But first, it needs to formally be launched.
It's been several months since the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 was on our radar. Riding on the same E-GMP platform as the outstanding Ioniq 5 crossover, the Ioniq 6 will sport four-door coupe styling with one key target in mind: the Tesla Model 3, currently the world's best-selling EV.
Our spy photographers have just caught what appears to be a relatively advanced concept undertaking winter testing in Northern Scandinavia. The gorgeous Prophecy concept, unveiled almost two years ago, serves as its design inspiration. The upcoming production-spec model, however, does not appear to be quite as sleek as the concept but we'll reserve final judgment until the official debut. What's evidently clear is the removal of the concept's suicide doors though that should hardly come as a surprise.
We previously reported that designers have included flush door handles and, based on these latest images, the retention of the concept's rear wing that's shown here is covered by a black fabric sheet. What we don't know is whether it'll contain a third brake light. Expect both single- and dual-motor setups. The most powerful version is expected to boast over 300 horsepower.
Because it shares its platform and guts with the Ioniq 5, a 77.45-kWh battery pack will likely be optional while a 56-kWh battery is standard. In the Long Range RWD setup, with the more powerful battery, the Ioniq 5 received an EPA-certified range of 310 miles. The Long Range AWD is rated at a respectable 274 miles.
Another key feature we expect to migrate over from the Ioniq 5 to the 6 is the extremely useful V2L function that allows owners to charge a variety of electric devices, including laptops and scooters. The 800-volt architecture can accommodate 400-v charging without having to use adapters. In the case of the Ioniq 5, it can achieve up to an 80 percent charge in only 18 minutes. Only five minutes are required to get up to 68 miles of range using the same fast charger. A full charge via Level 2 charging requires 6 hours and 43 minutes.
Again, these figures are for the Ioniq 5, but we expect that the Ioniq 6 will boast fairly similar numbers. It's still too early to know pricing but it'll definitely be competitive to the Model 3's current $45,000 starting point. A springtime reveal should take place before sales get underway for the 2023 model year.
Keyword: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Set To Become Tesla Model 3's Worst Nightmare