Hyundai Ioniq 5: Everything completely new!

Former British Leyland designer Harris Mann would be pleased: The new Ioniq 5 bears a striking resemblance to the Leyland Princess, which debuted in 1975 with its angular design and was already considered a marvel of space efficiency thanks to its transverse engines.

This and much more could be achieved by the first Hyundai on the "Electric Global Modular Platform" (E-GMP), which is set to hit the market from early summer 2021, offering an eight-year warranty. Flush door handles that automatically extend as needed provide a clean surface design and improve aerodynamics. Additionally, distinctive creases along the sides enhance the characteristic look. Another highlight of this eye-catching exterior is the striking shape of the C-pillar, which, like the conceptual study 45 introduced at IAA 2019, forms a 45-degree angle.

Bold statement: The Ioniq 5 is the first model on the new "Electric Global Modular Platform" (E-GMP)

With E-GMP, Hyundai is betting on 800-volt technology for exceptionally fast charging times. Additionally, the vehicle-to-load function allows the driver to use the battery's power both inside and outside the vehicle.

With a length of 4,635 millimeters, a width of 1,890 millimeters, and a height of 1,605 millimeters on a generous wheelbase of 3,000 millimeters, the E-CUV offers space comparable to a D-segment vehicle, which also applied to the aforementioned, 4.46-meter short Leyland Princess. The trunk provides up to 531 liters of space, expandable to nearly 1,600 liters with the rear seats fully folded down. Additional storage is available in a front compartment (frunk) offering up to 57 liters (28 liters with all-wheel drive) of capacity for smaller items, cables, or devices.

For the first time, Hyundai uses a so-called "clamshell" hood at the front. It extends over the fenders to the wheel arches, spanning the entire width of the vehicle like a clam shell. This design, with its minimal gap dimensions, aims to offer a sleek, high-quality appearance with optimal aerodynamic properties. Additionally, such a (more expensive to produce) hood aids in pedestrian protection. Typical for the new Hyundai: the V-shaped front bumper integrates distinctive daytime running lights, known as "Parametric Pixels," based on the smallest unit of digital imaging. These give the Ioniq 5 its unique light signature, which is also repeated in the taillights. Additionally, the Ioniq 5 is Hyundai's first electric model to feature 20-inch wheels, optimized for aerodynamic properties.

Customers can choose from a total of nine exterior colors, including five new, nature-inspired shades exclusive to the Ioniq 5: among them are the two matte finish options Gravity Gold and Shooting-Star Grey, as well as the mineral-effect paint jobs Digital Teal (blue-green), Mystic Olive, Lucid Blue, and Phantom Black. Other available, rather conventional exterior colors include Atlas White, and the metallic finishes Galactic Grey and Cyber Grey. Interior color options include black, light grey, and light grey with blue-green accents.

Now also at Hyundai: Interior with a living room feel

In designing the interior, Hyundai's designers placed particular importance on giving the vehicle a living room-like character. The centerpiece is an innovative center console, functioning as a multifunctional island that can slide back up to 140 millimeters. In combination with the flat floor, this should allow for flexible entry and exit, more freedom of movement, and a high level of comfort. To this end, Hyundai combines highly adjustable, heated front seats with fold-out leg rests and a relaxation function. Driver and passenger can recline in an ergonomically optimal angle, for instance, to rest during a charging session. Passengers in the second row also benefit from the thin front seats, where Hyundai has reduced the seatback volume by 30 percent. The gained space enhances legroom for rear-seat passengers. The rear bench seat can be folded down and also slid electrically by up to 135 millimeters.

Eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials inside aim to continue the holistic ecological concept of the Ioniq 5 consistently. The seats are covered in leather dyed and treated with plant oil extracts from flaxseed. Other upholsteries are made from textiles crafted from sustainable fibers such as bio-sugar cane, wool, and plant-based yarns. Hyundai also uses fabrics woven from recycled PET plastic bottles. Surfaces like the dashboard, switches, steering wheel, and door panels are coated with a polyurethane biolacquer derived from rapeseed and corn oil.

An optional solar roof is expected to provide up to 2,000 km of range per year

Besides an optional panoramic glass roof, the Ioniq 5 can also be equipped with an eco-friendly solar roof that captures energy via solar cells. Under optimal conditions, this is expected to generate an additional range of up to 2,000 kilometers annually.

The Ioniq 5 offers the customer a choice of several electric drive configurations. Thanks to the new E-GMP, up to two electric motors, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive are available depending on the power level. Additionally, the customer can choose between a 58-kWh or a more powerful 72.6-kWh battery. All versions are limited to 185 km/h. The top motor configuration includes a 155-kW rear motor and a 70-kW front motor. Together, they offer a dynamic all-wheel drive with 225 kW, or 306 hp. Interestingly, Hyundai matches the exact figures of many competitors here. In combination with the 72.6-kWh battery, this variant is expected to achieve a range of around 480 kilometers according to the WLTP standard (preliminary figure) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. In combination with the 58-kWh battery, the electric motors deliver 120 kW to the rear and 53 kW to the front axle (for a total of 235 hp). This configuration reaches the 100 km/h mark in 6.1 seconds.  

Below this are the rear-wheel drive models: With the large battery and rear-wheel drive, the electric motor produces 160 kW/218 hp. In all versions of the Ioniq 5, the rear motor delivers 350 Nm, and the front motor 255 Nm. With the small battery, the electric powerplant produces 125 kW/170 hp. The price for this entry-level variant starts at 41,900 euros (The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 is not yet for sale. Homologation and fuel consumption determination of the German version will occur immediately prior to market launch).

Up to 1.6 tons of towing capacity

In return, the customer receives, among other features, 800-volt technology, full LED headlights, LED taillights, 19-inch alloy wheels, two 12.25-inch screens for the cockpit and navigation system, a rearview camera, heated front seats, as well as comprehensive safety systems, including adaptive cruise control and intelligent traffic sign recognition as standard. As one of the few electric vehicles, the Ioniq 5 can tow trailers with a permissible gross weight of up to 1,600 kilograms.

Charging: With 400 or 800 volts in two directions – including exterior power outlet!

The Ioniq 5 charges at both 400-volt and 800-volt charging points without the need for additional components or adapters. This multi-charging system is a patented technology developed by Hyundai for high charging compatibility.

According to Hyundai, at a 350-kW fast-charging station, the high-voltage battery charges from 10 to 80 percent of its capacity in just 18 minutes. A charging time of five minutes is enough to provide a range of 100 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, according to the Koreans. Additionally, the customer can rely on the bidirectional charging capability (Vehicle-to-Load, V2L). This allows any electrical devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, or laptops to be powered with up to 230-volt alternating current while driving or stationary. The V2L function delivers power of up to 3.6 kilowatts. The Ioniq 5 has two V2L connections to draw power from: one is located under the seats in the second row, and another at the charging port on the vehicle's exterior, which can be used with an adapter for 230-volt devices.

Hyundai is also going big on connectivity and infotainment

The wide digital cockpit features a 12.25-inch display as standard, which the driver can customize according to their preferences. It is complemented by a similarly sized 12.25-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As the first Hyundai vehicle, the Ioniq 5 boasts a head-up display (AR HUD) that is enhanced with augmented reality functions. Upon request, it transforms the windshield into a large screen with a diagonal of 44 inches, projecting essential driving and vehicle information directly into the driver's field of view. A premium Bose audio system with eight speakers, including a subwoofer, is designed to provide a high-quality sound experience.

The Ioniq 5 is also the first Hyundai with the second-generation highway driving assistant (HDA 2). Using front camera and radar sensors as well as navigation data, the system keeps the car both in the center of the lane and at the preselected distance from the car ahead through targeted steering and braking interventions. New to HDA 2 is its assistance in lane changes. Other driving assistance systems include an autonomous emergency braking assistant, an active blind spot assistant, an intelligent traffic sign recognition system, an attention assistant, and a high beam assistant.

Future over-the-air updates

Additionally, Hyundai has expanded its Bluelink telematics services. Besides the known functions such as starting the charging process remotely via the accompanying smartphone app, new services are available. These include, for example, improved voice control, connected routing, last mile navigation, and the storage of up to three user profiles. Soon, Hyundai will introduce new cloud-based vehicle services as part of the Bluelink telematics services, enabling functions to be unlocked or retrofitted via over-the-air software updates.

Two more Ioniq models planned by 2024

With the Ioniq sub-brand, which combines the terms “Ion” and “Unique,” Hyundai aims to expand its model range in the area of alternative drives. Further vehicles are planned: in addition to the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 6 sports sedan and the large electric SUV Ioniq 7 will expand the range, thus challenging premium brands.

For quick decision-makers, Hyundai now offers the opportunity to reserve one of the worldwide limited 3,000 Ioniq 5 units with the exclusive “Project 45 Package” on the website. The exclusive special model costs 59,550 euros gross (approximately 50,050 euros net), which includes a customer advantage of around 5,000 euros depending on the chosen additional options. The limited Project 45 package variant includes, among other things, the large 72.6-kWh battery, all-wheel drive, front seats with relaxation function, an electrically adjustable rear seat bench, a solar roof, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Ioniq 5 with the Project 45 package will be delivered with priority and will thus be the first vehicles in customer hands at the market launch. Early buyers of the limited e-CUV benefit not only from the price advantage but also from other exclusive advantages such as product videos, images, and news updates. Even more exciting, especially for long-distance customers: early buyers of the Project 45 package automatically receive two years' access to the Ionity fast-charging network without a base fee.

What does this mean?

Hyundai is making a comeback: electrifying the (upper) mid-range sector, where with the new Ioniq, they suddenly not only offer a strong alternative to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, VW ID.4 or Tesla Model 3, but also an interesting competitor to the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or i4, as well as Daimler’s C-Class.