We recently took a test drive of this electric SUV to know more about it in depth. In which we took an in-depth look at the range, features and performance of this electric SUV. Here we are sharing with you the first drive review of Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric SUV.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: Synergy of retro and modern design
The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s design inspiration has been taken from the company’s retro car, the Hyundai Pony. The Hyundai Pony was a popular car in Europe in the 1970s–80s. However, instead of copying the design exactly, Hyundai has retained the distinct identity of both the cars. So this car gives a glimpse of both a retro and a modern car in terms of design.
The Ionic 5 was first introduced in 2019 at the Frankfurt Automobile Show in Germany. Its design was liked by the audience. However, due to the Corona epidemic, the company was delayed by two years in launching it.
Starting with its front, the company has given very unique parametric pixel LED headlights in front. These headlights are made up of 265 individual pixels. At the same time, a square-shaped LED DRL has also been given around the headlight, which also acts as a turn indicator. From the front, this SUV is quite aerodynamic and simple looking. The bumper also gets a cooling flap that opens and closes automatically to keep the powertrain cool.
Minimal styling has also been done in the side profile of Hyundai Ioniq 5. It gets large 20-inch alloy wheels with parametric pixel design. Stylish wheelarches have been given in it to increase the styling quotient of this EV. The doors of the SUV get flush out door handles. Lining has also been given on both sides of the SUV which goes from front to rear.
At the rear, the integrated spoiler further enhances the aero profile of the Ioniq 6. The SUV gets square parametric LED taillights which when lit give it a very different look from the rear. The Ioniq nameplate is placed above the taillights.
The cabin of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is quite spacious and recycled materials have been used in it. Recycled paper, sugarcane, plastic, flaxseed oil have been used in this. The Ioniq 5 gets a minimalist cabin design with a dark pebble gray themed dashboard. There are two 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard for instrumentation and infotainment setup.
The interiors get a premium 8-speaker sound system from Bose along with the infotainment display that comes with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Ioniq 5 also supports onboard navigation and over-the-air updates for the infotainment.
The infotainment system also gets over 60 connected car features and Hyundai BlueLink setup. These include Home 2 Car which allows users to command Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa to control features like remote door lock/unlock, remote climate control etc.
This SUV comes in a 5-seater configuration. All its seats have been given the facility of memory function and reclining. If you want to relax, the front seats are ventilated and heated and have leg rests for added support. The lounge-like nature of the Ioniq 5’s interior is further enhanced by the sliding center console that allows a walkthrough cabin and the large panoramic glass roof. Other features on the Ioniq 5 include dual-zone climate control with auto defogger, rain-sensing wipers and a wireless phone charger.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is offered with top-notch safety kit. This includes 6 airbags (driver and passenger, side and curtain), all-wheel disc brakes, multi-collision avoidance braking, a virtual engine sound system and an electronic parking brake. Hyundai has also provided a number of driver aids in the Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 includes 21 Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Lane Keeping Assist, Bling Spot Collision Warning, Radar-Guided Cruise Control and High Beam Assist.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: Range, Battery and Performance
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 draws power from a 72.6kwh battery pack that claims to offer a range of 631km on a single charge as per ARAI testing.
The battery pack is connected to an electric motor which provides power to the rear wheels. This electric motor produces 214.5 Bhp of power and 350 Nm of peak torque. The SUV can do 0-100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 185 km/h.
Talking about charging speed, the charging speed of Ioniq 5 is also very fast. The Ioniq 5 charges its battery pack from 10-80% in just 18 minutes if you charge it with a 350kW DC fast charger. At the same time, it takes 57 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% with a 50kW DC charger. It takes 6 hours 55 minutes to charge up to 100% with an 11kW AC charger.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 measures 4,635mm in length, 1,890mm in width and 1,625mm in height. The wheelbase of the Ioniq 5 is 3,000mm long and it gets 160mm of ground clearance. The boot space of the Ioniq 5 stands at 527 liters while the smaller front boot under the bonnet adds to 52 liters of storage space.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: driving impressions
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 responds to the throttle like every other EV in the market, irrespective of the mode you are in (Eco, Normal, Sport). Hyundai claims that it can do 0-100km/h from standstill in 7.6 seconds.
The suspension setup of the Ioniq 5 has been made stiff considering its massive weight of 1.9 tonnes. However, despite the stiff setup and 45-section tyres, the Ioniq 5 navigates minor potholes with ease. The car is well balanced for its weight and size. It gets better weight distribution which improves its handling.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: conclusion
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 might be the best premium EV currently on sale in India. If you ignore the heavy steering and the lack of a rear wiper, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the best electric SUVs in its segment. Priced at Rs 45.95 lakh (ex-showroom), it is the best premium electric SUV in its class.
