Here it is, the one we have all been waiting for! Ever since we got a sneak peak of the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 we were more than keen to take a test drive. Launched in 2021 as the first model in Hyundai’s Ioniq dedicated battery electric vehicle line-up brand, this vehicle is a modern take on a retro design. We see a hint of the 80’s with Talbot Sunbeam and even the DMC Delorean all blended into a futuristic ‘Tron’ like package. It features Hyundai’s first clamshell bonnet and V-shaped positioning lamps for a super sharp look. The front and rear of the car somehow merge together at its doors to give what Hyundai refer to as the ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design ethos. Like the Kia EV6, it is based on the E-GMP architecture giving generous interior space thanks to the 3,000mm wheelbase and short overhangs front and rear. This wheelbase makes it longer than the Tesla Model Y, Mustang Mach-E or VW ID.4. Legroom is a phenomenal 41.7 inches up front and 39.4 inches in the rear making it larger than any of its electric competitors.
Features
Entry into the Ioniq 5 range kicks off with the Executive 58kWh RWD, which is packed with advanced technologies like a 12.3-inch LCD audio, visual and navigation system with DAB, Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Buyers also get an LCD drivers instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, rear view camera and smart navigation-based cruise control. Stepping up to the Ioniq 5 Premium adds luxuries like a power tailgate, heated seats and Highway Drive Assist Level 2 with automatic lane changing function. Finally there is the Premium Plus model which gets a heads-up display with augmented reality, BOSE premium sound system and leather heated front and rear seats. You really won’t be left wanting for much regardless of what specification you choose!
Our test vehicle was the Premium Plus trim level and it was an incredibly nice machine to live with. The car’s flat floor and reclining chairs allow for levels of comfort and spaciousness never seen before in this segment. Aside from the leather seats most other interior surfaces are made with recycled plastics and fabrics woven of plant-based and natural wool yarns. Even the enamel paint on metal interior surfaces is vegetable oil based in keeping with the greener mobility ethos. All the technology is super simple to use with intuitive menus to navigate and hot keys for fast access to the essentials. All this on board tech is easily updated also. In fact, Hyundai have made the Ioniq 5 their first vehicle with over-the-air updates for navigation maps and multimedia software.
Power
Here in Ireland purchasers can select between two battery pack options with 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh. You can also have a choice of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. The rear-wheel-drive and 72.6-kWh version features a maximum driving range of 481 kilometres on a single charge, according to WLTP. Thanks to its 800V charging technology, both battery pack options can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes at fast-charging stations. The Ioniq 5 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds. Buyers can use the Vehicle to Load (V2L) technology to power and charge any electronic device while driving or parked, such as laptops or tablets via the three-pin plug socket. Very clever!
Safety
As expected Hyundai have been forthcoming in providing the best safety systems they currently have at their disposal on the Ioniq 5. Standard on all vehicles is forward collision warning with emergency braking and pedestrian recognition, blind spot, reverse parking and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist. You also get driver inattention warning, automatic high beams, speed limit warning and safe exit assist, which keeps the rear doors locked when the car is parked and its sensors detect oncoming traffic. Hyundai’s Forward Collision Assist system also works at intersections and road junctions, detecting oncoming traffic including pedestrian and cyclists automatically braking if necessary. It also has 7-airbags including a driver’s seat centre side airbag to diminish head injuries caused by passengers colliding.
Costs
Prices start at €38,495 for an Executive 58kW battery rising to €65,495 for an all wheel drive Premium Plus 72.6 kW. Our advice would be to fall somewhere in the middle with an Executive Plus 72.6 kW for €45,495. These prices include the €5,000 SEAI Grant for Private Customers & Government VRT Relief but exclude delivery & related charges. There are a number of finance and PCP options from a little as €380 a month but you are better off visiting your local dealer to find a package to suit you.
Summary
Well where do we start? After spending four days with the Ioniq 5 it is easily one of the best electric cars we have ever driven. The combination of exceptional interior space, blistering performance, incredible range and ultra-fast charging makes this a very easy car to live with. It wafts along effortlessly in sheer silence on the road but yet disguises its weight well enough to feel nimble on back roads. The styling is what sells it to us and we think it will age better than many EV’s currently for sale in Ireland. Hyundai and its corporate sibling Kia have plans to bring 23 new electrified vehicles, plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids to market globally by 2025 and if the Ioniq 5 is the starting point, then we are in for some exciting vehicles to come. Like with all Hyundai products the 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty is in place for peace of mind and the high voltage battery warranty of 8 years is also standard on every car. The Ioniq 5 is already off to an excellent start claiming various Car Of The Year titles around the world and it is already Ireland’s best selling EV. The future looks bright for Hyundai and we look forward to the new models inbound.
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