Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV First Drive Review: A True Future Gamechanger?
Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV is the upcoming electric SUV from the South Korean automaker. Since its world premiere, it has become tremendously popular among EV enthusiasts. Hence, we bring you the first-ever review of the new Hyundai electric car – the Ioniq 5 EV.
Charlie Min, the Editor in Chief of a Korean publication MotorPD got this opportunity to get his hands on the Ioniq 5 before it arrives in the market. The video of this Hyundai Ioniq 5 review is available on the YouTube channel Asian Petrolhead.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV will be offered in different configurations based on the number of motors and battery packs. The model Charlie got is a Long Range with RWD configuration.
So, without any delay let’s begin.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV First Review
Hyundai Ioniq 5 is quite special as it’s the first electric car from Hyundai to use the newly developed E-GMP platform.
It is a dedicated modular EV platform that will support all of Hyundai’s future electric vehicles.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Price
This review is based in South Korea and hence Charlie has provided the price range for the same country.
In South Korea, the starting price for Hyundai Ioniq is equivalent to $44,000 before incentives. The South Korean government provides huge incentives of up to $11,000 after which the price would be around $33,000.
If we consider the US market, then after the federal tax credits, the starting price will fall to $37,500, which is quite impressive considering the segment.
Performance And Ride Quality: Better Than Tesla Model Y?
The Ioniq 5 variant YouTuber drive was equipped with a single motor capable of generating 214 BHP and 350 Nm of torque.
There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sports. Charlie said you could feel the difference in power in each mode and the Sports mode pulls the car real quick.
He then added that the battery, ESC, and a low center of gravity make it stick to the ground. He said the car is really powerful, and its silence makes it really interesting.
However, at higher speeds, you might hear a light sound that the guy said may be due to the rear spoiler.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Tesla Model Y: Ride Quality
In terms of ride quality, the YouTuber said that Ioniq 5 has a softer rear setup that allows for a better and more comfortable ride than Model Y.
In addition, the visibility is really nice considering the seating position is neither too high nor too low. The windows are bigger, plus the panoramic sunroof enhances the driving experience.
Spacious And Comfortable Interior
The automaker has made a few design changes that not only give it a unique appeal but also provide additional space.
As advertised on the website, due to the slideable center console you can get extra space of up to 140 mm.
Unlike conventional cars, Hyundai moved the controls from the center console and smartly incorporated them into other spaces.
For example, different driving modes can be selected through the stalk on the right side of the steering wheel.
Apart from this, Charlie had shown two different models in the video, one with a white dual-tone interior and the other with a dark theme interior. The white dual-tone interior looks much better than the dark one.
Features And Utility
One of the most refreshing elements we saw in Ioniq 5 is the side view cameras that the automaker provides in place of the mirrors.
Instead of rearview mirrors, there are screens that are mounted inside the cabin that gives you a side view. However, it comes with a premium of $1,100 which might force you to rethink about having this feature.
It’s a nice gadget if you are willing to spend extra, otherwise, the conventional rearview mirrors are fine.
Ioniq also supports the voice command system; however, the YouTuber said it’s not very smooth and might refuse to accept the commands sometimes.
On the other hand, what impressed the YouTuber was the augmented reality (AR) display that he said looked like a massive 44-inch screen. The dashboard features two 12-inch HD screens that display all the crucial information. On the center console, there is a wireless charger and two USB ports.
Furthermore, the Vehicle to Load (V2L) function is one of the most highlighting features of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV. The V2L feature allows it to charge other electrical equipment, serving as a charger on wheels.
800V Fast Charging Is Simply Amazing
The 800V fast charging ability is the crux of the upcoming Ioniq 5 EV. This fast charger can juice up the battery to provide more than 100 km in just 5 minutes.
To test its ability, the YouTuber charged the Ioniq 5 for about 4 minutes. Before connecting the charger, the electric car was 40% charged and after 4 minutes, the percentage went up to 56%.
The long-range variant of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has an electric range of up to 300 miles as per the WLTP cycle.
With this 800V fast charger, the automaker claims that it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. That means in just 18 minutes you can get up to 210 miles.
Final Thoughts
Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV is an electric car that should not be judged based on mere numbers. On paper, it might not be as impressive as Tesla Model Y, but it’s a well-sorted car with some great features.
In terms of utility, it excels even more and outpaces most of its rivals. Plus, the look and its appearance simply make it an outstanding car.
Source: Asian Petrolhead
