2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5 all-electric

Design explores new experiences only possible with dedicated BEV platform
…Evokes the daring attitude of Hyundai Pony, the company’s first production car, highlighting 45-year journey of Hyundai design and looking ahead to the future
…Exterior achieves unique proportions on a 3,000-mm wheelbase emphasizing EV specific typology
.…Interior raises bar of comfort and usability with flat floor and Universal Island

  • Reflects commitment to sustainability by utilizing eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired colors in many touchpoints

Delivers powerful performance and ultra-fast 400 V and 800 V multi-charging

  • Provides Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which can turn the vehicle into a charger on wheels
Summary

SEOUL, February 22, 2021 — Hyundai Motor Company today launched the IONIQ 5 midsize CUV during a virtual world premiere event. As the first model in Hyundai’s new IONIQ brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEV), IONIQ 5 sets the benchmark to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle with sustainable and innovative features.

IONIQ 5 is built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated BEV architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), enabling it to have unique proportions on an elongated wheelbase. With E-GMP, IONIQ 5 offers innovative interior design with eco-friendly materials in many touchpoints, strong performance mated with ultra-fast charging and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function as well as advanced connectivity and driver assistance features that will offer the ultimate in-car experience while ensuring safety.

“IONIQ 5 will accommodate lifestyles without limits, proactively caring for customers’ needs throughout their journey,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer. “It is truly the first electric vehicle to provide a new experience with its innovative use of interior space and advanced technologies.”

Heralding a new era for EV design

IONIQ 5’s progressive design represents a departure from past norms, exploring a new design freedom offered by a dedicated BEV platform. By evoking the daring attitude of Hyundai Pony, the company’s first production car, IONIQ 5 highlights Hyundai’s 45-year journey to become a part of customer’s lifestyles, creating a common thread from past to present and future. This is the redefinition of timeless design, a theme that will expand as the IONIQ lineup grows.

IONIQ 5’s unique exterior design is characterized by the Pony-inspired profile over a 3,000-mm wheelbase. This extended wheelbase requires a more sophisticated approach to translate this new proportion into a contemporary EV typology.

The front of the car is equipped with Hyundai’s first clamshell hood that minimizes panel gaps for optimal aerodynamics. The front bumper is defined by an eye-catching V-shape incorporating distinctive daytime running lights (DRLs) that provide an unmistakable light signature unique to IONIQ 5. These small pixel-like clusters also appear at the rear of the vehicle.

On the sides, auto flush door handles provide clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The front and rear forms of the vehicle merge together at its doors, offering another example of Hyundai’s ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design first seen on the all-new Tucson. The strong C-pillar shape, inspired by Hyundai’s ‘45’ EV concept, gives IONIQ 5 a commanding presence clearly identifiable from a distance.

Aero-optimized wheels further echo the Parametric Pixel design theme and are offered in a super-sized 20-inch diameter, the largest rims ever fitted to a Hyundai EV. These complete IONIQ 5’s perfected proportions, optimized for Hyundai’s E-GMP.

“A new mobility experience for the next generation—this was the mission from the first day we began this project, to look ahead towards the horizon, but stay fundamentally Hyundai,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “IONIQ 5 is the new definition of timeless, providing a common thread linking our past to the present and future.”

The ‘Living Space’ theme runs throughout the interior, most notably embodied by the Universal Island, a moveable center console that can slide back as much as 140 mm. Universal Island, along with the flat floor where the batteries are stored, allows more freedom of movement inside the vehicle.

IONIQ 5 is also equipped with electronically adjustable front seats. The seats recline to the optimum angle, offering a weightless feeling for the occupant. Hyundai reduced the thickness of the front seats by 30 percent, providing more space for those seated in the second row.

Many of its interior touchpoints — seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest — use eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials, such as recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts, and bio paint with plant extracts.

Customers can choose from nine exterior colors[1], including five nature-inspired hues exclusive to IONIQ 5. The interior has three color options[2].

A range of power electric systems to suit every customer

IONIQ 5 is available with a range of power electric (PE) configurations to fit the mobility needs of every customer, with no compromises on performance. Customers can select from two battery pack options, either 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh[3], and two electric motor layouts, either with a rear motor only or with both front and rear motors. All PE variations provide outstanding range and deliver a top speed of 185 km/h.

At the top of the electric motor lineup is an all-wheel drive (AWD) option paired with the 72.6-kWh battery, producing a combined power output of 225-kWh and 605 Nm of torque. This PE configuration can go from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.

When equipped with two-wheel drive (2WD) and 72.6-kWh battery, IONIQ 5’s maximum driving range on a single charge will be around 470~480 km[4], according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) standard.

Ultra-fast battery charging along with innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function

IONIQ 5’s E-GMP can support both 400-V and 800-V charging infrastructures. The platform offers 800-V charging capability as standard, along with 400-V charging, without the need for additional components or adapters. The multi-charging system is a world’s first patented technology that operates the motor and inverter to boost 400 V to 800 V for stable charging compatibility.

With a 350-kW charger, IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. IONIQ 5 users only need to charge the vehicle for five minutes to get 100 km of range, according to WLTP.

IONIQ 5 also provides an innovative V2L function, which allows customers to freely use or charge any electric devices, such as electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment, serving as a charger on wheels.

The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kW of power. The V2L port is located under the second-row seats, and it can be activated when a vehicle is on. Another V2L port is located at the charging port on the vehicle exterior. Using a converter, customers can charge high-power electric equipment. The outside port provides power even when the vehicle is turned off.

Innovative connectivity and driver assistance for safety and convenience[5]

IONIQ 5 seamlessly integrates advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience. The wide, configurable, dual cockpit features a 12-inch, full-touch infotainment screen and hoodless 12- inch digital gauge cluster that can be customized to meet customers’ needs.

For the first time in Hyundai, IONIQ 5 features an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD), essentially turning the windshield into a display screen.

IONIQ 5 is also equipped with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense, advanced driver assistance system, ensuring the highest levels of safety and convenience on the road. IONIQ 5 is the first Hyundai model to offer Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). Other driving assistance systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), and more.

IONIQ 5 will be available in selected regions starting in the first half of 2021.

IONIQ 5 Specifications:

※ Editor’s note: The vehicle specifications and features in this press release may vary depending on country/region.

Dimensions
Wheelbase 3,000 mm
Length 4,635 mm
Width 1,890 mm
Height 1,605 mm
Cargo
Boot/trunk space 531 L / 1591 L (when second-row seats are fully folded)
Front trunk North American (NA) model: 24 L (both AWD and 2WD)

Non-NA model: 57 L (2WD) or 24 L (AWD)
Performance
Platform Electric-Global Modular Platform
Maximum Driving Range

(according to WLTP) 470~480 km

(When pairing 2WD with 72.6-kWh battery option)
Long Range

72.6-kWh Battery

(77.4-kWh for NA) AWD Power 225-kW (Front and Rear combined)
Torque 605-Nm (Front and Rear combined)
0-100 km/h 5.2 seconds
2WD Power 160-kW Rear
Torque 350-Nm Rear
0-100 km/h 7.4 seconds
Standard Range

58-kWh Battery AWD Power 173 kW (Front and Rear combined)
Torque 605 Nm (Front and Rear combined)
0-100 km/h 6.1 seconds
2WD Power 125 kW
Torque 350 Nm
0-100 km/h 8.5 seconds
Features (Please see additional details section below table for more information)
Supported Charging Infrastructure 400 V and 800 V (No need for additional adapters)
Ultra-fast Charging 10 % to 80 % in 18 minutes of charge

100 km of range (WLTP) in 5 minutes of charge
Vehicle-to-Load Max. Output 3.6 kW
Port Locations Inside: Under second-row seats

Outside: vehicle charging port
Infotainment Screen 12-inch, full-touch infotainment screen

Hoodless 12-inch digital gauge cluster
Bluelink® connected car services Remote Profile Management

Remote Start Enhancements

Vehicle Status Notifications

POI Send to Car Now with Waypoints

Maintenance Alert Enhancement

Dynamic Voice Recognition
Safety and Convenience Features Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)

Safe Exit Assist (SEA)

Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

High Beam Assist (HBA)

Surround View Monitor (SVM)

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)

Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA)

Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)

Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
Available Colors
Exterior: Gravity Gold Matte, Shooting-Star Gray Matte, Digital Teal-Green Pearl, Lucid Blue Pearl, Atlas White, Cyber Gray Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl, Galactic Gray Metallic (not available in NA region), Mystic Olive-Green Pearl (not available in NA region)

Interior: Obsidian Black and Dark Pebble Gray/Dove Gray, Dark Teal/Dove Gray, and Terra Brown/Mud Gray (only available in Korea)

IONIQ 5 Additional Details:

1. Design & Sustainability

IONIQ 5’s progressive design language drew inspiration from Hyundai’s ‘45’ EV concept, which debuted at 2019 International Motor Show Germany. Guided by Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity, ‘45’ featured a monocoque-style body and a futuristic interior designed for electrification and autonomous technologies.

IONIQ 5 follows suit but goes one step further, offering a bridge to the future of electric mobility that is technologically advanced, eco-friendly and plugged into today’s customers’ needs.

Exterior featuring unique proportions and the longest wheelbase in the segment

IONIQ 5’s unique exterior design is characterised by clean and sharp lines, creating a sleek and sophisticated look. The BEV’s precisely modelled surfaces and shapes give it an angular, almost geometric appearance. In addition, Hyundai’s designers integrated cutting-edge Parametric Pixel lights on the front and rear. This unique design element signifies Hyundai’s intent to fundamentally reinvent electric mobility with an EV-specific design that will carry over to future IONIQ models.

IONIQ 5’s crossover body type achieves unique proportions and short overhangs due to its elongated wheelbase. Measuring 4,635-mm long, 1,890-mm wide and 1,605-mm tall on a 3,000-mm wheelbase, IONIQ 5 offers D-segment-like space in a midsize CUV.

Customers can choose from nine exterior colors, including five nature-inspired, new hues exclusive to the model. These include two options with a Matte finish: the hero color Gravity Gold Matte and Shooting-Star Gray Matte, along with Digital Teal-Green Pearl, Mystic Olive-Green Pearl and Lucid Blue Pearl. Other available exterior colors include Atlas White, Galactic Gray Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic and Phantom Black Pearl.[6]

Spacious, customizable interior is a home away from home

IONIQ 5 sets itself apart from other midsize CUVs, especially those with internal combustion engines and conventional steer-by-wire systems, because the E-GMP enables a flat floor where the model’s batteries are stored, allowing for innovative interior design and extra legroom.

IONIQ 5’s 3,000-mm wheelbase, which is 100-mm longer than Hyundai’s flagship SUV Palisade, offers spaciousness of a large passenger car in a midsize CUV. The long wheelbase allowed Hyundai designers to apply a ‘Living Space’ theme to the interior, rather than a conventional car design theme.

The vision roof of IONIQ 5 provides the interior with a greater sense of openness as IONIQ 5’s ceiling consists of one large glass panel without any support materials.

IONIQ 5 provides 531 liters of trunk space, which increases up to almost 1,600 liters when the second-row seats are fully folded. For added versatility, the second-row seats can slide forward up to 135 mm and also be folded in a 6:4 ratio. Meanwhile, customers can enjoy additional storage space with a front trunk that offers as much as 57 liters of capacity[7], which is particularly useful for longer journeys, when extra luggage is carried.

Adjacent to the digital gauge cluster is a metal insert that can accommodate a multi-purpose tray holder. IONIQ 5’s infotainment system is the first to integrate a new design theme called Jong-e Graphic User Interface (GUI) that offers various interior ambience settings, such as soft, delicate and exuberant.

Customers can stay warm during the winter months by taking advantage of the heated steering wheel and heated front seat functions.

Customers can choose from three interior color options. The base pack includes Obsidian Black and Dark Pebble Gray/Dove Gray, while the optional color pack offers Dark Teal/Dove Gray[8].

Sustainable, eco-friendly EV features accommodate lifestyles without limits

IONIQ 5’s demonstration of environmental responsibility doesn’t stop with electrification. Sustainability is at the center of IONIQ’s brand vision, which can be found throughout IONIQ 5 in eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired colors.

Many of its interior touchpoints — seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest — use eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials, such as recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts, and bio paint with plant extracts.

IONIQ 5 can also be equipped with an eco-friendly solar roof, which supports the vehicle’s electric power source by collecting energy and transferring it to the battery pack, improving efficiency. The solar roof can prevent battery discharge while providing an additional driving range.

2. Performance

IONIQ 5 is available with a range of power electric (PE) configurations to fit the mobility needs of every customer, with no compromises on performance.

At the top of the electric motor lineup is an all-wheel drive (AWD) option paired with the 72.6-kWh battery, producing a combined power output of 225-kWh and 605 Nm of torque. This PE configuration can go from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. When AWD option is paired with the 58-kWh battery, this dual-motor layout can go from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

The single-motor layout with a rear motor offers 350 Nm of torque and two-wheel drive (2WD). When paired with the 72.6-kWh battery[9], this PE can accelerate from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. When paired with the 58-kWh battery, it can accelerate from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds.

In addition, IONIQ 5 can tow a trailer with a capacity up to 1,600 kg.

3. Features[10]

Connectivity for the ultimate in-car experience

Hyundai is offering the latest version of its upgraded Bluelink® connected car services that deliver a range of new features and allows customers to control their car with their smartphone or voice to make their drive more convenient and enjoyable. New Bluelink features include Connected Routing, Last Mile Navigation and a new User Profile feature.

The Bluelink app displays the vehicle’s range, battery state and charging times when plugged into public or private charging points. Customers can access an advanced battery management system in order to select charging times that best fit their schedule or their budget by making the most of off-peak electricity rates.

Other Bluelink-enabled features include:

  • Remote Profile Management stores selected vehicle settings in the Bluelink cloud, with the ability to remotely update and push back to the vehicle, personalized to driver preferences
  • Remote Start Enhancements offer remote seat heating and ventilation functions as well as preloads of individual driver settings for seating position
  • Vehicle Status Notifications inform customers if the vehicle is left with doors unlocked or windows open
  • POI Send to Car Now with Waypoints is an ability to add up to three-way points to be delivered to the vehicle together and automatically set order of destinations
  • Maintenance Alert Enhancement tracks maintenance intervals in the multimedia system, with ability to reset

With Remote Charging, IONIQ 5 drivers can start and stop charging with the push of a button on their smartphone app. During colder months, Remote Climate Control allows users to schedule pre-heating of IONIQ 5 while it is connected to an external power source. Not only does this ensure comfort for occupants during the drive, but it also saves battery power that would otherwise be needed to heat the vehicle on the road.

IONIQ 5’s Dynamic Voice Recognition system accepts simple voice commands to conveniently control cabin A/C, radio, hatch opening/closing, heated steering wheel, heated/cooled seats and other functions. The system can also assist with various points of interest (POI), weather status and stock market data updates.

IONIQ 5 also features a premium Bose sound system. Its eight speakers, including a subwoofer, are strategically placed throughout the vehicle for a high-quality listening experience.

Head-Up Display with AR technology

For the first time in Hyundai, IONIQ 5 features an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD), essentially turning the windshield into a display screen. Drivers can choose to use AR technology to project relevant information, such as navigation, advanced safety and the car’s surroundings, to their line of sight across the windshield. This allows drivers to process information quickly while keeping their attention on the road ahead.

Driver assistance system ensures highest levels of safety and convenience

IONIQ 5’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) makes highway driving more convenient. Using front view camera, radar sensors, and navigation data, HDA 2 works to control the vehicle speed and following distance, while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane. It can also assist the driver when changing a lane.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) can detect a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist and can help avoid a collision with any one of them. It includes Junction Turning, Junction Crossing and/or Lane-Changing Oncoming. FCA with Junction Turning activates the brakes if it detects oncoming traffic when the driver is turning left at an intersection. FCA with Junction Crossing senses vehicles approaching from the side when the driver is going straight through an intersection. FCA with Lane-Change Oncoming makes switching lanes safer. If FCA senses an approaching car that has crossed the center line when the driver is changing lines, it automatically assists with avoidance steering, if there is no danger of secondary accidents. If a potential secondary accident is detected, FCA will only produce a warning.

Other semi-autonomous driving features include Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), which adjusts vehicle speed to match the speed limit, and High Beam Assist (HBA), which automatically turns high beams on and off to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.

IONIQ 5 has several driver attention-related functions to ensure safety at all times by detecting if the driver is drowsy or distracted. Driver Attention Warning (DAW) displays the driver’s attention level and provides a warning when signs of driver inattentiveness are detected. DAW sounds a warning if the vehicle remains stopped for a long period of time (such as at a traffic signal) and the driver doesn’t react quickly enough when the vehicle ahead starts moving.

Several functions work in tandem to help avoid collisions in a variety of driving situations. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) helps avoid collisions at the rear side of the vehicle by using radar to detect other vehicles and applies differential braking, when necessary. BCA is particularly useful in situations such as changing lanes or exiting from parallel parking. Another function, Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), uses a camera to show the driver views to the left and the right of the vehicle on the cluster screen if the driver indicates to change lanes.

IONIQ 5 also assures the safety of backseat passengers with Safe Exit Assist (SEA), which helps keep the rear doors closed by maintaining the electronic child lock when there is oncoming traffic.

A variety of parking assistance features make parking in a variety of circumstances easier than before. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) allows the driver to remotely park or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle. This feature works for both parallel and perpendicular parking and can be activated via a button on the vehicle’s smart key.

Surround View Monitor (SVM) uses an array of strategically located cameras to give the driver a 360-degree view of the area surrounding the vehicle, making it easier to park in tight spaces. Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) works to help avoid collisions while backing up. If an obstacle is detected via the rear-view camera or rear ultrasonic sensors, PCA will display a warning and, if necessary, apply the brakes. Similarly, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) can display and sound a warning, or apply the brakes, when a car approaches from the left or right side and the driver does not stop.

4. Next

IONIQ: More to come

Hyundai’s new IONIQ brand represents the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Under the mission of IONIQ brand, ‘Progress electrified for connected living’, Hyundai will offer electric vehicle experiences with a focus on customized, eco-friendly solutions that can fit any lifestyle, delivering the company’s vision ‘Progress for Humanity’. The introduction of IONIQ 5, is the first step in the company’s journey of dedicated electric vehicles, moving another step closer towards achieving its clean mobility goals.

Following the launch of IONIQ 5, Hyundai will expand its BEV lineup with IONIQ 6, an electric sedan, and IONIQ 7, a large electric SUV.

Ioniq 5 Actual Appearance

Black, Silver color~

Highway Moving!

A picture of Ionic 5 driving on the road.

IONIQ5 Australian version.

IONIQ5 Main Color

What color is it?

Home Sweet EV - Hyundai IONIQ 5

I went to the IONIQ 5 test drive hosted by Hyundai Motor Company. During the test drive was when the traffic was the most severe. All the cars were stuck in every road and highway in the city as if it was a huge parking lot. But I’ve never felt tired at all. This was the moment the word “home” suddenly hit me.

The side silhouette of the IONIQ 5 is inspired by Hyundai’s very first model, the Pony.

The IONIQ 5 feels so familiar as its design had an homage to Hyundai’s very first model, Pony. Although a lot of clear straight lines are used and the whole body looks all connected, it still feels very familiar and comfortable rather than strong and conspicuous.

The spacious cabin of IONIQ 5 feels very comforting.

The interior feels the same. Everything is rounded and smooth, creating a homey atmosphere; sharp edges and pointy corners are hard to find. It feels so comfortable that it is not so hard to believe that eco-friendly materials such as natural bio-elements and recycled materials are widely used in the cabin.

The front and rear seats can be operated from the driver’s seat of the IONIQ 5 by using the Memory Seat function.

When I was about to hit the road, my cell phone rang from the inner pocket of my coat that I put in the back seat. It would have been very difficult to reach if I was in an ordinary vehicle, and obviously, I would’ve had to open the door and get out of the car to answer the phone - but not this time. After pressing the Memory Seat function button of the infotainment system, the rear seats were pulled forward and the driver’s backrest was laid down and moved backward. Thanks to this, I was able to hit the road smoothly after answering the phone without getting off the car. All seats can be returned to their original state by touching the screen in the center console, and also, like any ordinary car, only the driver’s seat can be returned with the Memory Seat button on the driver’s door.

The Memory Seat function for all seats has been my personal interest since IONIQ 5 was first released. There will be many customers who choose the IONIQ 5 in terms of a new electric car, but maybe more customers will move on to a new mobility era after experiencing a new user experience feature - a whole new experience provided by the spacious, flat-floor cabin.

The ‘Universal Island’, which moves 14cm back and forth, is impressive enough, but if you have experienced panicking because you could not reach your child crying in the rear car seat or a bag in the rear seat, you will be impressed by the Memory Seat function in all seats. It is clear that the “E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform),” exclusively for electric vehicles with a flat floor that makes it possible to provide new and unprecedented experiences, will be more than just a unique feature of electric vehicles.

The IONIQ 5 is characterized by a smooth ride that makes you forget that you are in an electric car.

In fact, what I was concerned about before the IONIQ 5 test drive was the ride quality. Electric cars are heavy because of their large batteries, and to support the weight, they usually need strong springs on the suspension. And this applied to most electric vehicles. Even expensive luxury electric cars with electronically controlled air suspension could not resolve the weight issue. For this reason, in most cases, EV makers have underlined their cars’ high performance or dynamic personality, rationalizing stiff ride.

I thought the IONIQ 5 wouldn’t be much different. When the car exited the parking lot and entered the road and encountered a speed bump, I expected a blunt shock, like any electric car. But I was wrong; the IONIQ 5 passed very smoothly. It didn’t feel right when the car hit a huge speed bump. Just as electric cars with rigid suspension couldn’t properly absorb the shock when passing through the speed bumps, it was only natural to presume that the IONIQ 5 would also deliver a big shock.

The IONIQ 5 delivers a stylish ride anytime you’re driving on smooth roads or hitting speed bumps.

I was wrong about everything. The IONIQ 5 gently pressed the speed bump and smoothened the impact. That doesn’t mean the IONIQ 5’s suspension is soft. The IONIQ 5 long-range rear-wheel-drive prestige trim provided as a test drive weighed 1,950 kg, which is more than 300 kg heavier than the similar-sized Tucson. Even when descending the speed bump, it wasn’t a motion that continued to fall or slump while “thumping”, but a short recoil to finish the whole process in style. In particular, the sense of the rear wheel that supports the heavier rear part is considered to be excellent, so the ride comfort in the rear seat is also expected to be excellent.

New customers who are new to electric vehicles will also be satisfied with the smooth ride of the IONIQ 5.

I thought about the smooth ride of the IONIQ 5. There is no magic in the world to eliminate weight, but there is certainly automotive engineering that absorbs and distributes shocks well. Hyundai Motor Company, which should care about price competitiveness and efficiency for mass production, has a great combination of the driving texture and ride comfort of the IONIQ 5, despite many practical limitations. It has achieved the top priority set so that those who are new to an electric vehicle heavier than an internal combustion engine of the same class can get a good impression of the comfortable ride and driving stability. Even customers who are new to electric vehicles will have no problem with them at all.

Even when driving on rough roads, the IONIQ 5 blocks out noise from the road surface.

On the highway and the rough road, I checked the interior noise of the IONIQ 5. Electric cars without engines are inherently quiet, but ironically, they allow other kinds of noise. Instead of not having the engine, which is usually the noisiest part, you can hear a sound that you haven’t heard before, making it even noisier somehow. Road noise from tires, wind noise, small noises sometimes heard from interior materials, and even the very small ‘hiss-hiss-’ sounds from the air conditioner vents are sometimes annoying.

Although 255/45R 20-inch tires can transmit loud road-noise, IONIQ 5 completely blocks the noise.

On the other hand, the interior of the IONIQ 5 was very quiet. The most impressive thing is that the tire noise is very low. The 255/45R 20-inch tires, which are wider than those of the large SUV Palisade, are a huge source of the noise. But indoors, there was hardly any noise from the road surface or the vortex generated inside the wheelhouse. Even when I passed the unpaved road near the top of the test drive course, I didn’t notice any noise or vibration on the floor. It is free from the inherent noise of the underside of electric vehicles.

IONIQ 5 effectively blocks wind noise by applying soundproofing effects to the front and rear double laminated glass and vision roofs.

Unless you drive 30km/h faster than the speed limit of the expressway, the wind noise won’t be a problem. The double laminated glass applied to the front and back is doing a great job. This becomes clear when you open the window and realize how loud the noise is. What’s really surprising is the sound insulation effect of the Vision Roof, which applies fixed glass to the entire roof and adds an electric roll blind function. I drove without a cover so that I could see the clear sky throughout the test drive, but there was no feeling of a loud noise above my head even in the tunnel. With a little exaggeration, the sound insulation effect of the vision loop was excellent enough to reach a level that is difficult to understand in common sense. The IONIQ 5 is a really, very quiet electric car.

I charged the battery of IONIQ 5 using a 350kW super-fast charger at Hyundai EV Station Gangdong.

The reason for focusing on the interior space, ride comfort, and interior noise in the introduction part of the test drive is clear. The reason is that it is much more important for the IONIQ 5 to impress people that this is something more than just a new electric car, and it can be a great means of transportation and new mobility that has not been existed before. In this regard, personally, I would give IONIQ 5 ‘Exceed Expectation’.

Now let’s check the EV-exclusive parts. Perhaps the most important thing in the IONIQ 5 is the super-fast charging it applied for the first time. You may check this out at Hyundai EV station Gangdong, which was included in the test drive course. Hyundai EV Station Gangdong, along with the high-speed charging station E-pit, recently introduced by Hyundai Motor Company at the highway rest area, will be the core of the electric vehicle high-speed charging network. Here, you can experience a high charger that is convenient enough, even for the elderly and pregnant women. The high charger is designed to move down from the top, without needing to use too much energy pulling the charging cable.

The IONIQ 5’s charging port has a parametric pixel display that makes it easy to check the charge status.

Since it is a test drive, I decided to charge just 70% of the battery and took a break at the coffee shop inside. It was an opportunity to experience the relaxation comfort seat in the driver’s seat of the IONIQ 5, but I was curious to see what I could enjoy while charging the EV. In the well-decorated coffee shop, besides people charging their electric vehicles, there were many people who came to have a cup of coffee and meet friends. At the Hyundai EV Station Gangdong, which naturally blends into our daily lives, I felt that electric vehicles could become a great companion for our daily lives.

20% of the battery was charged in 5 minutes while getting my coffee in Hyundai EV station Gangdong.

It took 5 minutes or so to get the coffee I ordered; the battery was 70% full. And the amount of energy charged for 5 minutes through a 350kW class super-fast charger was 13kWh. It charged 20% of the 72.6kWh battery capacity of the IONIQ 5 long-range model in just 5 minutes. Based on the official compound fuel efficiency of 4.9km/kWh of the test drive vehicle, it took only 5 minutes for 64km-long travel. Calculating this in terms of hours, it can charge 156kW per hour. In fact, there is no electric car that can maintain the charging capacity at 350kW. There are a lot of electric vehicles that are ‘fake high-performance’, which charging speed drops sharply after a brief moment of rapid charging, but the IONIQ 5 shows a considerable level of charging speed, with an average of 150kW or more in the range of 50-70% of the remaining battery capacity.

A Cozy, Comfy, Home Sweet EV - Hyundai IONIQ 5

I actually measured the time it took to charge 10% to 80% of the IONIQ 5’s 72.6kWh battery using a 350kW super-fast charger.

In fact, I couldn’t confirm whether the IONIQ 5 actually shows a charging speed of 350kW, and if so, in which section of the state of charge (SOC) the battery shows that speed. According to Hyundai Motor Company’s explanation, it shows a speed of around 220kW in the 10-50% range of the battery. Considering that German premium brands are compromising on the actual charging speed that keeps up to 150kW consistently, or considering Tesla’s average charging speed, the charging speed and ‘durable charging power’ of the IONIQ 5 are great. And considering Hyundai’s announcement that you can charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes with a 350kW super-fast charger, it means an average of 169kW per hour, making the story plausible.

How about the fuel economy of the IONIQ 5? When the midday temperature was 27℃ like early summer, the result of driving the city and roads on the outskirts with the air conditioner on the whole time was 6.9km/kWh. I was not driving for fuel economy, still, the result was higher than the official fuel efficiency. In addition, it is said that the average fuel consumption of the test drive participants confirmed after the test drive was 6.4km/kWh, and the maximum fuel consumption was 8.6km/kWh. Based on this outcome, it seems that the possible daily drive could easily exceed 500km. This is particularly achievable considering that there were winding roads and rapid acceleration in the second half of the test drive. I don’t think there will be much to worry about electricity costs in actual driving.

IONIQ 5’s frunk space is divided into 57ℓ for the rear-wheel drive model and 24ℓ for the 4-wheel drive model.

At the turning point, I looked at the IONIQ 5’s cargo space. The trunk capacity of the IONIQ 5 is 531 liters, and it increases to 1,591 liters when the rear seats are folded. There is a c-shaped large space under the floor of the trunk for storage, and inside the test drive vehicle was a charging cable with an external V2L adapter. It even took the practicality of securing as much space as possible throughout the car. In the case of a frunk - a front trunk - provided in the space where the engine used to be, there are differences between the rear-wheel drive model and the four-wheel drive model. The frunk of a four-wheel drive model has a stair-like capacity of 24 liters, and the rear-wheel drive model has a square-shaped 57-liter frunk. It’s spacious enough to store more than a portable charging cable.

Take out the external V2L adapter, plug it into the charging port, and press the power button; the car would start immediately. The fact that the car works even without pressing the start button means practicality and efficiency. I thought it would be very useful when I enjoy leisure activities outdoors for a long time. And I could not pull the power plug no matter how hard I tried. The anti-theft feature of the charger was another catch of the V2L adapter. The adapter comes off only after unlocking the IONIQ 5 with the remote key.

The IONIQ 5 is opening up a new era of electric vehicles.

Of course, there was also a downside of IONIQ 5. For driving enthusiasts who love dynamic driving, the IONIQ 5’s driving texture could be too soft. For an electric vehicle with an empty vehicle weight of 1.9 tons, the maximum output of 160 kW (217 hp) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm are not very strong, and the steering performance is somewhat poor due to the soft setting suspension for a comfortable ride. However, the vehicle is equipped with both traction and stability control. The steering wheel, which feels quite light, will also work as an advantage in everyday life.

Earlier, I said that IONIQ 5 feels homey. Sometimes I think of going out to fancier places, but personally, I often say ‘home is the best place!’ This is how much I value comfortable and familiar places. New and exhilarating things could easily attract people amongst the new concepts of mobility. But people do not like things going too far. In this perspective, IONIQ 5 could be a catch. Rather than emphasizing cutting-edge technology, IONIQ 5 delivers new features that ordinary customers can easily experience in a comfortable atmosphere. This is why IONIQ 5 can become a pioneer of the new era of electric vehicles.

By Na Yoon-Seok
He has worked as Audi Brand Manager, Product Marketing Team Leader of Volkswagen Korea, Volkswagen Headquarters Manager, and General Director of Ferrari. Currently, he is working as a freelance auto columnist and consultant, and he is delivering extensive knowledge about automobiles.

Photography By Choi Dae-Il

◆ This column was written in accordance with the author’s subjective opinion and may differ from the HMG Journal’s point of view.

Source: https://news.hyundaimotorgroup.com/Article/A-Cozy-Comfy-Home-Sweet-EV-Hyundai-IONIQ-5