Parametric Pixel Design Draws Attention... Concept Car '45' Faithfully Realized
Rising Interest in V2L Feature... 23,760 Units Sold in One Day of Pre-Orders in Korea
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled the first physical model of its ambitious first dedicated electric vehicle, the 'Ioniq 5.' With a futuristic design that catches the eye, it offers ample space and practical 'V2L (Vehicle to Load)' technology, providing convenience well-suited to the car camping (chabak) trend.
Hyundai held a media unveiling event over two days, June 17-18, at the 'Ioniq 5 Square' located in its Wonhyo-ro headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. One vehicle was displayed inside the showroom and another outside, allowing attendees to thoroughly examine the interior and exterior before mass production.
The area around the Wonhyo-ro headquarters in Yongsan-gu, where the showroom was set up, is historically significant as the location of Hyundai Motor Industry (established in 1946), the predecessor of Hyundai Motor Company. Although Hyundai Motor Industry was absorbed by Hyundai Construction (now Hyundai Engineering & Construction) and disappeared, Hyundai Motor Company was reborn in 1967.
A Hyundai official explained, "The Wonhyo-ro headquarters is the starting point of Hyundai Motor. Considering the symbolism that the Ioniq 5 is the first dedicated electric vehicle model inspired by the first independently developed model, the Pony, we decided to set up the showroom here."
Distinctive Parametric Pixel Design Draws Attention
Upon entering the showroom, the Ioniq 5, which had only been seen in photos and videos until now, was revealed. The futuristic design inspired by the concept car '45' stood out, but it did not feel overwhelming as some had feared. In particular, the 'Parametric Pixel' design applied to various parts such as the headlights, taillights, wheels, and electric charging port gave a sophisticated and futuristic impression.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the first thing that caught the eye was the digital side mirrors. Unlike conventional side mirrors, the Ioniq 5's side mirrors are equipped with cameras that transmit side information to in-car monitors. Although it may take some time to adapt, Hyundai explained that this significantly reduces blind spots compared to traditional side mirrors, greatly enhancing safety.
The 'Universal Island' also drew attention. Located where the center console would be in conventional internal combustion vehicles, the Universal Island can slide backward up to 140 mm. Pushing it backward removes the obstacle between the driver and passenger seats, which could be useful when parking in tight spaces.
The comfort of the first and second-row seats was notable. The front seats, equipped with Relaxation Comfort seats for both driver and passenger, felt like sitting in a massage chair when the angle was adjusted, and the second-row seats were as comfortable as sitting on a sofa. The legroom was ample, and even a person 175 cm tall, like the reporter, experienced no significant discomfort.
Opening the hood revealed a 'frunk' (a portmanteau of front + trunk). This space, unique to electric vehicles, did not seem highly practical. The frunk of the showroom vehicle could hold about two T-shirts, one windbreaker, one pair of shoes and socks, and one three-fold umbrella.
High Space Utilization and V2L Feature Make Car Camping Easier
The most significant feature of the Ioniq 5 is the V2L function, which allows the electric vehicle’s battery power to be used externally. The Ioniq 5’s V2L provides a consumption power of 3.6 kW, higher than typical household use, making it highly useful for outdoor activities like camping. The Ioniq 5’s battery (72.6 kWh) is equivalent to 9.9 times the average daily electricity consumption per household in Seoul last year (7.3 kWh).
When seated inside the vehicle, an internal V2L port (optional) was located right in the center under the second-row seats. The external V2L port can be used via the charging port. Due to the nature of the showroom, the actual operation of the V2L function could not be confirmed, but the fact that electronic devices commonly used at home can be powered inside the vehicle without additional tools while the engine is off was appealing.
In particular, the internal V2L port seemed highly practical, especially given the absence of a center tunnel in electric vehicles. With the increased space, small devices like laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, as well as simple appliances such as coffee pots, electric rice cookers, and microwaves, could be used inside the vehicle without much inconvenience.
The interior space also appeared comfortable for car camping. With a wheelbase of 3000 mm, longer than that of the large SUV Palisade, there was enough room for a person about 175 cm tall to lie down comfortably. Even when folding the second-row seats, the height difference with the trunk area was minimal, so laying down a thin mattress would suffice for rest. However, the vehicle height of 1605 mm is not very tall, making it somewhat uncomfortable to sit upright inside. The reporter, about 90 cm tall when seated, had to slightly lower his head.
Meanwhile, the Ioniq 5 sold 23,760 units on the first day of pre-orders, breaking domestic market records, and continues to perform well overseas, with the limited pre-order of 3,000 units in the European market selling out completely.
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