Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 could be capable of “over 610 km” of electric range when production begins in the third quarter of this year, thanks in no small part to what the Korean brand is calling its “most aerodynamic styling to date.”
Teased as the ‘Electrified Streamliner’ in mid-June, images of the Tesla Model 3-rivalling IONIQ 6 were then released two weeks later, its most notable feature being the uncluttered bodywork that measured 4,855 mm (just under 16 ft) long, 1,880 mm (6 ft) wide and 1,495 mm (under 5 ft) high.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The über sleek aerodynamism – the drag co-efficient is just 0.21 cd – means the IONIQ 6 not only bests the Model 3 in terms of range, but also betters the sister IONIQ 5 – with which the sedan shares the same Electric-Global Modular Platform – on range by more than 100 km.
“IONIQ 6 is the next ambitious step forward in Hyundai Motor’s strategy to accelerate its transition to electrification and into a position as a global leader in EVs,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “The IONIQ 6 Electrified Streamliner will provide a unique and distinctive experience for drivers and passengers, optimized in every way to redefine electric mobility.”
Hyundai Ioniq 6
As far as specifications go, it’s now been confirmed that the IONIQ 6 will be available with either a single or dual-motor powertrain, and, like the ‘5’, will be available with either a 53 kWh or a long-range 77.4 kWh battery pack. The latter, when mated with a dual electric motors, will send 239 kW (320 hp) and 605 Nm (446 lb ft) of torque to all four wheels in the top-of-the-range trim, enough for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.1 seconds.
Though power and torque figures for the lower-spec 53 kWh option has not been released, Hyundai does state that rear-wheel drive, single motor option – when specifically running on 18-inch wheels – boasts an impressive consumption rate of under 14 kWh per 100 km, thus making the sedan “one of the most energy-efficient vehicles in the market.” Twenty-inch wheels can also be optioned.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Multi-charging capability of the E-GMP means 10 to 80 per cent of the battery pack could be rejuvenated, at fast-charge 800-volt rate and when using a 350 kW charger, in just 18 minutes. A vehicle-to-load function means the sedan can also be used to charge electrical devices in the event of a power outage or when camping.
Alongside the impressive range, interior space has also been prioritized during development to create what the brand calls a “comfy and personalized hideaway.” Aided in large part – quite literally – by a 2,950 mm wheelbase and EV-bespoke seats sculpted to be 30 per cent smaller than Hyundai’s ICE equivalents, rear passenger leg and headroom are said to be more capacious than any other of the brand’s models (admittedly, the volume of the cargo area has not yet been announced).
Hyundai Ioniq 6
To personalize the driving experience, Hyundai has incorporated what it calls an ‘EV Performance Tune-up’ system, allowing the driver to adjust steering effort, motor power and accelerator pedal sensitivity via the infotainment and its 12-inch digital touchscreen. In a neat touch, Speed Sync Lighting is said to “add emotion to the driving experience” by changing the brightness of the interior lighting in the front row depending on the vehicle’s speed (presumably this also acts as a sub-conscious safety feature as well).
Though production has been announced, Hyundai states only that the market launch of the IONIQ 6 will be announced in due course.
