Since Hyundai launched its all-electric IONIQ sub-brand we have been waiting with bated breath for the first car to be revealed under this new umbrella. Taking the form of a C-segment SUV, the IONIQ 5 is now in the public domain and it doesn’t disappoint from both a technology and design point of view.

The IONIQ 5 is the first car to gain a number of new features which will take Hyundai’s EV programme forward. On the surface, the IONIQ 5 has an entirely new styling direction which is heavily based on the ‘45’ concept. Underneath there is a brand new EV-specific platform and unique electronic architecture which offers both 400 and 800 volt capability. The interior and connectivity also goes up a level – though initially this will come at a cost!

Platform, powertrain and performance

The IONIQ 5 is based on Hyundai’s all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which will underpin all of the forthcoming EVs from Hyundai and Kia. You can read a detailed piece about it here. It offers the flexibility and scalability to cater for anything from larger SUVs to small, sporty saloons.  

In the IONIQ 5, the powertrain options are split between two battery sizes; the standard range 58kWh battery and long range 72.6kWh battery. In both cases, customers can opt for two-wheel drive (rear wheel) or all-wheel drive, with the standard range battery powertrains having a lower state of tune than the long range options.

With the standard range battery, the two-wheel drive option has a 168bhp, 258lb-ft motor driving the rear wheels, delivering 62mph in 8.5 seconds. Step it up to the all-wheel drive version and combined power is 232bhp and 446lb-ft, bringing the 0-62mph time down to 6.1 seconds.

Opt for the long range battery and the two-wheel drive version has 214bhp and 258lb-ft, hitting 62 in 7.4 seconds. The highest spec all-wheel drive, long range IONIQ 5 has 302bhp and 446lb-ft and hits 62mph in just 5.2 seconds. All cars are limited to 115mph, and when it comes to driving range will have WLTP figures of between 260 and 300 miles once fully homogenised.

The major talking point with the E-GMP platform is in its ability to support both 400v and 800v charging as standard, enabling owners to take advantage of 350kW, ultra-rapid charging speeds. At this rate, the 5 can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes. Another new feature is the ability to charge other electric devices using V2L technology. Supplying up to 3.6kW – or the same as a household socket – means everything from camping equipment to electric scooters can be powered via a socket next to the charging port. 

Design and space

On the outside the IONIQ 5 is a real step in a new direction for Hyundai and has faithfully carried over many of the design features of the ‘45’ concept car we first saw at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Parametric Pixel lights, front and rear, give it a distinctive look in the light and dark, and colours have been picked with natural hues in mind.

The car is 4635mm long, 1890mm wide and 1605mm tall. A significant feature is the 3000mm wheelbase which means interior room is akin to that of a D-segment car. There is 531 litres of boot space with the seats up and 1600 litres with the second row stowed. A frunk adds 57 litres to the mix.

Inside, Hyundai has used a host of sustainably sourced materials such as plastics made of recycled PET bottles, plant-based yarns, eco leather and bio paint. An optional solar roof helps increase the car’s efficiency.

Tech and driving aids

Hyundai has packed the IONIQ 5 with its latest technology and connectivity features. An upgraded version of Bluelink connected car services app which enables owners to better manage their experience with the IONIQ 5. It’s possible to view the 5’s current range, battery state, charging times as well as advanced scheduling options. Connected routing provides a more intelligent route planning service which takes into account traffic forecasting and available charging.

Within the cabin there is a configurable dual cockpit, which features a 12 inch central touchscreen which controls infotainment (including the eight speaker Bose sound system), and a 12 inch hoodless digital instrument cluster which can be configured to a driver’s preferences. An augmented reality head-up display projects information and navigation onto the windscreen to ensure drivers can keep their eyes on the road.

IONIQ 5 gets Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) as standard, which uses a front view camera, radar sensors and navigation data to keep centred in a lane and maintain a safe following distance while cruising. Other safety systems include forward collision avoidance, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, and remote smart parking assist – among others.

Price and availability

The first cars to be released are Project 45, limited edition versions of the IONIQ 5, of which just 3000 will be delivered across Europe. It will cost £45,000, though it does come with a high spec level, and can be ordered now with deliveries commencing in the second quarter of 2021. 

Update 10.05.21: Hyundai has now revealed the prices for the rest of the IONIQ 5 range. It starts at £36,995 for the SE Connect which comes with the 58kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. The 58kWh, RWD Premium model costs £39,295, with the Premium 73kWh RWD at £41,945 and the AWD version for £45,145. Move up to the Ultimate version and prices begin at £42,295 for the 58kWh RWD; £44,945 for the 73kWh RWD and £48,145 for the AWD version.

All IONIQ 5s come with Hyundai’s extensive range of warranty and annual health check cover, as well as a one-year subscription to the high-speed IONITY network.