Efficiency, design, range, originality: the electric Ioniq 6 has already won over the critics. Will it do the same with the public? While we wait to find out, we take a look at how it drives and what it has to offer.
New York, a jury of one hundred specialist automotive journalists from 32 countries has just named it World Car of the Year. The announcement was made during the ceremony at the International Auto Show, currently still under way in New York. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 also took the titles of World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year, in addition to the overall Car of the Year award. Among the reasons cited for the prestigious accolade: the design, aerodynamic efficiency among the very best in its class, and electric range, which depending on the version can reach a declared figure of 429, 583 or 614 kilometres. In short, the Ioniq 6 is about to enter the market with excellent credentials; prices starting from €47,550.
A three-box saloon — a segment no longer in particularly high demand in Italy but still appreciated in Asia and North America, the markets it is effectively aimed at — with generous external dimensions (4 metres and 85 centimetres in length), a very spacious cabin inspired by domestic interior design, as was already the case with the Ioniq 5 (save for boot capacity, which on the Ioniq 6 is considerably reduced). In short, what across the Atlantic would be called a large family car. The news of the prestigious awards comes just days after another important announcement: Hyundai Motor Group has declared its ambition to become one of the world's top three electric vehicle manufacturers by 2030, with an investment plan of around 18 billion dollars in support of "zero"-emission vehicle development, aiming to achieve a total range of 31 electric models across the brands that make up the Korean group — namely Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, the latter not imported into Italy.
But let us return to the Ioniq 6, which, after the static preview a few months ago, we have now had the opportunity to test drive. We have already given you a brief portrait of it. In practice, for Hyundai this is the first electric car designed to compete with models such as the Tesla Model 3, but also the BMW i4 and Polestar 2 — electric saloons with different personalities and performance levels, but sharing many characteristics such as price, range and attractive design. In the case of the Ioniq 6, it is a model that shares many components with the Ioniq 5 electric crossover. This means it can count on versions with one or two electric motors, two battery pack options of 77.4 or 53 kWh, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and power outputs ranging from 151 to 325 horsepower. The major difference is the exterior styling: futuristic, elegant, inspired by the Prophecy concept. A model that will in turn serve as the basis for another electric vehicle, the Ioniq 7, an electric SUV that Hyundai plans to launch in 2024.
As mentioned, the Ioniq 6 is built on the same platform as the electric Ioniq 5, so many similarities are to be expected. Such as Vehicle to Load technology — that is, a power socket (under the rear seats) that allows an electric scooter or another device powered at 110 or 220 volts to be charged, with a maximum output of 3.6 kW. Compared with the Ioniq 5, there is less practicality here and less load space, even taking into account the small front boot, which is decent on the rear-wheel-drive version but reduced to an absolute minimum on the all-wheel-drive model due to the second electric motor. Another distinctive feature is the option (as an extra) of digital side-view mirrors — two external cameras that project images onto two internal displays — a solution that, at least according to the designers, should improve visibility and safety, particularly in certain conditions such as darkness and rain. Worth noting under the heading of "electric charging" is the possibility of using the Plug&charge function, which does away with the need for an app or a charging card at equipped stations (at the Ionity network, this service should be available from the second quarter of the year), as well as reducing charging times thanks to ultra-fast 800-volt charging which, according to the manufacturer, would make it possible to add more than 300 kilometres of range in just 15 minutes.
But let us turn to our impressions. From the outset, the Ioniq 6 wins you over with its smooth ride, a wide cabin well insulated from external noise and very quiet. The prevailing sensation is one of comfort, space (thanks to the flat floor and long wheelbase) and serenity; those more sensitive to this last point will appreciate the ability to choose from 64 colours for the cabin lighting, with specific themes bearing eloquent names developed by colour experts: "Concentration", "Healing forest", "Wonderful day", "Mind care". Then there are more dynamic aspects, such as the remarkable manoeuvrability and engaging driving experience when tackling winding roads. A situation — cornering — in which the Ioniq 6 benefits from its low centre of gravity, which lends it a great deal of stability. A "character" that changes considerably depending on the selected driving modes, which govern aspects such as regenerative braking (adjustable via steering-wheel paddles), steering sensitivity, power delivery, accelerator sensitivity, and — in the most powerful all-wheel-drive version — the choice of using two or four-wheel drive, a choice that also affects electric range, as one might easily imagine.
Let us return for a moment to comfort, because it is precisely the feeling of a domestic "living room" that makes the greatest impression. The cabin displays a modern, minimalist aesthetic, similar to that of the Ioniq 5, with the aforementioned flat floor amplifying the sense of spaciousness. Of course, like all traditional four-door saloons, the space is less flexible than that of crossovers and SUVs, but it remains perfectly adequate for five people, with the rear seats folding to expand luggage space. All information, as well as many functions, are available on the large digital displays, with the central one dedicated to the infotainment systems. Beyond the expected features such as Bluelink connectivity and the ability to connect a smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Ioniq 6 offers more advanced capabilities, such as the ability to update on-board software — including maps and infotainment — at the press of a button, as well as services such as remote charging management.
Hyundai has long paid particular attention to the circular economy and the use of more sustainable materials in its cars' interiors. The Ioniq 6 is no exception: depending on the trim level chosen, it offers fabrics made from recycled or bio-based PET for seats and upholstery, bio-based paints derived from vegetable oils, and carpeting made from recycled fishing nets. Also noteworthy are certain choices in the use of sustainable materials for the exterior bodywork, such as the paint with pigments recycled from end-of-life tyres used to coat the lower part of the body, and the paint with bamboo charcoal pigments used for some exterior colour options.
The Ioniq 6 has received the highest safety rating from Euro NCAP: 5 stars. Among the numerous driver assistance systems are multiple levels of collision avoidance, lane keeping, traffic monitoring systems, adaptive cruise control linked to the navigation system, speed limit recognition, and — extremely useful for protecting pedestrians and cyclists — safe exit assist/warning functions that prevent the doors from opening when a hazard is detected. Safety is further enhanced by systems that monitor the driver's attention and recommend a break when necessary, as well as special LED matrix beam headlights capable of adapting to varying road conditions.