Kia reveals EV6 electric crossover ahead of late March 2021 launch
Kia has pulled the covers off its new E-GMP based EV6 overnight, and it’s a sharp looking thing. Part crossover and part sedan, the EV6 share’s the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Polestar 2’s high-riding design, and points to a new design direction for the company’s battery electric vehicles.
Kia has pulled the covers off its new E-GMP based EV6 overnight, and it’s a sharp looking thing. Part crossover and part sedan, the EV6 share’s the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Polestar 2’s high-riding design, and points to a new design direction for the company’s battery electric vehicles.
According to Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia’s Global Design Center, “EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV market. With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes, while providing a unique space as a futuristic EV.”
Kia’s new logo graphic works very well on the EV6, looking contemporary, upscale and progressive all at the same time. It’s nice to see a company moving away from the trend of ginormous front grilles, especially when it’s a case of form over function with electric vehicles. The front headlights have a hint of Audi design to them, while the generously sized up-swept rear taillights remind us of Aston Martin’s DBX.
The interior of the EV6 shares some similarities with the IONIQ 5 in basic architecture and the two-screen setup, but the design and control surfaces are a little more conventional. We expect Kia to release more information on features and functionality at the global launch. At this stage, we have only been advised by Kia that the launch will take place in “March 2021”.
Hyundai's IONIQ 5 electric SUV revealed; two battery sizes, V2L and 350 kW charging
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been revealed to the world via an online livestream, and it looks sharp. Quite literally, because Hyundai's new 'Parametric Pixel' design language is all about creases and angles. Set to compete against the just-released Volkswagen ID.4, upcoming Volvo XC40 P8 AWD Recharge, and potentially Tesla's Model Y, the IONIQ 5 combines Hyundai’s electric vehicle know-how, with a rethink about how a vehicle can be used.
Hyundai rethinks the electric SUV with fresh faced IONIQ 5
Four available variants; Long Range 72.6 kWh battery with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, Standard Range 58 kWh battery with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive
Maximum claimed range (WLTP) of 470-480 kilometres (292-298 miles) for Long Range rear-wheel-drive variant
Long Range AWD variant develops 225 kW/605 Nm (305 PS/446 ft-lb); 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 5.2 seconds
400-800V system architecture allows for 220kW charging; claimed 100 km of range (WLTP) added in 5 minutes of charge
Vehicle-To-Load output with 3.6kW to power personal devices
IONIQ 5 Project 45 launch edition available to preorder in Europe now from GBP£45,000, €59,550 in Germany (AUD$91,534)
The IONIQ 5 rides on the new E-GMP platform. Images: Hyundai Worldwide
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been revealed to the world via an online livestream, and it looks sharp. Quite literally, because Hyundai's new 'Parametric Pixel' design language is all about creases and angles.
Set to compete against the just-released Volkswagen ID.4, upcoming Volvo XC40 P8 AWD Recharge, and potentially Tesla's Model Y, the IONIQ 5 combines Hyundai’s electric vehicle know-how, with a rethink about how a vehicle can be used.
IONIQ 5 Drivetrain and Battery
Hyundai essentially offers four variants of the IONIQ 5:
Long Range - 72.6 kWh battery
AWD dual-motor version with 225kW (305 PS), 605Nm (446 ft-lb), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.2 seconds
RWD single-motor version with 160kW (217 PS), 350Nm (258 ft-lb), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 seconds
Standard Range - 58 kWh battery
AWD dual-motor version with 173kW (235 PS), 605Nm (446 ft-lb), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.1 seconds
RWD single-motor version with 125kW (170 PS), 350Nm (258 ft-lb), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.5 seconds
Fast charing up to 220 kW is available
Based upon Hyundai’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the IONIQ 5 aims to rethink how electric vehicles are used, and change preconceptions about charging. Hyundai has only quoted the WLTP rated range for the RWD Long Range variant so far, at 470-480km (292-298 miles). Based on the impressive efficiency of the Kona Electric, we’d say that it may be possible to get close to that, with some careful driving.
The new E-GMP platform is lauded by the company for it’s modular, efficient design as well as its 400/880-V charging infrastructures as standard. With a maximum charge rate of 220kW, Hyundai claims the IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.
Hyundai is also promoting the IONIQ 5’s Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) function, which allows customers to freely use or charge any electric devices, such as electric bicycles, scooters, computers or camping equipment via 3.6 kW outlets. V2L ports are located under the second-row seats and at the charging port on the vehicle exterior.
IONIQ 5 Exterior Design
The design of the IONIQ 5 is captivating, and has seemingly won universal praise from the majority of the media and customer base. What could be considered a fussy design feels restrained, partly because the creases and angles project the impression of a taut skin stretched over the vehicle frame.
The Parametric Pixel design language is delightfully retro yet modern simultaneously; the squared-off, chiseled front end reminds us of Alfa’s famous SZ coupe, but the LED lights and active aero flaps are definitely 21st century.
The IONIQ 5 features razor sharp lines.
A retro yet futuristic appearance.
The sharp ‘Z’ crease through the side somehow works, and is nicely integrated into the rear highlight lines. In fact, the squared-off rear reminds us of another Italian - the Lancia Delta HF Integrale. With a three metre wheelbase and an overall length of 4.64 metres, this is not a small car, yet its heft is disguised and it looks more like a Euro sports hatch than a Korean SUV. At 1.6 metres tall, it’s actually higher than the Polestar 2, however it looks less ungainly.
IONIQ 5 Interior Features
It’s on the inside of the IONIQ 5 where the E-GMP platform really shines. That three metre wheelbase? Well it’s 100mm longer than Hyundai’s giant Palisade wheelbase for starters, and with the flat interior floor, Hyundai’s designers are dubbing this a ‘living space’.
Dual screens and a modular interior.
Plenty of space thanks to the E-GMP platform’s 3 metre wheelbase.
There’s a universal middle island to allow passengers to enter from either side, eco-friendly yarns and plastics, a large glass roof (with optional solar panels), and wireless chargers and USB ports all round. The front seats recline to almost flat for even greater comfort, while rear headroom and legroom looks to be far beyond that expected from the compact SUV class.
The rear boot holds 531 litres, and unlike the Kona Electric, Hyundai has been able to squeeze in a front boot with a 57 litre capacity.
IONIQ 5 Vehicle Technology
Naturally, the IONIQ 5 will be well connected and tech-laden. Sporting twin 12-inch screens as well as an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD), The IONIQ 5 can project navigation and other information ahead of the driver. Cloud-based Connected Routing ensures accurate navigation including live traffic forecasting, accurate re-calculation of routes and the availability of charging stations.
A spacious rear compartment, and 3.6 kW available to power devices.
We don’t know what’s going on here, but be sure to tick the scrapbooking option on Hyundai’s new IONIQ 5.
Hyundai’s Dynamic Voice Recognition system accepts simple voice commands to conveniently control cabin A/C, radio, tailgate hatch opening/closing, and can also assist with various points of interest (POI) and weather status updates.
Naturally, there’s a smartphone app that allows for remote starting of the vehicle, scheduling charging times and pre-heating the cabin.
There’s a full suite of active and passive safety systems, from a 360 degree surround view camera, to Driver Attention Warning (DAW) which displays the driver’s attention level and provides a warning when signs of driver inattentiveness are detected. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) makes highway driving more convenient by utilising the front view camera, radar sensors and navigation data to control the vehicle’s speed and following distance, while keeping the vehicle centred in its lane.
The IONIQ 5 is open for pre-orders in Europe now, with deliveries expected in summer 2021. The IONIQ 5 is expected to launch in Australia in the third quarter of 2021. According to the press release, Hyundai will further expand its BEV lineup with IONIQ 6, an electric sedan, and the IONIQ 7 large electric SUV.
We’ve already expressed our excitement about getting our hands on the IONIQ 5; the vehicle topped our list for the most anticipated electric vehicles this year. Hyundai appears to have knocked it out of the park when it comes to the exterior and interior design, and if it builds on the Kona Electric’s efficiency, refinement and practicality, it should be a big seller for Hyundai. The only sticking point may be price; at £45,000 in the UK and €59,550 in Germany for the Project 45 launch edition, that equates to around AUD$91,534. While this is obviously for the top-spec variant, we’d like to see the base IONIQ 5 start closer to €30,000 in Europe or around $45,000 in Australia to be truly game changing.
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.
