[Taboleo] Sleek, Spacious, Long-lasting... Test Driving the Hyundai Ioniq 6

Test Driving the Sedan EV 'Ioniq 6'
Latecomer Hyundai's Determination to Lead the EV Market
Pre-Orders Hit 50,000, Matching Market Predictions
Meticulously Tuned Suspension Delivers Smooth Ride
Max Output 325 HP... Best in Mid-Size Class

Hyundai Ioniq 6

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] When asked "What car will you buy?" there may be many considerations, but if asked "What electric vehicle will you buy?" the criteria can be narrowed down to a few key factors. Fast charging and long range on a single charge inevitably play a major role in electric vehicle purchases at this point.

Although charging infrastructure has increased compared to the past, complaints about insufficient infrastructure or poor management always follow electric vehicle users. The battery, as the core component of an electric vehicle, directly affects not only the vehicle's performance but also convenience, which users experience most directly. Electric vehicle purchase subsidies, which vary by region and timing, also have a considerable impact.

The fact that potential consumers line up to buy Hyundai Motor Company's first dedicated sedan-type electric vehicle, the Ioniq 6, is believed to be because it hits the market demands such as charging technology, driving range, and subsidies. Ioniq was a latecomer in internal combustion engines compared to German, American, and Japanese manufacturers, but in the newly established electric vehicle market, it is a lineup strongly imbued with the will of the company's management and R&D teams to become a leader ahead of others.

Since the previously released Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Ioniq 5 received favorable reviews from domestic and international experts and markets alike, interest in the succeeding Ioniq 6 was naturally exceptional. The pre-order volume of 50,000 units attests to this. I test drove the Ioniq 6 Long Range model, fully equipped with all options in the most expensive Prestige trim.

① How is the driving performance?

△During about 2 hours and 30 minutes of driving, the most impressive part was passing speed bumps or irregular road surfaces. It basically offers a smooth driving sensation while seeming to absorb shocks well on uneven roads. Since the body roll is not large and it quickly regains its posture, there is almost no stress even on rough roads. It leaves an impression of a comfortable yet firm, somewhat unusual harmony. The battery is placed under the chassis, and although the vehicle weighs over 2,000 kg, it feels like a lot of effort was put into the suspension setup.

As expected from an electric vehicle, the acceleration from a standstill is quite exhilarating. It is said to take 5.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a stop, but it feels even faster. The driving modes are divided into Eco, Normal, and Sport. Depending on the mode, differences include whether the front and rear motors operate simultaneously, the steering wheel's handling feel, and the artificially adjustable sound level. Even after increasing speed to some extent, there is almost no feeling of lacking power. The rated maximum output is 239 kW, 325 horsepower, which is uncommon for a typical mid-size sedan. For reference, the Grandeur, considered one class higher, has about 290 horsepower (3.3 model).

② The exterior looks both familiar and unfamiliar. Does it look good in person?

△The overall body proportions are quite different from the commonly seen sedans. It is elongated front to back, low in height, and wide in width. The wheelbase, that is, the distance between the front and rear wheels, is quite long. Although the overall length is about 5 cm shorter than the Sonata, the wheelbase is more than 10 cm longer. This provides more interior space.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

The exterior design is functional. Hyundai described the design of this new car as an "Electrified Streamliner." This means a streamlined design that minimizes air resistance. Overall, it gives a rounded impression, which means it efficiently channels the air encountered while driving. A rear spoiler that could fit a high-performance N-line is installed, and the air flap below the front grille automatically opens when powered on.

There are aerodynamic features such as wheel air curtains on both sides of the front bumper and wheel gap reducers near the front wheels, which enhance aerodynamic performance, and they are not bad from a design perspective either. The car's drag coefficient is 0.21, the lowest among all Hyundai vehicles. This drag coefficient ranks among the top even when including high-end electric vehicles from brands like Mercedes and Porsche.

Long wheelbase increases interior space
Streamlined design achieves top aerodynamic coefficient
Long Range 18-inch model range 524 km
Expected 610 km under European WLTP standard

Hyundai Ioniq 6

③ Many say the interior is cramped.

△When sitting in the rear seat, knee space is more generous compared to other models in the same class. The seats are about 30% thinner, being dedicated electric vehicle seats. However, headroom is somewhat tight. This is because the rear was tapered to achieve a streamlined exterior design, and the backrest does not recline, which may divide opinions among potential consumers. For adults of average height or children, this is not a significant issue.

④ Will people quickly adapt to the front window switch location and column-type gear?

△The window switches are located in the center between the driver and passenger seats. There are no buttons inside the front door panels. Considering that most recent cars densely pack various options such as window, seat, and side mirror adjustments, this feels quite sparse. However, adaptation is quick. The gear lever, like in the Ioniq 5, is located behind the steering wheel on the right side, which is somewhat different from commonly seen cars. The column-type gear is a method often used by many brands including Mercedes, and some drivers prefer it for automatic transmission vehicles. Once accustomed, it is said to be more convenient.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Interior

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Rear Seat

⑤ Is the driving range over 500 km really true?

△It depends on driving habits and surrounding traffic conditions, but it is generally common to achieve better than the official range. Our authorities are known to have stricter conditions compared to foreign countries. The Long Range 18-inch rear-wheel-drive model has a range of 524 km (urban 563 km, highway 477 km), and the company expects about 610 km if measured by the WLTP standard commonly used in Europe. The Long Range 20-inch model tested this time has a range of 420 km (combined standard, urban 448 km, highway 385 km). The official efficiency is 4.8 km per kWh. Although the test drive was short, under quite harsh conditions driving about 100 km, the displayed efficiency was about 5.6 km per kWh, which is better than official figures.