Slick Hyundai IONIQ 6 to Have Way More Range Than IONIQ 5
Hyundai has now officially introduced the all-new IONIQ 6, a boldly styled and extremely aerodynamic electric sedan that will go on sale in South Korea and Europe later this year. North American-bound models will be built and launched starting in the first quarter of 2023.
Features and specifications for our market will be detailed in November when the car makes its first appearance on U.S. soil, likely at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
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For now, we can tell you that the IONIQ 6 is estimated to deliver more than 610 km of range based on the WLTP standard. By comparison, the IONIQ 5 crossover achieves up to 507 km using the same test cycle, which represents an improvement of 20 percent. Considering the IONIQ 5 is rated at up to 488 km in Canada, a reasonable target for the sedan would be about 580 km.
Such performance would put it on par with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, except that the latter comes with all-wheel drive.
Globally, the IONIQ 6 will be available in RWD and AWD configurations while offering 53kWh and 77.4kWh batteries. When powered by dual motors, it generates 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, enabling 0-100 km/h in a remarkably quick 5.1 seconds.
On the other hand, with a single motor, smaller battery and 18-inch wheels, the IONIQ 6 becomes one of the most efficient EVs on the planet, achieving under 14 kWh/100 km according to preliminary figures based on the WLTP standard.
What about charging? The IONIQ 6’s E-GMP platform (same as IONIQ 5) can support both 400V and 800V charging infrastructures, with 800V charging as standard. When plugged into a 350kW DC fast charger, it can reportedly charge from 10-80 percent in just 18 minutes. And with vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, owners can power all kinds of devices or even charge another EV.
A New Living Space for Work and Relaxation
During the premiere, Hyundai explained that the IONIQ 6 is aimed primarily at single professionals, whereas the IONIQ 5 is designed for small families. The former boasts an overall length of 4,855 mm, width of 1,880 mm and height of 1,495 mm—dimensions that are roughly similar to those of the Sonata. However, the much longer 2,950mm wheelbase maximizes interior space.
Up front, the seats are 30-percent thinner yet still comfortable, Hyundai claims. So-called Relaxation Comfort Seats are optionally available. A 64-colour ambient lighting feature jazzes up the interior quite a bit, while a centre console (which is missing in the IONIQ 5) allows drivers to work on the go by accommodating a laptop or other equipment.
The IONIQ 6’s modular dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster that houses advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience. Also, this is the brand’s first model to offer over-the-air (OTA) software updates for various controllers, not just the maps and media.
Naturally, the IONIQ 6 is equipped with the next level of Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Junction Crossing, Lane-Changing Oncoming and Lane-Changing Side along with Evasive Steering Assist. Let’s not forget Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, which works for parallel, perpendicular and even diagonal parking.
Oh, and one last thing. During the presentation, Hyundai executives left the door open for a high-performance IONIQ 6 N. What we know for sure is that the automaker will reveal its first-ever N-branded EV on Thursday at 9 p.m. EDT, presumed to be the IONIQ 5 N. Watch this space for more details!