As electric models arrive, the brands' strategies diverge: some simply add the letter “e” to the vehicle name (Citroën ë-C4, for example), but others create specific families of models, such as the I.D. from Volkswagen or the EQ from Mercedes-Benz. This is the case of Hyundai, which elevated the IONIQ designation to sub-brand status, with specific models. The first is the IONIQ 5.
Until now the IONIQ was the South Korean brand's alternative propulsion model, with hybrid and 100% electric variants, but now it becomes the first model of a new Hyundai sub-brand.
Wonhong Cho, Global Marketing Director at Hyundai Motor Company explains that “with the IONIQ 5 we want to change the paradigm of customer experience with our cars to integrate them seamlessly into digitally connected and eco-friendly life”.
The IONIQ 5 is an electric crossover of medium dimensions that was developed on the new specific platform E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) and that uses 800 V (Volts) support technology. And it's just the first in a series of new vehicles that will be named numerically.
The IONIQ 5 is a direct competitor to models such as the Volkswagen ID.4 or the Audi Q4 e-tron and was extracted from the 45 concept car, which was unveiled worldwide at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, paying tribute to the Hyundai Pony Coupé Concept concept , 1975.
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This first model wants to gain credit for its electric propulsion technology, but also for its design based on screen pixel technology. The front and rear headlights with pixels are intended to anticipate the advanced digital technology that is at the service of this model.
The bodywork draws attention due to the enormous extension of the different panels and the reduction in the number of gaps and its dimension, projecting a more premium image than ever seen in a Hyundai. In addition to linking the Pony's stylistic DNA, “the interior also stands out with the aim of redefining the relationship between the car and its users”, explains SangYup Lee, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Hyundai Global Design Center.
Up to 500 km of autonomy
The IONIQ 5 can be rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The two entry-level versions, with two drive wheels, have two power levels: 170 hp or 218 hp, in both cases with 350 Nm of maximum torque. The four-wheel drive version adds a second electric motor on the front axle with 235hp for a maximum output of 306hp and 605Nm.
The maximum speed is 185 km/h in either version and there are two batteries available, one of 58 kWh and the other of 72.6 kWh, the most powerful of which allows a driving range of up to 500 km.
With 800 V technology, the IONIQ 5 can charge your battery for another 100 km of driving in just five minutes, if charging is the most powerful. And thanks to the bidirectional charging capacity, the user can also supply external sources with alternating current (AC) of 110 V or 220 V.
As usual in electric cars, the wheelbase is enormous (three meters) in relation to the total length, which greatly favors space in the cabin.
And the fact that the front seat backs are very thin contributes to even more legroom for second-row passengers, who can reach the seat further forward or backward along a 14cm rail. In the same way, the optional panoramic roof can flood the interior with light (as an extra it is possible to purchase a solar panel to put on the car and help gain kilometers of autonomy).
The instrumentation and the central infotainment screen are 12.25” each and are placed side by side, like two horizontal tablets. The boot has a volume of 540 liters (one of the largest in this segment) and can be expanded up to 1600 liters by folding the rear seat backs (which allow a 40:60 partition).
More IONIQ on the way
As early as 2022, the IONIQ 5 will be joined by the IONIQ 6, a sedan with very fluid lines made from the concept car Prophecy and, according to the current plan, a large SUV will follow at the beginning of 2024 .
