We’re back with another article in the series of electric crossovers. This segment is filling up at an alarming rate. Most companies have realised that a $50,000-family car which also offers good performance and decent range is the need of the hour. Tesla has managed to ramp up its sales figures through its crossover/mini-SUV, the Model Y. Traditional companies have decided to take the competition to Tesla, and Hyundai is leading the charge with its Ioniq 5.
As and how this exciting electric vehicle from the Korean manufacturer gets closer to hitting the roads, we keep getting reviews of how it drives, how fast is its fast-charging, and so on. So let’s take a look at a brief review of this Ioniq 5 through the eyes of the YouTuber ‘Asian Petrolhead’ Charlie Min.
Powertrain Options and Pricing
There are two main powertrain options that Hyundai offers in the Ioniq 5. The real-wheel-drive setup with a slightly smaller battery pack of 58 kWh gives an output of 215 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. With the larger battery pack of 77 kWh as well, the rear-wheel-drive gives a similar output. The all-wheel-drive can be paired with either of the battery pack options. It gives out 232 horsepower and 606 Nm of torque for the smaller battery. The all-wheel drive with the larger battery pack is the premium option. It gives 302 horsepower with the same amount of torque.
Hyundai has announced that the Ioniq 5 will start at $44,000. This puts it directly at par with Ford Mustang Mach-E, which starts a couple of thousands cheaper. In Seoul, where Hyundai will launch it first, there is an $11,000 tax credit that one can avail of. So the Ioniq 5 can be bought at $33,000 locally.
Interior Experience
The visibility from the driver’s seat is very good thanks to the large windows. The driver also sits at a good position, neither too high, nor too low. The digital side mirrors are a very good option that one can buy for $1,100 extra. It gives a good display of approximate distances through its graphics. So you can make judgement calls better.
There is also a heads-up display in front of the driver. Using augmented reality, it allows for a better understanding of the route when navigation is on. The drive modes can be changed using a stalk on the steering wheel. It is a lever that the driver has to twist.
The infotainment system looks very clean and modern. It consists of two 12.3″ screens, one in front of the driver, and the other in the center. The range estimate is shown on the screen, with and without the use of air conditioning. The center console between the front seats also moves up and down the length of the vehicle. This allows for variable legroom for the front seats. There is extra storage space in this center console, along with charging ports and wireless charging options as well.
The glovebox opens like a drawer on a shelf. There are different modes of regenerative braking as well. There are four levels of intensity, and an additional level called the iPedal, which brings your vehicle to a halt on its own. So essentially, you can drive using just one pedal. There is doubly insulated glass for noise isolation. It also has a seat heating feature.
Driving Experience
The instant torque allows a lot of exciting manoeuvres that you can try out with the Ioniq 5. And of course, the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) that Hyundai uses allows for a low center of gravity. This helps with the handling, and the car sticks to the ground as much as possible. This combines with instant torque to give a very good overall driving experience.
Charlie says that because of the low centre of gravity, the handling of the vehicle is very good. He says, in general, this car feels more comfortable than the Model Y.
Designs, Colours and Features
The Ioniq 5 is available in four different colours initially – cyber grey metallic, mystic olive green pearl, lucid blue pearl, phantom black pearl. The black theme for the interior is good, but there is also an option for a dark pebble grey interior that also looks very clean.
There is the V2L feature – vehicle-to-load. This means that you can charge other appliances using your vehicle. There are two options for this power outlet. You can connect the appliance to a port under the rear seats, or directly to the car’s charging port. It gives a 220V output.
The trunk gate can be raised to get it level with the roof, and this can be attached to a tent, which is part of the accessories.
Charging
Hyundai has claimed that Ioniq 5 can charge from 5% to 80% in just 18 minutes. It says that a 5-minute charge can add up to 62 miles (100 km) to the trip. Charlie decided to test this out. He parked his vehicle at the 800-volt charging station that is specifically built for the Ioniq 5. In just 4-5 minutes of charging, the battery state-of-charge went from 40% to 59%. That is an impressive speed of charging.
You can view the full video here:
Our Opinion
Hyundai has already impressed many with the design of the Ioniq 5. The extremely long wheelbase but short overhang gives the vehicle a compact look while providing a spacious interior. The 20″ wheels on a relatively compact car give it a sporty look. And the charging specs are really insane. A range of close to 500 km (311 miles), quick acceleration and loads of interior space give the Ioniq 5 a complete look. This is a real Model Y competitor.
