The IONIQ 5, Hyundai’s first dedicated battery-electric model, went on sale in Australia last month and, according to reports, all units made available here were sold out in hours.

OK, only 240 units were available, but that still does seem to indicate an appetite in the local market for decent, interestingly designed EVs. The EV market would, no doubt, be booming if more brands would/could get their models here.

So what are the IONIQ 5 owners getting their hands on? Well, outwardly, they are getting a very smart-looking vehicle – Hyundai really do have an outstanding design department these days. And underneath that very stylish exterior, some very clever, high-tech, stuff is going on.

Built on the company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), IONIQ 5 is available in one flagship grade, with the option of a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant, powered by a 160kW/350Nm motor, or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) combining a 155kW/350Nm motor at the rear with a 70kW/255Nm motor up front. Both versions come with a 72.6kWh battery pack that delivers 451km of range for the 2WD and 430km for the AWD.

The E-GMP architecture can support both 400V and 800V charging infrastructures. This means DC fast charging of up to 350kW is available, enabling a 10-80 per cent charge in less than 18 minutes. A five-minute charge can provide 100km of range. Standard AC plug-in charging from 10-80 per cent comes in at a smidge over 6 hours.

There’s a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature that uses the vehicle battery to provide an external power source. This can be used to charge an array of electric devices from scooters to camping equipment. The V2L function can also provide Vehicle-To-Vehicle (V2V) charging via the portable emergency charging cable.

Performance is excellent beyond the range numbers. Top speed for the 2WD variant is 185km/h, and 0-100km/h can be done in 7.4 seconds. The 4WD has the same top speed, but 100km/h can be reached in a swift 5.2 seconds.

Unsurprisingly, the IONIQ 5 comes jam-packed with features, including Normal, Eco, Sport & Snow Drive Modes. Normal mode is optimised for a typical driver for most road conditions; Eco mode is designed to maximise energy efficiency; Sport mode offers increased steering weight, sharper throttle response and torque delivery; and Snow mode optimises traction to suit the prevailing conditions.

Tech features on the inside include panoramic view twin 12.3-inch displays that bring together all the driving and operating info into a high-tech layout.

The infotainment touchscreen is mounted centrally and high on the dashboard to let the driver easily view and access multimedia, climate control and electric vehicle information.

This new system features an array of functionalities, including DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Bluetooth multi-connection, USB multimedia input, and Satellite Navigation. The satellite navigation system has charging stations programmed in, allowing route planning and range calculation, as well as graphical representations of vehicle range and charging station locations on the map screen.

There’s also a 15W high-speed wireless charger located in the centre console for charging the latest smartphones which incorporates a cooling fan function that can prevent phones from overheating.

Power outlets are dotted throughout the cabin. The centre console features two USB-A power outlets for front occupants, and two USB-A outlets at the rear for second-row passengers. In addition, there are 12V power outlets in the front lower console and the cargo area.

The list of advanced driver assistance features is long, and includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist . . . the list goes on and is comprehensive.

Occupants should be kept comfy by the IONIQ 5’s seating. Up front, there are 12-way electrically adjustable seats – including two-way power adjustable lumbar and two-way power adjustable leg support. Rear seat passengers also benefit from a two-way electrically adjustable memory seat and manually reclining backrest.

There’s a proximity Smart Key on the IONIQ 5, and power operated door handles featuring an approach open and unlock function, which automatically unlocks and opens the door handles when the Smart Key is detected. The Smart Key remote can also operate the Remote Start and Remote Smart Park Assist functions, and open/close the power operated charge port door.

There’s also a ‘Vision’ roof with a power-operated sunshade, and ambient mood lighting. Illuminated areas include the door armrests and the lower door speaker surrounds. Up to 10 preset colours can be selected, and there are a further 64 custom colours to choose from. The ambient lighting can be linked to the Drive Mode selected, and can be set to dim while driving to enhance in-cabin safety.

The IONIQ 5 is priced at $71,900 for the RWD model, with the AWD priced at $75,900.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (November 2021) 

12 November 2021