but the Ioniq 6 is definitely striking.

Although the specifications were not officially known yet, it was clear from the start that the Ioniq 6 would share a lot of technology with the Ioniq 5 and its brother Kia EV6. In terms of wheelbase, the newcomer is exactly in between those two platform companions, with 2.95 meters. The Ioniq 6 is 4.86 meters long, 1.88 meters wide and 1.46 meters high. This makes it clearly longer than an Ioniq 5, which extends over 4.63 meters, but also 14 centimeters lower. Contrary to what you might think, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not a liftback, but a sedan. The tailgate opens under the window, just like with the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQE and Tesla Model 3, among others. Although luggage can be stowed exactly in the car, it is unfortunately still unknown.

economical

Although Hyundai still does not reveal all the powertrain specifications, we are learning the most important things in that category today. It is clear that the Ioniq 6, just like its technical brothers, will be available with two battery packs. The smallest of these has a capacity of 53 kWh. That is striking, since the lightest Ioniq 5 has 58 kWh. Perhaps that has to do with the fact that the higher, less streamlined ‘5’ with 53 kWh would not get far enough, because in that area the 6 beats him with ease. The lightest version of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a WLTP consumption of less than 14 kWh per 100 kilometers. That is eerily comparable to the 13.8 kWh/100 km that was specified for the Ioniq Electric, the energy marvel that recently went out of production.

610 km

As with the Ioniq 5, more expensive versions have a battery of 77.4 kWh. It can be combined with one or two electric motors, so with rear or four-wheel drive. The most powerful version delivers 325 hp and 605 Nm and sprints from 0 to 100 in 5.1 seconds. If you want to get the furthest on a charge, however, you have to settle for less power. The rear-wheel drive Hyundai Ioniq 6 with the largest battery pack will have a WLTP range of more than 610 kilometers, according to Hyundai. In comparison: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can reach a maximum distance of 507 kilometers with this powertrain and the smallest wheels. A huge difference, and the ultimate proof that crossovers and SUVs can never beat the sedan in this area.

Naturally, all fast charging options are also taken over from the Ioniq 5. We are talking about the 800 Volt infrastructure, which should allow the car to charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes. The navigation, visible on one of the two 12-inch screens, is able to independently plan a route past fast chargers. Vehicle-to-load technology, with which the car can be used to charge other devices, is also present.

Twelve colors

Hyundai will soon offer the Ioniq 6 in twelve different colours, two more than the Ioniq 5. Unlike with that car, we spot a matte green and an ‘Ultimate red’ among the range. The interior is available in four shades, complemented by mood lighting in 64 different colours. We will know later this year whether all options will also appear in the Dutch range. If everything goes according to plan, we can drive the Ioniq 6 this year, the first episodes will follow at the beginning of 2023.