[Test Drive] Hyundai's Ambitious Model 'Ioniq 5' to Rival Tesla

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] 'Hyundai Motor's first dedicated electric vehicle,' 'an innovative model that will change the global electric vehicle market landscape,' 'a strong contender to rival Tesla.'

Even before its official launch, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has attracted significant market attention with various accolades. I finally had the chance to drive it.

Ioniq 5 Front View

On the 21st, Hyundai Motor held a media test drive event for the Ioniq 5 at Starfield in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province. We drove the Ioniq 5 from Starfield Hanam to a campsite in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, and back.

When unveiling the Ioniq 5 recently, Hyundai stated, "Through the Ioniq 5, we will establish ourselves as a top-tier brand leading the global electric vehicle market."

Driving the Ioniq 5 made it clear that Hyundai's declaration was no empty promise.

Ioniq 5 side view

Preserving the Quietness and Excellent Acceleration Characteristics of an Electric Vehicle

My first encounter with the Ioniq 5 was pure silence. When I first got in and started the car, only the display on the instrument panel signaled that the car was ready to go, emphasizing how quiet it was.

It felt less like starting a car and more like turning on an electronic device. The same was true when pressing the accelerator. The noise while driving was minimal. Only the sound of the wind outside the vehicle broke the silence.

Ioniq 5 Interior

The acceleration from the start was also excellent. The electric vehicle characteristic of delivering maximum torque immediately upon departure was deeply felt.

It felt like riding a roller coaster as my body tilted backward. Without gears, the speed increase from low to high was smooth and consistent. The phrase "it goes as you press" perfectly described this experience.

"Ah, the era of internal combustion engines is truly over," I thought automatically.

Various advanced driver assistance systems also worked well. On the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway, advanced systems such as Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) and Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) reduced driving fatigue.

Ioniq 5 driver's seat

Pixel-Inspired Exterior Design, Maximized Interior Space

The exterior design was also impressive. The Ioniq 5 features 'Parametric Pixels,' a design inspired by pixels, the smallest units that make up an image. Parametric Pixels are applied to the headlights, taillights, wheels, and even the electric charging port.

Seeing it in person felt like the image of a future car had been realized in reality.

The side profile reminded me of the Pony. The Pony, first unveiled in 1974, marked the beginning of the Korean automotive industry and is a masterpiece of Hyundai Motor. The design was borrowed to evoke a feeling somewhere between the past and the future, symbolizing that the Ioniq 5 is leading a new era of electric vehicles.

The side mirrors have disappeared, replaced by cameras and displays.

The side mirrors were completely removed and replaced with advanced cameras. A display attached to the left side of the steering wheel took over the role of the side mirrors. The auto flush outside door handles, which automatically extend and retract, were also a notable feature. The removal of side mirrors and door handles reduces air resistance, improving fuel efficiency and speed.

The interior was more spacious than expected. Especially, the openness between the driver and passenger seats was outstanding. This was because Hyundai Motor Group's dedicated electric vehicle platform, E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), was applied for the first time to maximize interior space.

The second-row seats can be folded to maximize storage space, making it suitable for camping and other leisure activities.

Compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, fewer parts are needed, allowing for a longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear tires) and more usable space. Thanks to this, the center console installed between the driver and passenger seats became wide enough to fit a laptop.

The cargo space was also excellent. The second-row seats could be moved to maximize trunk size, and folding the seats made it convenient for camping or carrying additional luggage. The front trunk, created in the space where the engine used to be, was a hidden storage area.

Charging with a dedicated charger

Charging was convenient using dedicated charging stations. On the way back from Namyangju to Hanam, I experienced ultra-fast charging at Hyundai EV Station, an electric vehicle-only charging station located in Gangdong-gu. Charging was completed within 5 to 10 minutes, and the price was only around 3,000 KRW. This is incomparable to fuel costs. Equipped with a 400V/800V multi-fast charging system, it supports ultra-fast charging infrastructure as well as standard 400V chargers.