The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an excellent sedan however is it adequate to tug patrons away from the Tesla Mannequin 3?
2 hours in the past
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a revelation when it hit the market a few years in the past, completely combining a retro but futuristic design with intelligent packaging, neat applied sciences, and loads of efficiency.
Quick ahead to 2023 and it now has a sibling within the type of the Ioniq 6 and we just lately lived with one for per week to see if it’s nearly as good because the SUV and simply the place it locations within the present EV hierarchy.
The design
A lot has been stated in regards to the Ioniq 6 because it was first unveiled and identical to the Ioniq 5, most of this speak has been in regards to the exterior design. Hyundai itself refers back to the car as a ‘streamliner’ and that is apparent in its modern design that goals to attenuate its coefficient of drag which sits at simply 0.21, making it one of the aerodynamically environment friendly autos on sale right now.
Pictures of the Ioniq 6 don’t actually do the design justice. Just like the Ioniq 5, it’s fairly an eyeful whenever you first see it however as you look nearer, you’ll start to note and admire the flowing strains. It’s surprisingly large in individual, measuring 4,855 mm (191 inches) lengthy, making it fairly a bit longer than the Ioniq 5 which is 4,635 mm (182.4 inches) and the Tesla Mannequin 3 that’s 4,694 mm (184 inches). It seems to be even longer in individual than these figures recommend, maybe due to the low shoulder line that stretches from the headlights, under the curved facet home windows, and ends on the nook of the tailgate.
Talking of the tailgate, there’s little doubt that essentially the most hanging component of the Ioniq 6’s design is the rear fascia. Instantly catching the attention is the full-width LED gentle bar consisting of dozens of sq. LEDs that proceed Hyundai’s ‘Pixel’ theme first launched with the Ioniq 5. There may be then a second gentle bar integrated throughout the spoiler stretching out from the rear window, though this one is barely triggered whenever you hit the brakes.
Totally different strokes for various of us
In Australia, three variations of the Ioniq 6 can be found: the entry-level Dynamiq, the mid-range Techniq, and the flagship Epiq, which we drove. All three are powered by the identical liquid-cooled 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack however the Dynamiq makes do with a single electrical motor driving the rear axles with 168 kW (225 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. By comparability, the Techniq and Epiq each have the identical motor on the rear axle but additionally a 74 kW (99 hp) and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) motor on the entrance axle, making for a mixed 239 kW (320 hp) and 605 Nm (446 lb-ft).
These in search of an electrical Hyundai with the very best vary can be clever to go for the Ioniq 6 Dynamiq as it may possibly journey a claimed 614 km (381 miles) on a single cost whereas each the Techniq and Epiq are rated at 519 km (322 miles). It takes simply 18 minutes to cost from 10-80% at a DC charger that helps charges of as much as 350 kW.
A handful of key components distinguish the Ioniq 6 Epiq from the dual-motor Techniq. For instance, it comes commonplace with a battery conditioning system to warmth the battery in chilly situations for improved DC charging and efficiency. It additionally has a warmth pump and maybe essentially the most important change of all of them, digital facet mirrors instead of conventional mirrors. Native pricing begins at AU$74,000 ($48,323) for the Dynamiq and will increase to AU$83,500 ($54,527) for the Techniq and AU$88,000 ($57,465) for the Epiq, all earlier than on-road charges.
It’s value noting that customers gained’t have to splurge on the flagship mannequin if they need all of Hyundai’s newest driving help methods, security measures, inside applied sciences, nor the thumping 8-speaker Bose audio system. Certainly, the Dynamiq is nearly identically geared up to the Epiq with Hyundai’s full SmartSense system with blind-sport collision-avoidance help, a blind-spot view monitor, driver consideration warning, ahead collision-avoidance help, lane following help, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance help, rear occupant alert, sensible cruise management, and extra.
An expensive cacoon
The cabin of the Ioniq 6 is equally as hanging as the outside. Hyundai refers back to the inside as “cocoon-like” and it’s simple to see why with the impressively-low seating place and the pronounced middle backbone working by the entrance half of the cabin. The automotive producer made a daring design assertion with the sliding middle console and flat flooring up entrance of the Ioniq 5 and whereas we might have favored the Ioniq 6 to have the same design, it stays a stunning place to spend time.
Situated instantly in entrance of the minimalist steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster whereas subsequent to it’s a 12.3-inch infotainment show. We should applaud Hyundai for locating the right mixture of bodily buttons and switches with contact shows within the Ioniq 6. On the steering wheel, for instance, there are bodily buttons and there are additionally outstanding buttons on the dashboard that function infotainment and HVAC shortcuts. Effective changes to the temperature are then operated by a capacitive touchscreen. The central backbone additionally homes the window switches.
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As our check automotive was the Ioniq 6 Epiq, it additionally had digital mirrors, that means there are an extra two screens within the cabin. As we discovered on the Genesis GV60 late final 12 months, these digital mirrors require a small studying curve however are simple and intuitive to make use of when you get the cling of it. Nevertheless, we want Hyundai bought them as an possibility and never as commonplace tools on the Ioniq 6 as we nonetheless favor conventional mirrors.
The door panels of the Ioniq 6 are notably intriguing and created from corrugated plastic, in contrast to any automotive we’ve seen earlier than. There are additionally loads of recycled supplies discovered inside, together with carpets created from recycled fishing nets and seats created from recycled eco-leather. Inside house is superb, hardly a shock provided that the Ioniq 6 is predicated on the Hyundai Motor Group’s excellent E-GMP platform and has a 2,950 mm (116-inch) wheelbase. That is particularly evident within the second row the place there may be an abundance of knee room. Sadly, the modern form and low roof imply that headroom is restricted. For those who’re tall and sitting within the rear, your head will contact the ceiling, however the Tesla Mannequin 3 with its glass roof isn’t any completely different. A robust, 250-volt energy outlet is discovered underneath the second row.
Poise for days
We cherished the Ioniq 5 once we first drove it again in late 2021 and the Ioniq 6 feels noticeably extra polished and higher suited to Australian roads. That is most evident with the suspension.
Little doubt helped by the truth that it sits barely decrease but additionally as a consequence of far superior suspension tuning, the Ioniq 6 Epiq feels far more hunkered right down to the street. Wheel and physique management are far improved, making the Ioniq 6 far more gratifying to drive at any velocity. Within the Ioniq 5, it had a really floaty feeling however there’s none of that in its sedan sibling. Hyundai Australia has up to date the Ioniq 5’s suspension tune for the 2023 mannequin 12 months however we’ve but to expertise it for ourselves.
The subsequent most spectacular factor in regards to the Ioniq 6 is its power effectivity. Hyundai has given the automotive an power consumption determine of 16.9 kWh/100 km over the mixed cycle and that’s proper on the mark. Drive it conservatively and it’s attainable to dip into the 15s throughout city driving, a really stable determine for what’s the high-performance model.
Like different Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are used to manage the regenerative brakes. The system works seamlessly and we not often had to make use of the mechanical brakes in any respect throughout our time with the automotive, as an alternative selecting to drive it nearly solely in ‘i-Pedal’ mode. All the controls are properly weighted and do you have to need to begin pushing the automotive a bit bit, it not often feels out of types, delivering clean and predictable dealing with and glorious traction from the 245/40 Pirelli P Zero tires.
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The duality of the Ioniq 6 Epiq can also be noteworthy. Not solely does it really feel poised when pushed however it’s supremely comfy on lengthy journeys. The seats present glorious assist and as with another Hyundai fashions, the driving place is nice.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 was just lately named World Automotive of the 12 months, World Electrical Automobile, and World Automotive Design of the 12 months and it’s not onerous to see why. It’s maybe essentially the most well-rounded electrical sedan at present on sale and feels noticeably extra premium than the Tesla Mannequin 3. Nevertheless, we stay unconvinced that each one that many Aussies will likely be prepared to splurge a minimal of AU$74,000 ($48,323) on the Ioniq 6 when the entry-level Mannequin 3 begins at AU$59,200 ($38,893).
