By Veeno Dewan
Introduced in 2023, the latest addition to Hyundai’s fully Electric Vehicle lineup is the Ioniq 6, a five- door sedan with a pure EV powertrain. The Ioniq 6 is certainly a striking looking car with its dramatic elegant sweeping double curved side profile that makes the car so distinctive. For 2024, there are few, if any changes. The range now has a Preferred Long-Range model with 20-inch wheels and that’s pretty much it.
The Ioniq 6 is as aerodynamic as they come with a super low drag coefficient of just 0.22 that helps with excellent driving range. The Ioniq 6 is the second Hyundai model to ride on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that allows for dual motors, optimized interior space, performance. The 20254Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes in a rear-wheel-drive base version with 18-inch wheels and 225 hp/ 258 lb-ft of torque from the 77-4-kWh battery pack paired with a 168-kW motor. Driving range on this model is a fantastic 581 km officially!
The AWD model has a 74-kW motor on the front axle and a 165-kW motor at the rear and delivers 509 km of driving with the 18-inch wheels. Opting for the larger 20-inch wheels drops range to 435 km, In fact, Natural Resources Canada (NRC) confirmed the Ioniq 6 now holds the national title of “Best-in-Class” when it comes to range versus power efficiency.
Pricing starts at MSRP $54,999 for the rear-drive Ioniq 6 Preferred Long Range. The Preferred Long Range AWD model comes in at $57,999. The Ultimate package at $6,700 adds 20-inch wheels and a few other extras.
The Ioniq 6 is equipped with up-to date technology and best-in-class ultra-fast 800-volt/350 kW charging that can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes. It can gain up to 322 kilometres of range in 15 minutes of charging. There is also a battery pre-heater and charge prep function. One cool feature is the two-way onboard charger that enables the car’s battery to work as a power source for external appliances.
The Ioniq 6 includes elevated levels of standard equipment such as: Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Heated front seats and steering wheel, Power trunk, Rear view camera with dynamic guidelines. There is also the super useful vehicle-to-load outlet and a V2L port capable of an 110V, 15-amp output at 1.9 kW to power external accessories. Another excellent feature is Hyundai’s BlueLink+ digital key, which allows you to unlock and start the IONIQ 6 with your smartphone. Hyundai offers its Bluelink Connected Car Services for a period of three years with Over-the-Air update capability.
Safety is also high with: Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Highway Drive Assist, full airbags complement and much more.
The Ioniq 6 cabin is as radical as the exterior design with a neat, minimalist look and feel. Multicolor adjustable ambient lighting can adjust the mood and tone in the car. Interior as standard features include Leather-wrapped steering wheel with interactive pixel lights, 12.3” LCD cluster display, Highlights include premium materials and a roomy cabin. There is a full digital dash dual-display enclosure with twin 12.3-inch screens, one for driver data and the other a multimedia touchscreen. However, there are ,physical shortcut buttons for the infotainment system and capacitive touch climate controls. Other items include Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Front, center, and dual rear multiple format USB input/charging. The front and rear seats were amazingly comfortable and there is ample legroom front and rear. Rear headroom is tad compromised by the fastback roofline, but the cabin feels light and airy. the trunk can hold 11.2 cubic feet, with a nice low and wide opening. Meanwhile the “frunk” (front trunk), is more for storing chare cables with its shallow plastic tray.
On the test drive, the Ioniq 6 is supremely smooth effortless and relaxing to drive. And made easier by the autonomous Highway drive assist system that allows for keeping a set distance from the vehicle in front, assists in lane changes. There is decent handling, and strong acceleration, while road feel, handling traction and braking are all faultless. there are multiple drive modes and an i-Pedal, for one touch driving. It simply one of the smoothest ridings and most relaxing cars to drive in the market. Not too many complaints, the window buttons should on the doors some where I think and the low rear roofline compromises headroom slightly. Otherwise, it is the most interesting looking and finest EV sedan around. Highly recommended.
2024Hyundai 6 – Priced from $54,999 – $64,249.
More info at Hyundai.ca.
