It may look more like a rendered concept vehicle, yet the Ioniq 5 is very much real and will be available in all important markets later this year. Apart from its futuristic exterior design, Hyundai’s latest EV offers many advanced features, an innovative, eco-friendly cabin, and ultra-fast charging.
Not long ago, the South Korean manufacturer launched the beautiful Ioniq 5, which joins the Ioniq hatchback and Kona EV in the company’s all-electric lineup.
However, in terms of design and technology, it stands in a league of its own, showcasing the company’s vision for an all-electric future.
If we take a look back at how uninspired Hyundai-branded vehicles looked a decade ago, we can fully appreciate the company’s giant leap in terms of design. The Ioniq 5 is one of those rare vehicles that virtually everyone loves because it looks stunning from every angle.
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company
It’s just as impressive when it comes to the features and technologies it possesses, so let’s take a closer look at the five most interesting facts about Hyundai’s innovative EV.
It offers a range of powertrains for all types of customers
Built on the modular E-GMP, the company’s first platform developed specifically for EVs, the Ioniq 5 is available with either a 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh battery and two motor layout configurations. The first uses a single, electric motor mounted on the rear axle, while the second configuration adds one on the front axle and provides all-wheel-drive.
The entry-level RWD powertrain, which is suitable for customers who spend more time driving in urban environments, uses a 58-kWh battery and produces 168 hp (125 kW) along with 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company
For more range and power, those who opt for the RWD model can equip it with a 72.6 kWh battery for 215 hp (160 kW) and the same amount of torque as the standard version.
Higher-end models with dual-motor configurations and AWD develop 232 hp (173 kW) and 446 lb-ft (605 Nm) of torque with the 58-kWh battery, while the long-range version generates the same amount of torque and 302 hp (225 kW).
Hyundai has announced that North American customers will only be able to choose between the RWD and AWD 72.6 kWh versions.
It comes with an 800V electrical system
Just like the Porsche Taycan and its sibling, the Audi e-tron GT, the 5 uses an 800V architecture. This enables the EV’s 72.6 kWh battery to be charged from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes, using a high-power 350-kW charger.
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company
In translation, the vehicle only needs 5 minutes of super fast charging for about 62 miles (100 km) of range.
The architecture can also support 400V charging without the need for additional components or adapters, which means it can use all existing charging infrastructures.
It has an innovative, eco-friendly interior dubbed "Living Space"
Just as spectacular and futuristic as the exterior, the Ioniq 5’s cabin provides a glimpse of how interiors will look and function when vehicles will become fully autonomous.
On the dashboard, two 12-inch, full-touch displays are fitted in a dual-cockpit layout. One functions as an instrument panel, while the other is used to control the infotainment system along with other functions such as navigation or seat adjustment.
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company
The highlight of the cabin is the "Universal Island," which is a central console that can slide back as much as 5.5 inches (14 cm), allowing the driver to enter and exit the vehicle on both sides, which can be extremely useful when parking in tight spaces.
The front seats are electronically adjustable, feature footrests, and look comfortable enough to take a nap in when fully reclined. The backseat also slides back up to 5.3 inches (13.5 cm) to provide even more legroom for rear passengers.
Many interior components like the seats, headliner, door trims, floor, and armrest are made from eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials, such as recycled PET bottles, plant-based or eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts.
It’s a charger on wheels
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai has fitted the Ioniq 5 with a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that allows it to charge other electric devices such as smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, or camping equipment.
It can supply up to 3.6 kW of power through a port located under the backseat, which can only be used when the vehicle is running or through an additional V2L port fitted on the exterior, next to the charging port. This one can be used even if the vehicle is turned off.
It comes with a broad range of advanced driver assistance and safety features
The Ioniq 5 is the first Hyundai with an augmented reality head-up display and is available with Remote Smart Parking Assist, which enables drivers to remotely park or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle, using a smartphone.
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company
It also comes with Highway Driving Assist 2 that uses a front view camera, radar sensors, and navigation data to control the vehicle speed and following distance and assist drivers when changing lanes.
Other advanced assists include Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which automatically adjusts speed to match the speed limit, High Beam Assist that switches high beams on or off automatically, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist that detects vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians and helps drivers avoid them by automatically applying the brakes.
The gorgeous and capable EV is set to be available in the second half of 2021, but Hyundai has yet to reveal its pricing list.
Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times. Full profile
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