New Hyundai IONIQ 5 – The Beauty of Electric Innovation.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 – First Drive Review.

Hyundai’s new IONIQ 5 electric car is based on the 45 concept unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019, and is the first electric Hyundai model to use a dedicated electric platform which was developed exclusively by Hyundai and sister brand KIA.

Clean, Crisp Design.
The clean, crisp and minimalist design language of the IONIQ 5 mid-size SUV will feature on all electric Hyundai’s from now on, and that can only be a good thing, as the IONIQ 5 looks ultra-modern and super-stylish from every angle. All future electric Hyundai’s will bear the IONIQ name, as this has now become a sub-brand for the company’s zero-emission models.
At the front, the IONIQ 5 gets a clamshell bonnet with minimal panel gaps, which optimises aerodynamics in order to boost battery range. The eye-catching front bumper features a ‘V’ shape and incorporates the car’s daytime running lights, which consist of tiny pixel-like clusters. Additionally, the IONIQ 5 features ‘aero-optimised’ wheels in sizes up to 20-inches, which are the largest ever fitted to an electric car from Hyundai. In a similar fashion to the Tesla Model 3, the IONIQ 5 features door handles which sit flush with the surface and pop out when the car is unlocked, and this is yet another bid to optimise aerodynamic smoothness. The strong shape of the car’s C-pillars reflect back to the 45 concept, which was itself inspired by the Hyundai Pony – Hyundai’s first production model from 1975.

Amazing Space.
The ultra-spacious and airy cabin of the IONIQ 5 features what Hyundai refer to as a ‘Universal Island’ (trim dependent), which is a large moveable centre console that can slide back and forth by 140mm. This ingenious design, in combination with the flat floor, allows greater freedom of movement inside the cabin, while eco-friendly and sustainable materials in the interior trim consist of recycled bottles, plant-based and natural wool, and eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts. Boot space can be expanded from 588-litres to 1,591-litres when the second row of seats are folded down. A small lidded storage area under the bonnet can be used for transporting a sports bag or some small bags of shopping, while the charging cables for the car can be located under the boot floor for easy access. A configurable dual-screen cockpit with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12-inch customisable digital gauges add a real high-tech feel to the cabin.

Trim & Battery Options.
There are four trim levels available in the IONIQ 5 – Executive, Executive Plus, Premium and Premium Plus – with a battery size of 58kW available in all but Premium Plus trim, or a 73kW battery available from Executive Plus trim level up. All variants come with a single-motor (rear-wheel-drive), with a dual-motor (four-wheel-drive) available as an option in Premium Plus trim. Easy charge options enable the IONIQ 5 to be charged in as little as 5 hours (0-100% 58kW) from a domestic wall box charger, with the option of charging from 10-80% at a rapid public charger in just 18 minutes (73kW battery). Additionally, a 5 minute charge at a rapid public charger will give the battery an additional range of up to 111km. The IONIQ 5 is equipped with an innovative 800V battery system for some of the fastest charging times possible today, and is also compatible with 400V charging and AC charging. Featuring ‘Hyundai SmartSense’ cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, the IONIQ 5 has been equipped with the very latest safety and driving assist systems for added peace of mind. It is also the first Hyundai to feature Level 2 autonomous safety technology which controls speed and distance, and assists the driver when changing lanes.

Test Car Review.
The IONIQ 5 that I had on a 48-hour test recently was an Executive Plus model with a 73kW battery. Finished in dazzling Atlas White paintwork, the car looked breathtakingly beautiful, while its unique and distinctive front and rear lighting signature added even more excitement to the striking design. Key standard features include 19” alloy wheels, electrically-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, half-leather upholstery, dual-zone air-conditioning, LED headlights with Smart High Beam, LED rear lights, rear privacy glass, a heat pump, sliding centre console, front cup holders, electric parking brake, power-folding door mirrors, electric windows with anti-trap function, Parking Distance Warning – Reverse, Rear-View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Entry with Power On/Off button, Bluetooth™ Connectivity with Voice Recognition, Wireless Phone Charging Pad, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, eCall, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, along with many more comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features. Producing 217PS (215bhp) and 350Nm of instant torque, a 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 7.4-seconds, while adjustable regenerative braking provides the option of an extra-strong brake pedal feel, and sends power back to the battery for extended range at the same time. Ride comfort in the IONIQ 5 is superb and this is a key benefit of the car’s long wheelbase and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. This, coupled with a low centre of gravity courtesy of the floor-mounted battery packs, means that body lean is far less than you might expect from a car with soft suspension tuned for comfort. A stalk on the right hand side of the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel is where you will find the car’s drive selector and this is a very easy feature to get used to, while the on/off power button is also located within easy reach of the driver.

Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.
Featuring game-changing technology, masses of cabin and boot space, head-turning design, a relaxed driving experience, and the low running costs associated with electric car ownership, the new IONIQ 5 is definitely at the top of its game, and is absolute proof that the future of electric mobility is here. Pricing for the new IONIQ 5 starts at just €37,995 for the Executive trim with a 58kW battery, with my 73kW Executive Plus test car priced at just €44,995. All prices are ex-delivery and inclusive of VRT relief and an SEAI grant for private customers – terms and conditions apply. Hyundai’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty comes as standard, along with an 8-year/160,000km Lithium-ion Polymer battery warranty.