The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6: A streamlined look equals critical vary

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif.—The previous couple of years have seen a flurry of recent electrical autos go into manufacturing. But you would be forgiven for pondering that a few of them are just a little samey as automaker after automaker releases yet one more electrical crossover. This is sensible—customers largely need crossovers, as they mix hatchback practicality and a extra elevated driving place. But the sedan is not fairly useless but, and now there’s one other electrical one in your consideration: the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

The Ioniq 6 is the most recent in a collection of recent EVs to make use of Hyundai Motor Group’s new E-GMP structure. Designed from scratch, E-GMP lets Hyundai (and Kia and Genesis) construct medium- and bigger EVs with rear- or all-wheel drive powertrains. E-GMP battery packs function at 800 V, which gives a number of advantages. The greater voltage means a decrease present, which interprets to thinner wiring, which reduces total mass. And it is able to very fast DC charging—simply 18 minutes to get from 10 to 80 p.c when plugged right into a 350 kW quick charger.

None of that might be information for those who’ve learn our critiques on different E-GMP EVs just like the Genesis GV60, Kia EV6, or the Hyundai Ioniq 5. All three are fairly good EVs, so expectations have been excessive for the Ioniq 6.

As six follows 5, it is perhaps logical to count on that the Ioniq 6 is a bigger, dearer EV than the Ioniq 5. But that is not the case—at $41,600, the Ioniq 6 begins at simply $150 greater than the boxy, angular Ioniq 5 crossover.

“We need our vehicles to at all times join with clients on an emotional degree,” stated SangYup Lee, government vice chairman and head of Hyundai Design Center. “Depending on the proprietor’s life-style, the way in which of utilizing a automobile might be completely different, leading to a distinct look—very similar to chess items on a board, each with a definite look and performance however a part of the identical household. Hyundai designs with numerous existence in thoughts fairly than with a one-style-fits-all strategy.”

Size-wise, the Ioniq 6 is noticeably longer than the Ioniq 5 at 191.1 inches (4,854 mm) however barely narrower at 74 inches (1,880 mm) and far shorter at simply 58.9 inches (1,496 mm) excessive. However, the Ioniq 6 makes use of a two-inch shorter wheelbase at 116.1 inches (2,949 mm). If you need to maximize your inside house, the Ioniq 5 might be the Ioniq you need.

Instead, the Ioniq 6 is geared toward a purchaser on the lookout for one thing just a little extra elegant and who values fashion at the least as a lot as practicality. It does not have fairly as beautiful a form as 2020’s Prophecy idea; the journey to manufacturing toned down a few of Prophecy’s wilder particulars, and the silhouette gained some peak due to the slab of actual batteries between its axles. It has additionally proved to be a remarkably arduous automobile to {photograph} properly, at the least so far as I’m involved—it undoubtedly works higher in particular person than on a display screen.

The detailing could also be toned down, nevertheless it nonetheless accommodates loads of fascinating touches. Hyundai’s design group calls its lighting philosophy “parametric pixels,” which characteristic each within the orange daylight operating lights on the entrance and the full-width tail lights on the again. I significantly adore the panel built-in into the rear spoiler, which homes the third brake gentle. But then I’m a sucker for all issues polychromatic, and no matter coating or polymer Hyundai used right here will get fairly rainbow-y up shut in brilliant daylight.

The form stays extremely aero-efficient. The drag coefficient is simply 0.21, in comparison with the Ioniq 5’s 0.29. It combines with the smaller frontal space to make this an EV that slips via the air with appreciable ease.