The all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6 is coming soon.
The all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6 is coming soon.
Hyundai has revealed the second model in its IONIQ EV family, the ultra-sleek IONIQ 6: it's a bit of a departure in styling for the Korean carmaker. With a likely range of more than 300 miles, prices for the Tesla Model 3 rival are expected to start around £45,000 when it enters Arnold Clark showrooms in 2023.
Building on the success of the retro-looking IONIQ 5 crossover hatchback – which itself has become something of a favourite in the all-electric car world – the new IONIQ 6 is a rakish-looking, aero-optimised saloon. In terms of size, the IONIQ 6 is 4,855mm long, 1,880mm wide and 1,495mm tall. And with a wheelbase of 2,950mm, it closely matches that of the Tesla Model 3. That also puts it in line with the wheelbase of the BMW i4 and Polestar 3.
Utilising Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP skateboard architecture – the platform which not only underpins the IONIQ 5 but also the Kia EV6 – the company has yet to confirm technical details. But expect a continuation of the 800V hardware seen elsewhere and which will be standard fitment for rapid charging at speeds of up to 350kW. Also, like the IONIQ 5, vehicle-to-load compatibility for powering external appliances will also be incorporated.
As for powerplants, and following those fitted to other cars on the same platform, it’s fair to assume the IONIQ 6 will be offered with a choice of batteries ranging from 58kWh to 77.4kWh. Models fitted with the larger battery pack should be capable of in excess of 300-miles on a single charge, especially given its ultra-sleek silhouette. The entry model is expected to be a rear-wheel drive 226bhp.
It also makes sense that the Hyundai’s new model will be available with a choice of single-motor/rear-wheel-drive or twin-motor/four-wheel-drive powertrains; again, both options are available on the IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. Expect the newcomer to include a mid-range 321bhp 4WD version, as well as a performance range-topper delivering 577bhp. That could see the IONIQ 6 ’N’ cover 0-62mph in under 3.5 seconds.
With its low-slung front end, Hyundai’s latest EV benefits from a drag coefficient of just 0.21; that means it’s one of the most aerodynamically efficient production cars available. According to the Korean carmaker, that makes the IONIQ 6 single-curve silhouette a ‘streamliner’ rather than a conventional saloon.
Hyundai is yet to confirm UK prices, but factoring in those for the IONIQ 5 and the cars the ‘6’ will compete against, it’s fair to guesstimate prices starting around £45,000.
