A Prophecy foretold...
Hyundai has unveiled the Ioniq 6, the slippery, streamlined pure-electric follow-up to the hatchback-SUV Ioniq 5. In terms of size at least, the new model is positioned to take on the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.
The design of the Ioniq 6 was first previewed with the well-received 2020 Hyundai Prophecy concept, which owed its looks to streamlined cars from the 1930s.
That aerodynamic inspiration has been carried through to the production version, with the company describing it as “an electrified streamliner” as opposed to a saloon, something underlined by its ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.21 — the same as that of the Lucid Air.
Despite the thirties styling cues of the concept, the Ioniq 6 is a far less retro design than its sibling, the Ioniq 5. The overall shape is what Hyundai refers to as a “single curve”, with a rounded front end giving way to the long, gentle slope of the roofline.
That curves down to meet a little ducktail spoiler and a pixelated light bar running across the rear — both hangovers from the Prophecy concept and the latter a key part of the Ioniq design language.
Also aiding aerodynamics are a totally covered underbody, active air flaps in the nose that only open when powertrain or brake cooling is required, flush door handles and the option of cameras to replace the door mirrors.
Once inside, the driver is faced with a 12in digital instrument cluster running into another 12in infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard.
The centre console is flat to allow users to work on their laptops or tablets, and the whole interior is finished in mostly eco-friendly materials such as flaxseed-dyed artificial leather, recycled plastic bottles, vegetable oil-based paints and recycled fishing nets.
Occupants also have a choice of ambient lighting in 64 different colours including six dual-tone schemes.
Thanks to the electric platform on which the Ioniq 6 is based, the interior should be spacious, giving generous legroom to both front- and rear-seat passengers.
Hyundai has yet to reveal many technical details regarding the car, but given the underpinnings — which has seen use on the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 — one can already make a few educated guesses about some of the mechanicals.
Rapid charging of up to 350kW should be possible thanks to the 800-volt electrical architecture. Batteries ranging from 58kWh to 77.4kWh in capacity are also expected, with the largest battery option providing a range of more than 300 miles between charges.
A choice of drivetrain arrangements is likely, with single-motor with rear-wheel drive and dual-motor with all-wheel-drive all seen on other cars on the same underpinnings.
The Ioniq 6 won’t be the last model launched as part of the Ioniq sub-brand. Whatever else may be coming down the line, 2024 will see the unveiling of the Ioniq 7, a Hyundai Santa Fe-sized electric SUV based on last year’s futuristic Ioniq 7 concept, though very little is known at present about the form that the production version will take.
Order books for the Ioniq 6 are expected to open later this year with UK first deliveries commencing in 2023.
- After reading about the new Hyundai Ioniq 6, you might be interested to read about the Volkswagen ID. Aero electric saloon
- Keen to go electric? Here are the top 10 longest-range electric cars
- Or read Will Dron’s review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5
Keyword: Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric saloon with 300+ miles of range is coming to take on the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2