Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the brand’s first battery electric saloon

Hyundai has finally lifted the lid on the much-anticipated IONIQ 6 electric saloon – the production version of the Prophecy concept first revealed in 2020.
 

We were very much taken with the Prophecy concept when we first saw it two years ago. A mixture of sports car and sensible family saloon, it was mould-breaking for Hyundai – far more interesting and dynamic to look at than its previous saloons and a departure from the electric SUVs/CUVs we’ve become accustomed to.

With the reveal of the IONIQ 6 – the second EV in the IONIQ line-up – we can see that the brand has remained broadly true to the lines of the concept. Hyundai calls it an ‘Electrified Streamliner’ – sculpted for aerodynamics with “innovative use of sustainable materials to reflect today’s EV customers’ values”, which encapsulates the overall design theme of ‘ethical uniqueness’.

Powertrain and performance

The IONIQ 6 is based on the brand’s E-GMP platform and electronic architecture, meaning we get 400/800 volt capability and 350kW charging. There aren’t any significant departure from the powertrain options available in the IONIQ 5, meaning both two- and all-wheel drive options with power up to 320bhp in regular models will eventually be available. In that ultimate AWD spec, the IONIQ 6 will knock out 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds.  

Batteries of either 77kWh or 53kWh will be offered with the former enabling the car to travel up to 380 miles on a charge according to WLTP estimates. Combine the smaller battery with a rear-wheel drive powertrain and efficiency is the name of the game, with the 6 capable of using just 14kWh/100km (4.4mi/kWh), making it one of the most efficient EVs on the market.

Exterior design

Curvaceous is how we’d best describe the IONIQ 6’s exterior. It’s definitely aesthetically pleasing, too, but Hyundai notes that the form is also functional and features like the low nose, active air flaps, rear spoiler and near boat tail contribute to a drag coefficient of just 0.21. Other aero features lurk out of sight, including a covered undercarriage and wind deflectors beneath the car.

Size-wise, the IONIQ 6 is similar to both the Tesla Model 3 and the recently revealed VW ID.AERO concept, which will likely morph into the ID.6. It measures 4855mm long, 1880mm wide and 1495mm tall and has a wheelbase of nearly three metres, with the aero wheels pushed out to the corners.

Lighting is, as ever, now a feature to be crowed about and includes over 700 parametric pixels on the 6 in the headlamps, rear combination lamps, air vent garnishes and centre console indicator.

Interior design and tech

Hyundai refers to the passenger compartment as ‘cocoon-inspired’ and “serves as both a comfortable hideaway and personal space”, with practical features and sustainably produced materials. There will be plenty of space thanks to that near three metre wheelbase and the flat floor. Tech will also be there in abundance and includes two 12 inch displays – one for infotainment and the other a digital cluster. Ambient lighting from a spectrum of 64 colours and a minimalist feel to the cabin should add to the cocoon-like feel.

There is a range of safety tech as standard including Hyundai SmartSense ADAS. Highway Driving Assist 2 offers a low level of autonomy, especially when combined with Smart Cruise Control. Forward Collision Avoidance, a variety of steering assist functions and speed limit assist are also available. Driver Attention Warning systems monitor the driver’s attention and warn when inattentiveness is detected.

Eco-friendly materials will appeal to many. These include eco leather, recycled PET fabric, bio TPO skin, bio paint derived from vegetable oils and recycled fishing nets in the carpet. The exterior paintwork can also include recycled pigment from end-of-life tyres among other things. Over-the-air updates ensure the car’s systems are kept up-to-date.

Price and availability 

Hyundai is hosting a launch event on November 9 after which prospective buyers can reserve one of a limited number of First Edition IONIQ 6s, priced from £54,995. These high-spec cars come with a high level of kit as well as getting the dual-motor powertrain and 77kWh battery, meaning up to 320 miles will be possible on a charge.  

Update 8:12:22: Hyundai has announced the prices for the regular production models of the IONIC 6, with the car starting at £46,745 on the road. For this, buyers will get a rear-wheel drive version, 20 inch alloys, front and rear LED lighting, electric and heated front seats and heated rear seats and a 12.3 inch touchscreen. All-wheel drive cars start at £50,245 with the Ultimate version topping the prices at £53,745.