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Volvo: Safety Beyond the Star RatingsHyundai Ioniq 6: The EV Future Is Now
We discuss what to expect from Hyundai’s forthcoming Ioniq 6 EV sedan that will further bolster the automakers’ dedicated electric-vehicle platform.
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a Model S Competitor?
Digging into what Hyundai is up to with their Ioniq 6 all-electric sedan, a forthcoming Tesla Model S competitor, reveals a seismic shift in the automotive industry that goes deeper than the obvious pivot from internal combustion engines to battery-powered electric vehicles. For decades, skunkworks divisions like Mercedes-Benz AMG and Ford SVT were known for building wild vehicles fitted with the most advanced engineering and techno-wizardry available in the pursuit of gas-powered, physics-defying powerhouse vehicles with staggering levels of performance.
Hyundai has taken that mentality and applied it to their new Ioniq sub-brand of dedicated EVs that is headlined by the 5, 6 and 7 trio of incoming vehicles. The Ioniq 5 is already here sporting jaw-dropping looks, the latest in battery-powered architecture and a host of high-tech amenities. Hot on its heels is the Ioniq 6, which is the curvaceous counterpoint to the 80s-tastic angular awesomeness of the 5. Finally, the three-row Ioniq 7, which we preview here, will show up some time in 2024. Altogether, these three new EVs from Hyundai are a case study in how automakers are moving away from creating showstopping vehicles powered by fossil fuel and into the electric-powered future.
The Ioniq Lineup: A look into Hyundai’s EV future
The Ioniq 6 is poised to be a critical part of this movement, though details are scant. Hyundai has stated they plan to sell one million EVs by 2025 using their new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It will underpin the new Ioniq lineup along with a host of products from sister company Kia. This recently launched Ioniq sub-brand is an offshoot of the current Hyundai Ioniq compact sedan that was, until recently, available in traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric forms. You can read about the differences between these various propulsion methods in our article here. The Korean automaker points out how this dedicated EV platform will allow them to reimagine vehicles top-to-bottom as they hone their stated commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Considering the Prophecy concept car that the new Ioniq 6 is based on, its clear Hyundai has indeed reimagined how cars look and operate. Featuring the company’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, the Prophecy is a jaw dropper that looks like a stretched Porsche 911 rendered in liquid metal. Recent spy photos confirm the slinky four-door coupe profile with a fastback rear end is likely to hit production. It will certainly be an interesting Tesla Model S competitor – which we review here – as well as the Model 3.
Specs:
Given its size, the Ioniq 6 is likely to share components with the Ioniq 5 which is currently available for sale. The 5 is available in single-motor configuration driving the rear wheels or an AWD dual-motor setup. Hyundai says maximum driving range is just over 300 miles, which puts it squarely in the Tesla Model 3 crosshairs. A Tesla Model S boasts up to a 375-mile range but also starts at $100,000. Considering the Ioniq 5 ranges in price from $43,000 to $50,000, the 6 is likely to come in somewhere around $45,000 to start.
Supporting the idea that Hyundai is using the Ioniq brand as the proving ground for their best and most advanced engineering is the level of tech and amenities found on the new 5, much of which we can expect to see in the upcoming Ioniq 6. Highlights include 800-volt ultra-fast charging capability, a massive glass Vision Roof, self-parking ability, two years of free charging and hands-free Highway Driving Assist II technology.
In combination with the killer styling seen on both the Prophecy concept and camouflaged Ioniq 6 prototype, and fantastic cubic LED lighting, it would appear this new Hyundai Ioniq brand is off to an impressive start. It enters an increasingly crowded field with no less impressive vehicles as we discuss in this Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S comparison. We can expect to see an official unveiling of the new Ioniq 6 sedan this year followed by the production version on sale in 2023. Look out for an update to this list of best EVs in 2022 when the Ioniq 6 arrives.
