As far as electrification goes, Hyundai was kind of a proponent of hydrogen fuel cells. While it is not about done with fuel cells, BEV has become the main focus. Now joining the Hyundai Kona and IONIQ 5 BEVs is Hyundai’s first electric sedan IONIQ 6 and soon, an electric high-performance model IONIQ 5 N will join the line up too.
Described as an “electrified streamliner”, the IONIQ 6 is aerodynamically sculpted and uses sustainable materials, and while it is a sedan, the sports coupe DNA is unmistakable. It has a 4-door coupe style which looks absolutely stunning. I am tempted to say the look is like no other but then I was reminded that the Mercedes-Benz 4-door coupes had similar lines.
Anyhoo, the most striking design would be the single-curved aerodynamic profile and carefully crafted contours that result in a drag coefficient of 0.21 Cd – the lowest in any Hyundai car ever.
By the virtue of its long wheelbase measuring 2,950 mm offered by Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the IONIQ 6’s spacious cocoon-like cabin is built with comfort features and customizable lighting.
The IONIQ 6 will have a range of drive motors and battery packs. It will have two battery options: 53 kWh and 77.4 kWh, with the latter boasting a WLTP-estimated range of 610 km (379 miles) on a single charge.
Furthermore, the 77.4 kWh battery can be mated to two electric motor layouts, either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD), and it will roll on a choice of 20- or 18-inch wheels.
The top-of-the-line dual motor setup is an AWD option producing a combined power output of 239 kW (321 HP) and 605 Nm (446 lb-ft) of torque, affording it a century sprint time (or 0-62 mph) of 5.1 seconds.
Hyundai said its newest EV will have a WLTP-estimated energy consumption of under 14 kWh/100km, making it the most energy-efficient EV in the market. But here’s the thing: that is only if it is outfitted with 53 kWh standard battery and runs on 18-inch tires and an RWD motor option.
There is really no best of both worlds in this instance. Either you get a longer range, or you go for better energy consumption.
In the charging department, the E-GMP architecture can support both 400V and 800V charging infrastructures, with the latter being the standard. Still on the matter of charging, the IONIQ 6, like many new EVs in the market, allows users to charge any electric devices too.
There are two such outlets available. One is in the interior, under the back row seat and the other is the vehicle’s charging port when used with an available accessory adaptor.
The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Electric Sedan will price around 55 million won (about US$41,421) to 65 million won when it goes on in South Korea later this year. It will make it to the U.S. market in Q1 2023.
Meanwhile, you may learn more about the IONIQ 6 HERE.
Images: Hyundai Motor Company.