Hurtling to the future: Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 is heeled by Hankook  

As its older sister, the Ioniq 5, became one of the most lauded cars of year, it was hard to see how the Ioniq 6 could steal its thunder. Ultimately, it comes down to looks so, while taste is subjective, if you love the Ioniq 6’s lines, it really does have the full package.  

Hyundai’s second-only all-electric car, this saloon offers a considerable 338 miles, placing it in the same range as the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, and not far off the Tesla Model X. The Ioniq 6 is also the second model to feature the Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This supports 800-volt battery technology for super-fast charging. How fast, you ask? It goes from 10 to 80% charge in just 18 minutes, so we’re not setting new records here, but it's not lagging behind either. It also facilitates vehicle-to-load, letting customers use 3.6kW of car battery to charge certain other electrical devices, think electric bikes or camping equipment. But this capability on the Ioniq 6 seems a little wasted: it hardly screams nature trip, now does it? 

Customers can choose how to use that power too, opting for either rear or all-wheel drive which, if it’s anything like Hyundai’s first all-wheel drive high performance N model – as driven by Jonny Smith on The Late Brake Show – could be a lot of fun. Hyundai has paired the 20-inch alloy wheels with Hankook’s Ventus S1 evo 3 ev 245/40 R20 tyres, which are specifically designed for electric vehicles. Their low rolling resistance and a lightweight, robust construction help deliver the Ioniq 6’s high range per battery charge. Made from a double-layer carcass of high-performance fibre, the Ventus tyres can support the heavier weight of an EV while the tread compound weathers the high drive torques of electric vehicles, offering outstanding grip on wet and dry surfaces.

While five years ago, the respectable, considerate fiction hero might have driven a Prius, their well-heeled 2023 counterpart would look to the new Ioniq 6 instead. And probably turn more heads while doing so. In the names of all things efficiency, and style, Hyundai has sculpted the Ioniq’s lines to delivered its lowest drag coefficient, at 0.21Cd, which sets it up for increased driving range.  

Inside, to maintain optimal vehicle performance, Hyundai have fitted an integrated EV controller screen, a hub for all driving information. This works alongside the ‘My mode’ vehicle performance tune-up. It allows drivers to customise their vehicle performance to suit their steering, power, and pedal sensitivity preferences. Personalisation is all well and good, but it also leaves us feeling like we’re got a brand-new toy and we’ve got to wade through the 100-page manual before we can play with it.  

What you can delight in straight up is the streamlined interior. Up-front, driver and passenger can enjoy relaxation and memory-foam seats. Throughout the interior, modern and sustainable materials have been fitted: from recycled ECONYL® floor carpet to a choice of either recycled PET cloth or eco-friendly leather finishings. 

The exterior paint choices – in a wide range of hues – also include recycled pigment paint from end-of-life tyres and bamboo charcoal pigment paint.  

Starting from £47,040.00, which has quite a lift from the entry prices of the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4, it might leave some considering what they’re getting that's worth the price. But for those who like the sleek lines: remember beauty comes at a cost. Only one question remains, have Hyundai priced themselves into a bracket they can’t compete with?