Say hello to Hyundai’s first dedicated electric car.
Hyundai’s new electric era starts here. Today marks the launch of Hyundai’s Ioniq sub-brand that will sell a new range of EVs built on a new dedicated platform starting with the Ioniq 5. Previewed by the stylish 45 Concept last year, the production Ioniq 5 features a daring design, impressive range and performance, and an innovative interior.
Like the 45 Concept, the Ioniq 5’s distinctive design is inspired by the original Pony, Hyundai’s first-ever production car. Being built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform, designers had the freedom to give the Ioniq 5 hatchback-style proportions combined with an extended wheelbase, short overhangs, and sharp lines, resulting in a sleek, angular design that stands out from the crowd.
Measuring 182 inches long, 74 inches wide, and 63 inches tall with a 118-inch wheelbase, Hyundai claims the midsize crossover offers interior space comparable to a large sedan. To put this in perspective, the wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than the Palisade flagship SUV.
At the front, Hyundai has fitted a clamshell hood that minimizes panel gaps to improve the aerodynamics, while the V-shaped front bumper incorporates distinctive daytime running lights with a unique light signature. Flush door handles give the Ioniq 5 a clean profile evoking the original Pony, while the angled C-pillar affords the EV a striking presence. Measuring 20 inches in diameter, the Ioniq 5’s aero wheels are the largest ever fitted to a Hyundai.
Nine exterior colors are available, five of which are exclusive to the Ioniq 5 including Gravity Gold Matte, Shooting-Star Gray Matte, Digital Teal-Green Pearl, Mystic Olive-Green Pearl and Lucid Blue Pearl. Other available exterior colors include Atlas White, Galactic Gray Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic and Phantom Black Pearl.
Inside, the Ioniq 5’s lounge-like interior features an innovative ‘Universal Island’ movable center console that can slide back 5.5 inches, giving passengers more room to enter and exit the cabin. This was made possible thanks to the Ioniq 5’s flat floor where the batteries are stored. Available in three color options, the interior doesn’t harm the environment either.
Many of the materials such as the seats, headliner, door trim, floor, and armrest use sustainably sourced materials including recycled PET bottles, plant-based yarns, and natural wool yarns. The seats are trimmed in eco-processed leather, while the dashboard, switches, steering wheel, and door panels use a special bio paint with plant extracts. With the second-row seats up, the Ioniq 5 provides 531 liters of trunk space, increasing up to almost 1,600 liters with the second-row seats folded.
Like the concept, the dual-cockpit incorporates a 12-inch touch screen for the infotainment system and a customizable 12-inch digital gauge cluster. For the first time in a Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 also has an augmented reality head-up display that can project information such as the navigation onto the windshield.
Providing the juice is either a 58-kWh or 72.6-kWh battery pack, which can be paired with a dual-motor layout or a single rear electric motor. With the 72.6-kWh battery, the range-topping all-wheel drive variant produces a combined power output of 301 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Ioniq 5 to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 185 mph. With AWD and the 58-kWh battery, the sprint time is reduced to 6.1 seconds.
When equipped with 2WD and a 72.6-kWh battery, Hyundai claims the Ioniq 5 will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds and last around 292-298 miles (based on the WLTP standard).
With a 350-kW charger, the Ioniq 5 can be charged from ten percent to 90 percent in 18 minutes. Up to 62 miles of range can be replenished in just five minutes. With 2WD and the 72.6-kWh battery, 0-62 mph takes 8.5 seconds.
As for safety assists, the Ioniq 5 is equipped with the latest Hyundai SmartSense technology including semi-autonomous highway driving assist 2 for the first time that utilizes a rearview camera, radar sensors, and navigation data to control the speed and following distance on a highway. Other driving assists include forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, and a high beam assist.
Sales for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 will start in the first half of 2021 in selected regions. In the US, Hyundai’s first dedicated EV will be available in the fall, with pricing details to be confirmed at a later date. This is just the start of Hyundai’s electric onslaught, as the Ioniq 5 will be joined by the Ioniq 6 electric sedan by the end 2022, followed by the Ioniq 7 large SUV in 2024.
