The Hyundai Ioniq 6 follows pretty much directly from the Ioniq 5, using the same tech underneath but with a sleeker saloon shape and slightly sharper handling than its hatchback sibling, writes Jeremy Webb.
Some may not like the bold looks, but the comfortable interior, charging speeds and excellent in-car tech mean it competes with the best electric cars.
The Ioniq 6 uses the same Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that underpins the Ioniq 5 and other models, such as the Genesis GV60, Kia EV6 and EV9. A benefit is an 800V charging system that charges the Ioniq 6 at up to 220kW, providing 10 to 80 per cent top-up from a suitable rapid charger that takes just 18 minutes.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a 77.4kWh battery, providing a range of up to 338 miles, depending on the model. You can choose rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) with RWD using a single 225bhp electric motor, and the AWD gives 321bhp but a reduced maximum range.
Premium and Ultimate are the two trim levels available; all are well-kitted. Standard comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, two 12.3-inch displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You get LED headlights, tail lights, heated front and rear seats, and safety features. Higher-spec cars get digital side mirrors, a Bose sound system and leather upholstery.
Competition comes from many brands that produce electric saloons. BMW has the i4, Polestar has their Polestar 2, and fairly new brand BYD has the Seal.
The Ioniq 6 has a high driving position; considering it looks like a low car, you do not have to step up into it. You get a good view of the road ahead and all around. The Driver's display and infotainment system are close to hand and comprehensive. The display changes colour according to the driving mode you are in.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6's body does roll in corners, but it never feels unstable, although you won't want to enter corners as hard as you may want to. Driving on faster roads and motorways is quiet and smooth, although you feel a rumble on the larger bumps when travelling on B roads. All seats are comfortable and soak up any of the many potholes, sadly, on our road system. The steering is light, the cameras and parking sensors mean the car is easy enough to manoeuvre around town, and there's undoubtedly enough performance to impress just about anyone.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a sizeable 77.4kWh battery and boasts impressive rapid-charging capabilities. The vehicle's maximum driving range varies depending on whether you go for rear- or all-wheel drive. Opting for the RWD version has an official range of 338 miles, with AWD covering up to 322 miles. It isn't the most extensive range in the Saloon category, but the model has an 800V charging tech that allows it to charge up to 220kW. Suppose you plug the Hyundai Ioniq 6 into a 350kW ultra-rapid charger; you will get a 10 to 80 per cent top-up that can take as little as 18 minutes. Recharging the vehicle's 77.4kWh battery will take just over seven hours on an 11kW wall box or 11 hours if you use a more typical 7kW home charger.
As mentioned, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes in two trim levels: Premium and Ultimate; models come with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lights all around, heated front and rear seats, two-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a powered tailgate, heat pump, two 12.3-inch displays and smartphone connectivity. Even metallic paint comes as standard. Upgrading to Ultimate trim gets you ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a 360-degree parking camera, a Bose sound system and a sunroof. Ultimate-spec models get digital side mirrors, replacing the regular door mirrors with cameras. The camera feed is displayed on two screens on either side of the dash.
The infotainment system is user-friendly and crammed with the latest features. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, which you can configure to show as much or as little information as required. The menu layouts are logical, with decent-sized touchscreen buttons or a voice control system. Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto are configured, and all models have wireless phone charging and over-the-air updates. The built-in sat-nav system is sound and can direct you to nearby charging stations.
You get plenty of storage space underneath the centre console, two cup holders and a cubby underneath the armrest. The controls for the windows are on the centre console, and there is a wireless phone charging pad. Instead of a conventional glovebox, the Ioniq 6 features a slide-out drawer like an abyss. Rear passengers have cup holders, air vents, and USB ports to keep their devices topped up.
The styling of the Ioniq 6 means the back seat room for adults is less than in the Ioniq 5 hatchback. The roof slopes low over the seats, and you will find your head touching it if you are tall. There is plenty of legroom, and children will be comfortable in the back; every model has heated rear seats. The tallest adults may also find that the low roofline affects them upfront.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6's 401-litre boot is comparable to the Polestar 2, and 45 litres of storage in the 'frunk' front trunk under the bonnet is useful. The 60:40-split back seats in the Ioniq 6 can be folded but can only be operated by levers in the boot, not from the cabin.
All Ioniq 6 have Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Drive Assist (autonomous cruise control) and Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance. A 360-degree parking camera is the only item reserved for higher-spec models.
Fact box
Starting price: £47,000. Hyundai has flexible servicing plans designed to meet owners' requirements. You can get a quote on the brand's website, with the price based on the model, your expected mileage and what period you'd like the plan to cover. You can spread the cost with interest-free monthly instalments or pay in one lump sum.
Warranty: A five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty covers every Hyundai. It's one of the best packages, beaten only by Kia and MG's seven-year factory warranty. Hyundai's coverage includes twelve months of roadside assistance and the vehicle's free annual health checks (visual inspections). A separate eight-year, 125,000-mile guarantee covers the Ioniq 6's battery.
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