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Hyundai launches first vehicle under Ioniq EV sub-brand

The Ioniq 5 can be used as a mobile power bank if necessary

The Ioniq nameplate went from one model to an EV sub-brand. PHOTO FROM HYUNDAI

After several teasers, Hyundai has finally launched the Ioniq 5, the first car under its electric-vehicle sub-brand. The first BEV to utilize the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), this should be a proper benchmark in terms of what the Korean automaker’s EV base is capable of.

Unlike most EVs, the Ioniq 5's profile is full of straight edges. PHOTOS FROM HYUNDAI

Firstly, the Ioniq 5 has boxy, angular cuts and sharp lines all in a hatchback profile, with the “Parametric Pixel” design language spanning across the car’s 3,000mm wheelbase. The front and the rear are adorned by the car’s eye-catching headlights and taillights that resemble pixel art, with some unique design choices all made in the name of aerodynamics, such as flush door handles that pop out, a clamshell hood, and aerodynamically optimized 20-inch wheels that also follow the above-mentioned theme, all presented in a futuristic yet retro look. Hyundai says that the Ioniq 5’s progressive styling is reminiscent of its first production car, the Pony.

The E-GMP base allows the floor to be kept low and flat. PHOTO FROM HYUNDAI

As for the interior, there’s just so much space inside. Thanks to the E-GMP’s flat floor, there are tons of legroom for both front and rear passengers, and another party trick called the “Universal Island.” This is a movable center console that slides as far back as 140mm, making the cabin a little flexible. Rear passengers also have more space thanks to the front seats being 30% thinner, with most of the interior trim being sourced from eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials.

The Ioniq 5 has 12-inch screens across the dashboard: one for the digital gauge cluster, and one for the touchscreen infotainment. The car interestingly has an augmented-reality heads-up display, which basically uses the entire windshield to display directions and other information. This works in tandem with Hyundai’s SmartSense driver assistance system, too.

The movable center console allows occupants to stretch out within the cabin. PHOTOS FROM HYUNDAI

As for configurations, the car can be specced with two battery capacities: 58kWh or 72.6kWh. There are also two driveline options: a single motor with rear-wheel drive, and a dual motor with all-wheel drive. All combinations are limited to 185km/h. The AWD option with the biggest battery has power and torque outputs of 302hp and 605Nm. That’s good for a 0-to-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds. Get rid of the front drive motor and potential range is around 480km.

The E-GMP platform also allows the car to be compatible with both 400V and 800V charging infrastructure. A 350kW charger will juice up the battery from 10% to 80% in as fast as 18 minutes. A quick five-minute charge adds 100km of range.

Five minutes of charging gives an additional 100km of range. PHOTO FROM HYUNDAI

The Ioniq 5’s show-off feature is the V2L function, which basically turns the car into a huge battery pack capable of powering anything from laptops to e-bikes. Up to 3.6kW of power can be supplied by the vehicle via two V2L-specific ports.

Excited for this Korean EV? Prices have yet to be announced so far, and Hyundai says that select regions will get dibs on the car in the first half of the year.



Sam Surla

Sam is the youngest member of our editorial team. He specializes in photography and videography, but he also happens to like writing about cars a lot.



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