The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is set to add another feather in the Korean carmaker’s hat. Hyundai has been testing the electric sedan since June 2021 in South Korea, and it borrows plenty of cues from the Hyundai Prophecy concept. Last year, Jose Munoz, CEO of Hyundai North America, reaffirmed that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 would arrive in 2022 and that it would be a mid-size sedan.
Here’s everything we know about Hyundai’s next-gen electric sedan, one that will compete with the Tesla Model 3 in the United States:
Design
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a mid-size sedan with distinct proportions (like the Sonata). The omission of a transmission tunnel and fewer mechanical components overall will offer more interior space than its ICE counterpart. HMG’s E-GMP platform optimizes space brilliantly as it provides short overhangs and a large wheelbase, opening up acres of room in the interior.
Video Source: YouTube/CarSpyMedia
The video above reveals the Ioniq 6’s handling prowess. While we need to conduct a proper test before making judgements, it appears planted while cornering, thanks to the E-GMP architecture, which positions the battery low down in the chassis, improving the Ioniq 6’s center of gravity. The test mule appears to switch directions effortlessly, and there’s a lack of body roll—the EV doesn’t lean on its outer wheels while cornering. This could mean that the suspension may have been calibrated for a slightly stiffer set-up.
Aerodynamic design
What we can surmise is that the prototypes appear very aerodynamic. The silhouette harks back to the design of the Prophecy concept, and the roof swoops down gently towards the rear for a coupe-like effect. The spy images give away more details, like the aero-wheels, cameras in place of outside rearview mirrors, and pixel-like clusters in the headlamp design, meaning it could borrow the lighting set-up from the Ioniq 5. At the rear, there’s are vertical fog and reverse lights and a large reflector, according to this image posted by KCB on February 21, 2022.
Sophisticated digital lights
Hyundai Ioniq 6 may borrow the digital lights from the Ioniq 5, and could come with the optional ‘Lighting grille.’ Image Source: blog.naver.com/soonjung8116
Hyundai Mobis has developed new micro LED headlamps on the upcoming Ioniq 6. Sensors and cameras can detect slippery surfaces and adjust the beams according to the road signs. What’s more, these digital headlamps can project vehicle width for drivers to better navigate through tight roads. They also have cornering lights function and pedestrian projection, among other functions.
Video Source: YouTube/Hyundai Mobis Global
YouTube channel 뉴욕맘모스_NYMAMMOTH (Naver: shadow0122) has presented his idea of the Ioniq 6 through intricately designed renders. There’s a blend of the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model 3 in the way the front is designed—the shape of the air intake surrounding the fog lamp is round, and the edges are reminiscent of the Porsche, especially when viewed head-on from the front. The headlamp cluster appears unique; each cluster has two projectors, and the digital effect is positioned below.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 will have a swooping roofline at the rear. Image Source: Naver/shadow0122 & NY Mammoth Youtube.
NY Mammoth’s renders are not limited to the front. The channel also showcased what could look like the rear of the Ioniq 6. The rear features a sleek full-width panel housing digital lights and Ioniq 6 lettering in the center. There’s also a skid plate bottom, and the rear appears in harmony with the front. A spy shot that emerged on The Korean Car Blog in January 2022 suggests that the Prophecy Concept’s rear spoiler will likely be present on the Ioniq 6, improving its aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in more range and better road manners.
‘Lighting’ grille & Increased Length
Korea Economic Daily’s report dated August 2021 revealed that the Ioniq 6 would feature redesigned lights, bumpers, and wheel arches to improve the quality and range of the EV. What’s more, Hyundai would increase the car’s length by 7.8 inches from the initially planned figure. The report also speculated that the Ioniq 6 could feature the new ‘Lighting grille,’ developed by Hyundai Mobis.
Hyundai Mobis wants to reinvent the usage of the space that’s usually occupied by the radiator grille. One concept is the multi-functional usage of digital LEDs which can indicate charging status, project pedestrian signs, or even an emergency warning light. The Ioniq 6 may be the first Hyundai EV with the new Lighting Grille. Hyundai Mobis has also developed an innovative technology christened ‘moving grille’ that automatically controls airflow through air flaps.
Interior
Expect the Ioniq 6 interior to be vastly similar to the Ioniq 5. Customers would get two-spoke steering, a single panel housing the infotainment and the digital cluster, and premium upholstery. Spy pictures (via Cochespias) reveal electric seat adjusting switches on the inner side of the seat backrest and a fixed center console. Spy images also show the interior with a two-tone theme. There are white and grey door panels, white seats featuring orange piping (front-only), and a white front center armrest.
Thanks to the E-GMP platform, there appears to be acres of room at the rear. Image Source: YouTube/남자들의자동차motorsjason
Roomy rear seats
The rear seats appear to offer generous amounts of space. The backrest is sharply reclined, and there’s plenty of legroom as well. The window area is large, which could amplify the sense of space, and there’s also the rear quarter glass which lets more light inside the cabin. There’s no transmission tunnel, so the floor is flat. However, we have to wait for the press drives to see if rear passengers would sit with their knees high up or whether there would be amply under-thigh support—remember that the battery is positioned between the axles, which raises the floor height.
What’s more, there are grilled pockets behind the backrests to store small items, vertical air vents at the rear, and two USB charging ports. There’s also an armrest in the center, and it only protrudes outwards by a few millimeters, so the Ioniq 6 should seat three abreast at the rear.
Platform
The Hyundai E-GMP platform is different from what underpins HMG’s conversion BEVs like the Kona Electric or the Niro EV, which support a 400 v architecture. E-GMP supports 800 volts, resulting in faster charging times. Owners would be able to charge the Ioniq 6 from 0-80% in just 18 minutes at charging speeds as high as 350 kW.
E-GMP models also offer bi-directional charging. The platform’s Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) enables the Vehicle to Load (V2L) function, HMG’s terminology for two-way charging. Simply put, owners can use the Ioniq 6’s battery to charge external devices as well. For instance, owners can plug in a refrigerator, electric kettle, or even charge an e-bike using the bidirectional charger.
E-GMP’s 800-volt architecture allows fast charging to 80% within 18 minutes. It can support wireless charging after modifications and bi-directional charging as well. Image: Hyundai
Specifications
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is expected to come with the larger 77.4 kWh battery offered on the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Canada and the U.S., which improves the range to 303 miles (EPA). Hyundai would look to optimize range further on the Ioniq 6, given that it’s also more aerodynamic compared to its SUV sibling. Hankyung estimates that the range could improve to 320 miles, putting it in the same class as the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y.
In terms of power, the standard variants with a single-motor drivetrain offer 160 kW, while the range-topping AWD versions will use a dual-motor set-up that develops 230 kW, as per the local report.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 SpecificationsFiguresLength (in. / mm)191.1 / 4,855Wheelbase (in. / mm)116.1 / 2,950Width (in. / mm)74 / 1,880Height (in. / mm)58.8 / 1,495Battery77.4 kWhRange (estimated)320 milesPower (RWD/AWD)160 kW/230 kWFast charging (0-80%)18 minutesTyres255/55 R18
Expected Ioniq 6 specifications as reported by hankyung.com
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
Hyundai’s N division that develops performance cars has grabbed many headlines recently. Albert Biermann, who served as the former President and Head of the R&D Division, Hyundai/Kia, has transformed the brand’s image with offerings like the Hyundai i20 N, i30 N, and the Kia Stinger. Now it’s time Hyundai brings the N badge to electric cars. As per evpulse.com, a high-performance Hyundai EV is in the works, and it’s an N variant of the Ioniq 6.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N’s powertrain may be similar to the Kia EV6 GT that uses a dual motor set-up to generate 430 kW (584 PS) and 596 lb-ft. Expect a supercar-equaling 0-62 mph acceleration time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph.
On the Hyundai N Day (April 28, 2021), Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Division Hyundai, almost confirmed that an E-GMP EV from Hyundai N is in the pipeline. He said:
Our new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) has a huge potential. That’s why, I guess, we’ll have the first fully electrified N model based on…
Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Division, Hyundai, teasing the first Ioniq N model.
Spy shots reaffirm the development of an N-branded Hyundai EV. The KCB reader and Instagram user h.hyl_47 spotted a Kia EV6 test vehicle fitted with Hyundai N sport seats. However, don’t consider this a confirmation of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. The first all-electric N model is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N which is expected to emerge later this year.
Hyundai expects energy density to advance quickly. The Ioniq 6 could upgrade to a mid-700 Wh/L capacity pack during the facelift. Image source: Hyundai Motor Company
SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center, presented sketches of the potential first Hyundai N E-GMP model at the Elantra N world premiere in July 2021. Albert Biermann, former head of research and development, Hyundai/Kia, said that Hyundai “definitely” has the “potential to make a true N vehicle.”
L3 autonomous driving
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 will be Level 3 ready, but local regulations dictate its applications. Image Source: Hyundai
By the time Hyundai launches the Ioniq 6 in its key markets, Level 3 autonomous driving technology would witness a wider adoption. The Ioniq 6 could be Level 3 ready as well, according to Hyundai’s technical roadmap for its autonomous driving technologies.
The sedan could feature Hyundai’s Highway Driving Pilot 2, which is a new version of the autonomous driving system. The EV can handle all “safety-critical functions” under certain conditions, says Hyundai. However, driver intervention would be necessary for special situations as Level 3 is not fully autonomous. The Ioniq 6 should initially offer hands-free automated driving on highways, which is basic for cars with Level 2 and 2+ autonomy.
The Level 3 system uses Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), various AI systems, and onboard sensors that gather extensive data regarding the vehicle’s surroundings. LIDAR is a crucial component of autonomy. As per a report from The Korea Economic Daily, Hyundai will install LIDAR sensors on all Level 3 cars, which can be expected in the Ioniq 6.
Release date
Wadiz, a Korean crowdfunding platform, and Hyundai held a joint conference early in 2022 where the Ioniq 6 sales date was revealed. The EV will hit the Korean market by July 2022, as reported by ET News on February 2, 2022. Wadiz’ Fanz Maker project aids strategy and licensing in South Korea. Moreover, according to ET News, Hyundai will select 10 to 15 companies in March 2022 to support Ioniq 5 commercialization and product development of the Ioniq 6.
Made in Asan, South Korea
The Ioniq 6 will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Asan plant in South Korea. The state-of-the-art facility is among the largest in Korea and has served as a model for Hyundai’s overseas plants. For the Ioniq 6, the Asan plant is being upgraded. The plant also produces models like the Grandeur and Sonata.
A second plant location is being identified as well for Ioniq 6 production. Hankyung.com reported in February 2022, Ioniq 6 production will commence July 2022 onwards. The Korean report affirms a production delay of four months. The earlier start date was March, but Hyundai is taking its time to streamline processes to ensure enhanced product quality.
U.S. Production
Hyundai will unveil the Ioniq 6 in the U.S. in 2022, and it may get manufactured at the brand’s Montgomery factory in Alabama. Image Source: Hyundai
Hyundai has confirmed U.S. EV production, which may occur at the Montgomery factory in Alabama. Hyundai is predicting high demand for its electrified line-up in the U.S. so that HMG will invest USD 7.4 billion in America by 2025. Korea Herald reported in November 2021 that 2022 wouldn’t be the year when local manufacturing of Hyundai EVs begins.
Another key reason for the delay could be the lack of federal tax credits. The House Ways and Means Committee has proposed that customers buying American EVs be eligible for a USD 4,500 tax credit, taking the total federal incentive to USD 12,500. HMG wouldn’t qualify for the same, as it doesn’t employ a unionized workforce.
The Ioniq 6 isn’t the only model in the pipeline. Hyundai has pledged to offer a range of options to customers with plug-in hybrids and strong hybrids, besides EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and the new Kia Niro EV. Expect the Ioniq 6 in U.S. showrooms by early 2023.
Ioniq 6 begins testing in the U.S.
YouTuber KindelAuto posted spy pics of an advanced prototype of the Ioniq 6 being tested in the United States on August 13, 2021.
Source: KindelAuto/Youtube
Ioniq 6 Price & Subscription
There’s still some time to pass before Ioniq 6 prices are revealed. However, an educated guess would put the Ioniq 5 in the price range of the Tesla Model 3, which starts at USD 43,990 in the United States. Expect the Hyundai to be priced around the USD 45,000 mark. Moreover, Hyundai may offer the EV on a limited period subscription basis to gauge customers’ sentiment.
Hyundai Prophecy Concept
The Ioniq 6 draws design inspiration from the Prophecy concept EV. Image: Hyundai
The Ioniq 6 will borrow design cues from the Prophecy EV concept showcased in March 2020. The concept was slated to be displayed at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show, but the auto show was canceled because of the pandemic, following which Hyundai showcased the concept at the IAA 2021. The EV is built on the E-GMP, gets extended wheelbase and short overhangs.
Hyundai Prophecy Concept, Summary of Luc Donkerwolke’s comments:
- The propeller type wheel extracts the hot from the brakes, so it’s totally functional.
- The folding roof—the spolier complements the sleek shape to get the required aerodynamic properties for the EV.
- The pixels denote how digitized the company is and also contrast the fluid design.
- The styling is pure and silent because we are designing a silent EV—the styling reflects the idea.
- Viewers will notice that the interior is clean and puristic—we are inspired by a tropical wonder of Korea, the Jeju island. Its volcanic. You can see shawls in volcanic ashes—dark with the blue waves. This was the inspiration for the topographic layering of the flat floor.
- The steering wheel was susbstituted with a digital command; two joysticks inside the EV that help you command the EV with precision. They also liberate more space and give customers access to the panoramic screen behind for entertainment and feedback of the cameras.
Thanks to fewer mechanical components in the chassis and the omission of a transmission tunnel, the Ioniq 6 cabin appears roomy. Image: Hyundai
Hyundai to focus on zero-emissions vehicles
Every year Hyundai reinforces its focus on EVs. Sales are increasing steadily, and there seems to be a parallel production ramp-up. By 2035, Hyundai wants to sell only zero-emission vehicles in Europe (BEVs and FCEVs), gradually phasing out ICE and hybrid vehicles worldwide. CEO Jaehoon Chang told Automotive News that HMC (Hyundai and Genesis) expects to deliver 220,000 EVs in 2022. Further ahead, Hyundai aims to sell 1.7 million EVs by 2026. The E-GMP, however, will not be the only bespoke EV platform. A second EV platform (IMA) will be introduced in the future, to cover all passenger vehicle segments, in addition to Purpose Built Vehicles (commercial).
Hyundai Ioniq 6 FAQs
What is the expected Ioniq 6 price & competitor list?
The 6 should start at around USD 45,000 in the U.S.. The Tesla Model 3 & VW Aero B would be its rivals.
What is the expected Hyundai Ioniq 6 range?
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is expected with a range of over 300 miles (WLTP) with 80 percent charging achievable in 18 minutes.
What is the Ioniq 6 release date in the U.S.?
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is expected to reach U.S. showrooms by early 2023, following its 2022 debut.
Featured Image Source: YouTube channel 뉴욕맘모스_NYMAMMOTH
Keyword: Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Everything we know in March 2022