Hyundai IONIQ 6, first contact with the new electric streamliner | Video

After a long wait, we were finally able to “get our hands” on new 100% electric creature of the Korean brand. Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the new zero-emission sedan that philosophically follows what was done with Ioniq 5. It is thus a car with a disruptive design, purely iconic, with a technological sector reserved for the main German flagships, with high energy efficiency and an ergonomics perhaps among the top of the segment, all seasoned with a price which – according to Hyundai Italia – will be practically like its sister 5.

A glance is enough to understand that the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 is positioned in a completely different segment compared to the Ioniq 5. Slender lines, tapered roof shape and which, in part, recalls the silhouette of the Concept Prophecy from which it draws inspiration. The design has obviously adapted to the design needs of a production car, compared to the creative freedom of a prototype but still retains those very particular proportions. It deliberately distances itself from the Ioniq 5 line, as Hyundai has tried to give a single autonomous identity to each new model, without the risk of completely flattening the range. The taut and serrated lines of the 5 leave room for more sinuous, sweet and elegant shapes, although the use of dry and angular sections is not lost. They come back, now as a trademark, i Parametric Pixel Led (over 700), for both the front and rear light clusters, capable of giving stylistic identity and aesthetic refinement.

The rounded line that from the front ends on the tail, is a stylistic homage to the streamliners of the past, from which it inherits the name of “Electrified Streamliner”, with the intention of creating a car with a refined design, spacious, ergonomic, conceived to give great attention to comfort but in an electric key. The stylistic cleanliness is also the result of the great work in the aerodynamic field, aimed at giving it a value of aerodynamic penetration of only 0.21, one of the lowest in the category (as well as in the automotive sector). This allows it to minimize drag, increasing efficiency and decreasing consumption. At the front there is also, in the lower area of ​​the bumper, an active mobile bulkhead, capable of opening or closing on the basis of cooling or aerodynamic needs. In this sense, the new digital external rear-view mirror (optional) was also developed, equipped with a very high-definition camera capable of projecting images on screens on the sides of the dashboard.

Also in the rear, aerodynamics is the protagonist of the shapes of the two spoilers, one upper and one integrated into the tail line. The first takes care of cleaning the flows coming from the roof of the car (and is embellished with a particular play of LEDs) while the smaller one, lower, incorporated in the tail, reduces the vortices coming from the sides. Also on the front, the two black “vanes” on the sides of the bumper convey the air towards the wheel well and at the same time clean the air masses which will then wrap around the sides. Last but not least, the door handles that are incorporated into the side, perfectly flush, as also seen on the Ioniq 5.

Speaking of dimensions instead, new Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a length of 4.85 meters by 1.88 in width and 1.49 in height. Do not surprise the trunk, about 400 liters the minimum capacity.

New Hyundai Ioniq 6 is made starting from same e-GMP platform as the 5, to which, however, the wheelbase has been reduced by about 5 cm (now 2.96 m) for an aesthetic-functional issue, so as to make the proportion of the tail more homogeneous, ensuring a few more liters for the boot. As for sister 5, two drum cuts will be availablefrom 53 kWh (instead of 58 kWh) and from 77 kWh.

The lithium-ion battery is located in the lower area of ​​the frame, between the axles, powering an electric motor located on the rear axle, capable of giving traction to the rear wheels only. In the version with increased battery, four-wheel drive with two electric motors will also be available. Powers will start from 151 hp for rear-wheel drive with smaller battery, rising to 228 hp for rear-wheel drive with larger battery and up to 325 hp for the all-wheel drive configuration. The high level of torque, up to 605 Nm, ensures burning acceleration, with a 0-100 km / h concluded in less than 5.1 seconds (for the all-wheel drive version).

The new e-GMP modular platform dedicated to electric vehicles, thanks to its 400 or 800 V architecture, is capable of supporting ultra fast charging up to 350 kW, so as to be able to recharge the battery (from 20 to 80%) in less than 20 minutes. It is also equipped with Vehicle To Load (V2L) technology, so as to release energy to power electronic devices (via the charging socket, but with a special adapter), such as small appliances or devices of any type with the standard socket under the back seats. In this way, in the best configuration (with larger battery and rear-wheel drive, with 18 ”rims) it is able to ensure a maximum range of 610 km. The consumption levels declared for this configuration are below 14 kWh / 100 km, among the lowest ever recorded on the market.

Great attention to the welcome and to the realization of the interiors. Hyundai’s designers found themselves having to match several aspects, including aesthetic refinement, ergonomics, practicality, digitalization and sustainability. The Cocoon effect obtained is thus the best that could be achieved, bringing Ioniq 6 very close to the levels of competitors in the Premium segment. The light colors, the 2.95 meter wheelbase and the skilful construction ensuring ample space in every direction, especially for the rear passengers’ games, even if the same cannot be said for the head: the curved shape of the roof does not facilitate the waist to whoever is taller than 1.85 m. The wide and horizontally shaped dashboard gives a great sense of space, while concentrating the view on the driver’s area.

In front of it they reveal themselves two joint screens of 12.4 inches each, for the instrumentation and for the infotainment. Obviously maximum connectivity, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto protocol also wireless as standard, DAB radio, wi-fi hotspot, wireless charging and everything else you could want from a car of this type. The on-board system is designed to receive OTA updates, so as to improve its performance over time, also as regards the powertrain, extra functionality and efficiency. The lighting also works with a view to comfort, specially designed to instill a sense of enveloping, relaxation and visual comfort, with over 64 shades to choose from.

On the center of the steering wheel there are also 4 LED pixels, in charge of animating based on the answers of the voice assistant or communicating the battery charge status. An interesting point of contact between man and machine. The same can be said for the animation of the ambient lights, capable of changing based on the speed, driving modes or style of the driver. The shape of the seats, the light colors and other elements combine to generate a sense of almost domestic welcome inside Ioniq 6. The central tunnel itself, now raised, was created to be able to easily support a laptop when charging the vehicle. In the era of remote work, it is therefore essential to have temporary work support even in the car, perhaps to easily take advantage of the stops to recharge the battery.

There is also ample space to store our items, with a generous compartment under the central tunnel or inside the sliding glovebox in front of the front passenger. Great attention was also paid to the issue of sustainability, where designers and engineers worked closely to make the cabin of the new Ioniq 6 as Green as possible. Ioniq 6 Ethical Uniqueness theme is realized through the use of ecologically treated leather (seats), recycled PET fabric (seats), ecologically TPO treated leather (dashboard), bio PET fabric (headliner), bio paint derived from vegetable oils (door panels) and fabric carpet derived from the recycling of fishing nets – the latter is a first for the Ioniq range.

Technology that has dominated the development process of the new Ioniq 6, raising some of the features already present on Ioniq 5. In addition to the high technological sector for everything related to the interiors, connectivity with devices, etc., the devices are also improved driving assistance. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system (HDA 2) helps to adjust the speed based on the vehicle in front of us, perfectly centering Ioniq 6 in the center of the lane. In the event that a vehicle were to get too close from one of the two sides, the system would correct the trajectories to avoid hazards or collisions.

Beyond a certain speed, by activating the direction indicator, he will also be able to change the trajectory by overtaking, re-entering the lane on the left or right. Adaptive cruise control is then able to adjust the speed of corrections based on our driving style: if we prefer sharp acceleration or decisive braking, it will behave accordingly, while if we are more calm and gentle drivers in speed changes, it will know copy our style.

There are also sensors and cameras around the entire car, to activate blind spot monitoring, help us during reversing maneuvers, warn passengers if a door is opening while a vehicle is approaching, and much more. The automatic emergency braking is also able to detect the presence of cars, bicycles or pedestrians, avoiding, when possible, also the impact, by acting on the steering. The reading of road signs is also available, adjusting the speed on the basis of the limits set, or detecting the driver’s fatigue on the basis of his driving style.

The first online presales sessions will be available from November 2022 with the commercial launch and the first deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2023. Prices have yet to be released, however Andrea Crespi, President & CEO Hyundai Motor Company Italy reassures us explaining how the price lists of the new Ioniq 6 will be really “very close to those of Ioniq 5”.