We street check the sensational new Hyundai Ioniq 6 – a boldly-styled EV marketed as a ‘streamliner’…
Hyundai is completely smashing it out of the park for the time being. Sizzling on the heels of the most recent i10 metropolis automotive, Tucson Hybrid SUV and crowd-pleasing Ioniq 5, comes the Ioniq 6.
Impressed by aerodynamic model icons of the 20th Century, this slippery four-door saloon could have divisive appears to be like, however consider me, it is without doubt one of the finest electrical automobiles available on the market.
I’m not alone both, as a result of it was topped total World Automobile of the Yr 2023, plus it received the World Electrical Car and World Automobile Design of the Yr classes.
Barely longer than the Tesla Mannequin 3, its different rivals embrace the Polestar 2 and BMW i4.
Presently solely out there with a big 77.4kWh battery, the Ioniq 6 has a driving vary of as much as 338 miles (rear-wheel drive) or 322 miles (all-wheel drive).
The one motor RWD develops 226bhp and 258lb ft of torque and is able to 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, whereas the twin-motor AWD delivers 320bhp and 446lb ft, leading to a quicker 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds.
That includes an 800V charging system offering 350kW compatibility, it may be used on the quickest chargers presently out there.
So, anticipate the Ioniq 6 to cost to 80% in round 20 minutes when linked to a 350kW ultra-rapid connection. And you probably have a house wallbox, you’ll have the ability to cost in a single day, whereas a lift to 80% through a 50kW public charger will take one hour 13 minutes.
Sharing its underpinnings with the award-winning (extra angular) Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover, the 6 has an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.21, which boosts efficiency and optimises effectivity.
Priced from £47,040, there’s a alternative of two generously-equipped trim ranges (Premium and Final).
The Ioniq 6 is futuristic inside too, with twin 12.3-inch screens – a driver’s digital instrument panel and a central infotainment show.
Fortunately it’s not completely minimalist both. For example, there are small touch-sensitive buttons for the local weather controls in a separate panel beneath the touchscreen. These are a tad fiddly, however significantly better than having to swipe by way of menus on a touchscreen.
Total, the standard of the inside is a step up from the Ioniq 5, whereas the seats are comfy and there are many soft-touch surfaces.
There’s additionally ample area inside entrance and rear, although taller rear passengers (6ft and over) may battle for headroom, because of that sweeping roofline. The 401-litre boot capability could be very helpful too, and you may flip the again seats to move longer objects.
A particular point out for the Ioniq 6’s distinctive ‘Parametric Pixels’. There are 700 in all and you will discover then within the headlights, back lights, entrance sensors, air damper trim, centre console indicator and third brake gentle. The truth is, the rear wing gentle signature when braking is one thing else.
I received behind the wheel of a Premium spec mannequin with all-wheel drive. Naturally, the seating place is decrease than a crossover, although personally I would favor it decrease nonetheless.
Proper from the off, the entire cabin expertise is clean and refined. Not solely does the Ioniq 6 float over most potholes – it’s whisper quiet too.
It was lashing down with rain for a lot of my check time, however the automotive by no means felt something aside from planted, with ample grip and easy energy.
It’s surprisingly agile while you push it on more difficult roads with nicely managed physique lean, whereas the steering is properly weighted.
At its finest cruising alongside, there are three drive modes – Eco, Regular and Sport. As ever, Regular is the most effective compromise between efficiency and financial system. And if you would like further regenerative braking, then flick one of many steering-wheel-mounted paddles.
Onerous to inform with out spending extra time with the automotive, however the claimed vary appeared real looking based mostly on blended driving.
As you’d anticipate with a contemporary EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was awarded a most 5 stars when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP.
It’s additionally fitted with Freeway Driving Help 2 (HDA 2), which is Degree 2 autonomous driving. The system helps to take care of a set distance and velocity from the automobile forward when driving on quicker roads and motorways and helps to centre the automobile within the lane whereas driving. It might even overtake the automobile in entrance.
Verdict: If you wish to stand out from the group with a retro-mod, low slung EV saloon, then the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the automotive for you. Secure, spacious, subtle and serene, it delivers a protracted vary and is sort of merely, one of the vital spectacular electrical autos on the street.
