Hyundai has unveiled the first EV in its new ‘IONIQ’ series with the ‘5’ – a bold and stylish crossover that sits on a new platform designed purely for electric cars.
Previewed by the Hyundai 45 concept, this new EV makes it into production with its show car-like retro looks still intact – featuring a front end with twin LED running lights and minimal panel gaps throughout. It also comes with ‘pop-out’ door handles, along with a strong focus on aerodynamics – including its 20-inch alloy wheels.
Based on a new platform called E-GMP, which has been designed purely for EVs, it meant Hyundai could start from scratch – allowing for such a bold design to be created, along with impressive amounts of space. Highlights include a sliding centre console, along with an entirely flat floor throughout the cabin. Hyundai has also used a host of sustainable materials for the cabin, including recycled plastics, plant-based leather and natural wool yarns.
Two battery options will be available – 58kWh or 72.6kWh – as well as the option of rear- or all-wheel-drive. Power outputs range from 168bhp through to 302bhp, with the most powerful model able to reach 60mph in just five seconds. Hyundai is also promising a range of up to 298 miles on the most efficient models.
The IONIQ 5 will also be able to support 800-volt charging, which Hyundai says will allow the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes using a 350kW charger. It also comes with ‘vehicle-to-load’ (V2L) capability, which allows the car to charge up other electrical items (such as an ebike) even when the car is switched off.
Inside, the IONIQ 5 also gets a rather minimalist and spacious interior, which is headed up by a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and main touchscreen of the same size. It also gets a cool augmented reality head-up display, which projects key information on the windscreen.
Set to be one of the more spacious EVs on sale, the IONIQ 5 gets a 531-litre boot, which increases to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded.
This new EV kicks off a range of new electric models that will sit under the IONIQ brand, including the ‘6’ – a premium saloon – and the IONIQ 7, which will be a large SUV.
Available to pre-order now, the IONIQ 5 is launching with a special-edition ‘Project 45’ model, which features a solar roof, the larger alloy wheels and aforementioned head-up display. Priced from £45,000, it also includes a free two-year subscription to the rapid Ionity charging network. It’s set to get more affordable when additional versions are launched ahead of first deliveries in summer 2021.
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