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[Updated] Hyundai's IONIQ 5 electric SUV moves one step closer to arriving in Australia
Hyundai’s upcoming IONIQ 5 has received Australian Design Rules compliance certification, one of the crucial steps to successful vehicle importation.
We’d lay down our hard-earned for a Lucid Blue IONIQ 5. Image: Hyundai UK
Update 13/7/2021: Speaking with Hyundai Australia representatives last week, the IONIQ 5 range is still on track for a Q3/Q4 launch in Australia. Pricing and full specifications will be launched close to that time.
We’ve extensively covered Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 crossover, and have even had some hands-on time with a pre-production prototype, as seen in the video below. Hyundai Australia has been getting clucky with showing off the car, hosting former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for a test drive last week, and demonstrating the car’s V2L capabilities at a local government conference. We now have confirmation that the retro EV has completed its Australian Design Rules (ADRs) certification, with the upcoming model visible on the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications “Road Vehicle Certification System” website.
According to the government, the RVCS, or the Road Vehicle Certification System, is the vehicle certification system used in Australia. It makes extensive use of electronic lodgement of forms using the Internet. RVCS is operated by the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch (VSS) of the abovementioned department. The RVCS system ensures that imported vehicles comply with ADRs, and manufacturers electronically submit certification data to the system.
In the first image below, the RVCS website shows that Hyundai is bringing four variants of the IONIQ 5 to Australia; however, they may not necessarily arrive all at once. There are 2 two-wheel-drive variants (columns 1 and 2), and two all-wheel-drive variants (columns 3 and 4). We expect these to be consistent with overseas specifications:
IONIQ 5 Standard Range 58 kWh:
RWD single-motor with 125kW, 350Nm
AWD dual-motor with 160kW, 605Nm
IONIQ 5 Long Range 72.6 kWh:
RWD single-motor with 173kW, 350Nm
AWD dual-motor with 225kW, 605Nm
Interestingly, it looks like both of the Long Range variants (denoted by LRG under Variant Information) will be approved to tow, showing a maximum braked towing mass of 1,600 kg, and a maximum non-braked towing mass of 750 kg.
All major dimensions are identical as we would expect, as are brake sizes and suspension data. 235/55 R19 tyres (likely the Michelin Pilot EV tyres used on other Hyundai eco models) on 7.5Jx19 wheels are standard across the range, and 255/45 R20 tyres on 8.5J x 20 are optional for the long range models.
Pricing and an exact launch window for Australia are still yet to be confirmed, but we know from our conversations with Hyundai’s product planning team that they are just champing at the bit to get this car to Australia. The IONIQ 5 is yet to show up on state vehicle certification databases; usually, a sign that launch is imminent.
European customer deliveries are expected to commence this month, with pricing from £36,995 in the UK, and 41,900 EUR in Germany. Our New Zealand friends across the pond will have to shell out $NZ79,990 to get into the IONIQ 5. All prices above exclude respective country-specific EV/plug-in grants or rebates.
Hyundai Motor Group plans $7.4 billion investment in US manufacturing by 2025
Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), which includes Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, announced its plan to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025 to produce future EVs and enhance its production facilities.
Hyundai’s new petrol-engined Tucson SUV on the production line in the Alabama factory. Image: Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), which includes Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, announced its plan to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025 to produce future EVs and enhance its production facilities.
José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Chief Operating Officer and President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America said, “I am excited to make this announcement on behalf of the Hyundai Motor Group. This investment demonstrates our deep commitment to the U.S. market, our dealers and customers. Hyundai will lead the future of mobility in the United States and around the world. Our efforts are proof positive that Hyundai will continue to pursue excellence in our current and future product line-up.”
HMG plans to bring a range of American-made electric vehicles to U.S. consumers from 2022, starting with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
HMG is also working with the U.S. government and other business partners to expand the U.S. hydrogen energy ecosystem. HMG signed an MOU with the U.S. Department of Energy in February 2020 to cooperate in hydrogen fuel cell technology innovation and global expansion. This included the installation of a hydrogen refueling station and providing NEXO SUVs.
HMG will also launch a subsidiary in Washington, D.C. to spearhead the Group’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) businesses. The subsidiary will focus on creating an UAM technology ecosystem, and follows the group’s purchase of robotics company Boston Dynamics in 2020.
This vote of confidence in the U.S. by HMG comes after President Biden announced the acceleration of government spending to increase EV uptake, including $174 billion in incentives, tax credits, and rapid chargers.
Hyundai’s Montgomery Alabama factory. Image: Hyundai
Mercedes-Benz EQA electric crossover confirmed for Australian arrival in June 2021
Mercedes-Benz is set to get a head start in Australia, beating Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, Tesla’s Model Y and BMW’s iX3 to market in 2021. The manufacturer has confirmed that the EQA 250 will open for orders from Australian customers next month, with deliveries to commence in June.
Mercedes-Benz expands EQ range in Australia - EQA 250 available from June
Mercedes-Benz is set to get a head start over its rivals in Australia, beating Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, Tesla’s Model Y and BMW’s iX3 to market this year. The manufacturer has confirmed that the EQA 250 will open for orders from Australian customers next month, with deliveries to commence in June.
Priced from $76,800 AUD for the EQA 250 and $84,100 for the EQA 250 Edition 1 (excluding on-road costs), both models feature an asynchronous electric motor at the front axle, with 140 kW (190 PS) or power and 375 Nm (276 lb ft) of torque.
Regarding the battery, Mercedes-Benz has a 420 volt lithium ion battery with five modules and 200 cells in a double decker design. It offers a net energy content of 66.5 kWh, with an energy consumption rating of 16.2kWh/100km. The EQA 250 offers 480 kilometres ADR range (426km/265miles WLTP), so expect around 400km in real world Australian conditions.
Mercedes-Benz Australia is offering a comprehensive standard equipment list on the EQA. The EQA 250 receives adjustable damping with DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, 19-inch AMG 5-twin spoke AMG alloy wheels, the twin-10.25-inch MBUX infotainment system/instrument cluster, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging, DAB+ digital radio, DISTRONIC active distance assist cruise control, and active assists including blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Sign Assist, lane keeping and automatic emergency braking.
The Edition 1 package is a limited volume option, and includes the above features plus 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels in matte copper, AMG exterior trim, Neva grey leather, backlit design trim elements in the interior, silver chrome metallic finishes, AMG pedals, illuminated door sill panels, a unique vehicle key, sports multifunction steering wheel, and most importantly, “Edition 1” floormats.
We can’t wait to see the EQA 250 land in Australia. While the EQA range is still based on Daimler’s MFA2 platform architecture—we’ll have to wait for the EQS to debut the modular MEA platform—it’s size, performance, equipment, looks and price should see it compete admirably in the popular premium compact crossover market in Australia. We covered the global launch of the EQA range extensively; for more information and pictures, read our article here
Hyundai Ioniq 5 debuts today: Watch the livestream world premiere here!
The IONIQ 5 world premiere livestream will start on 23/2/21 at 6:00PM AEST, 8:00AM CEST and on 22/2/21 at 11:00PM PT
We’ve covered Hyunidai’s IONIQ 5 rather frequently, as this new electric vehicle based on the E-GMP platform is set to be an important vehicle for the South Korean automaker.
The IONIQ 5 world premiere livestream will start on 23/2/21 at 6:00PM AEST, 8:00AM CEST and on 22/2/21 at 11:00PM PT
We’ve covered Hyunidai’s IONIQ 5 rather frequently, as this new electric vehicle based on the E-GMP platform is set to be an important vehicle for the South Korean automaker.
The IONIQ 5 is expected to feature a 450 kilometre (280 mile) WLTP rated range from a 58kW hour battery, with an option for a 73kWh battery with a 550 kilometre (340 mile) range. With two motors, the all-wheel drive setup should scoot the IONIQ 5 to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.2 seconds courtesy of 230kW (313 PS) between the wheels.
Twitter has already allegedly sprung the final exterior design on the IONIQ 5, with users @macheauto and @seb68 sharing what look to be a number of press images in the below thread:
Final prototypes have been spotted out gathering data in Australian cities over the last couple of months, and it’s expected that Australia will be an important market for Hyundai’s new IONIQ brand, as well as for its new Kona Electric which is set to launch in March 2021.
Hyundai is promising ideal weight distribution, a modular flexible interior and V2X functionality, with the ability to power computers, tools or camping equipment from build in power outlets.
We’re genuinely big fans of the IONIQ 5’s sharp design, and if the Kona Electric is anything to go by, Hyundai will continue to improve its EV offerings with the IONIQ 5 by increasing battery range, refinement, energy efficiency and luxury.
Top 5 all-new electric vehicles bound for Australia in 2021
While Australians may have to wait longer for new models than northern hemisphere countries (and longer than our New Zealand neighbours for that matter), the future of all electric passenger cars in Australia is bright. Here are some of our highlights, expected to land in 2021:
the most exciting all-electric passenger cars launching in Australia this year
Australia’s government has a topsy-turvy list of priorities when it comes to the nation’s shift to renewables and zero emissions vehicles, and while we may have to wait longer for new models than northern hemisphere countries (and longer than our New Zealand neighbours for that matter), the future of all electric passenger cars in Australia is bright. Here are some of our highlights, expected to land in 2021:
Hyundai Ioniq 5
We’re excited about the IONIQ 5 for a number of reasons. Hyundai has proven it can make competent, efficient electric vehicles, and the IONIQ family should continue this trend.
Moreover, IONIQ brings with it a unique design language dubbed ‘parametric pixel’ that is rectangular, futuristic and bold in a sea of familiar compact SUVs. Not just a pretty face, the IONIQ 5 promises an advanced 800 volt architecture, with fast charging up to 350kW, and V2X technology to power almost any device. The IONIQ 5 prototype has already been spotted in Sydney undergoing final testing, so its clear parent company Hyundai sees Australia as an important market for the new brand.
Not a whole lot is known about the IONIQ 5, but Hyundai plans to launch the car down under in 2021. Image: Hyundai Motors
2. Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s Model Y isn’t the new kid on the block anymore, but that doesn’t mean Australians won’t want it. Sporting all the same technology that underpins the Model 3—Australia’s best selling EV— the Model Y features the raised driving position and spacious cabin that makes SUVs so popular in Australia. Available overseas in rear wheel drive Standard Range Plus guise, as well as all wheel drive dual motor Long Range and Performance variants, the Model Y is expected to start from A$80,000-$90,000 for the Standard Range Plus, A$90,000-$100,000 for the Long Range and A$100,000-$110,000 for the Performance variant by the time it lands in Australia. Though there’s nothing offical from Tesla, with the Model Y production line in China now operating, we can expect Tesla’s small SUV to join the local line-up sometime in the seond half of 2021.
Tesla’s Model Y sells well overseas for good reason: it’s efficient, fast and comfortable. Image: Tesla Motors
3. BYD Han
BYD’s Han sedan is exciting for a number of reasons; firstly it’s a svelte, handsome sedan with performance and luxury to match its looks. With a 76.9kWh LFP blade battery and a range of 500+ kilometres, the Han can accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour) in 3.9 seconds. It’s got a luxurious interior too, and priced from 279,500 RMB (about AUD$55,500) in China we believe the Han could have a decent slice of the EV market share if priced at or below Tesla’s Model 3 (around AUD$70,000). Importer Nexport currently has one left hand drive Han in Australia, possibly for evaluation/compliance purposes. While no official launch timing has been revealed, Nexport’s direct-to-consumer site evdirect.com.au is planning a big announcement for Wednesday 10 February.
BYD’s Han has the potential to be a great value player in the luxury EV market. Image: BYD
4. Porsche Taycan
EV Performance, refinement and efficiency combined with Zuffenhausen’s legendary interior and exterior design? What’s not to love? Well, the eye-watering price for starters. Forget for a moment that the Taycan Turbo S Starts from $366,133; less expensive variants will eventually make their way down under. It’s significant that one of the world’s most revered sports car manufacturers should design and develop an all electric vehicle, and from overseas reports, the Taycan hasn’t lost Porsche’s handling and performance DNA. Real world range of the standard 79.3kWh battery is also greater than the official figure of 326 kilometres as we reported here. Deliveries are expected to commence in February 2021.
Australian Porsche fans can expect deliveries of the Taycan to commence in February/March 2021. Image: Porsche Cars Australia
5. BMW iX
Yes it’s another SUV on the list, but isn’t that what the market wants? Looks are subjective, but one can’t argue with the imposing face of the iX. While a big, hulking electric SUV may not be our cup of tea, it makes the list because in inner-city parts of Australia where the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE are king. Electrifying these vehicles will have a significant impact on emissions and perceptions around electric vehicles. While Mercedes-Benz’ EQS has been on the scene for over a year now, BMW’s iX rides on a new-from-the-ground-up advanced aluminium space frame/CRFP composite chassis designed specifically for EVs. BMW claims a WLTP range of “over 600 kilometres” and an engine output of “over 370kW”, and the iX should arrive in Australia before the end of 2021.
The BMW iX is big, aggressive and all electric. Image: BMW AG
Hyundai Teases First Images of IONIQ 5 EV: First Production Vehicle Based on New E-GMP Platform
The IONIQ 5 features angular design, and 20 inch aero wheels. Images: Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company has released two teaser images, and a selection of short video clips to highlight design elements and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities of its upcoming IONIQ 5 SUV, ahead of the vehicle’s worldwide reveal in February.
According to the company, a new era of clean mobility begins with the IONIQ sub-brand, as the IONIQ 5 will debut the use of the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), an architecture developed by Hyundai specifically for electric vehicle drivetrains.
The IONIQ 5 also debuts a new design language for the company, which from what we can see so far is crisp, geometric and unlike Hyundai’s mainstream models. According to Hyundai, these new design elements take inspiration from Parametric Pixels, the smallest unit of digital imaging, and are most clearly observed in the front and rear design details. To our eyes, the IONIQ 5 posesses a delightful hint of Alfa Romeo SZ in its front end (call us crazy), and is unlike anything else on the market today, with other EV manufacturers such as Tesla, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen opting for a more curved, softer design language.
The IONIQ 5’s front end features arrays of pixel-inspired lights suggestive of the digital technology within, and is capped off with a clamshell hood that spans the entire width of the car, for a clean and high-tech look.
While we don’t have a firm launch date from the company, prototypes have been seen out and about with increasing frequency. One IONIQ 5 was recently spotted fast-charging in Australia, and another was spotted in Korea with the vehicle’s widescreen display revealed.
