Hyundai Ioniq 6: Expected Range to Rival Tesla
Competes with: Chevrolet Bolt EV, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3
Looks like: A more livable Prophecy concept
Powertrains: Single electric drive motor or dual motors with 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack; rear-wheel drive (single motor) or all-wheel drive (dual motors)
Hits dealerships: Early 2023
Hyundai’s introduction for the all-electric Ioniq sub-brand, the Ioniq 5 SUV, was geared toward young families. Now, the automaker has announced details on its second model, the four-door Ioniq 6 sedan, which it sees as better suited for young professionals. Hyundai revealed the Ioniq 6 in June and now fills in the gaps with expected performance, range and charging specs for overseas variants; U.S.-specific details will follow in November.
Related: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Revealed, Resembles Prophecy Concept
Exterior as Prophesied
The Ioniq 6 takes on many design elements from the Prophecy concept that preceded the production model: a low hood, high roof with a single curvature, and signature pixelated lighting. The EV shares the same Electric Global Modular Platform as its Ioniq 5 sibling, but it’s longer (191 inches versus 183 inches) with a shorter wheelbase (116 inches versus 118 inches). The sedan will offer 18-inch wheels standard or 20-inch wheels as an option.
Although Hyundai did not confirm details about which Ioniq will be the first to wear the performance N badge, it did say the first all-electric N model will be revealed later in the week. Currently, Hyundai offers three N models: the Elantra N, Kona N and Veloster N (the latter will not return for the 2023 model year).
Workspace on Wheels Inside
The Ioniq 6 interior aims to maximize occupant space and productivity thanks to its flat floor and thinner seat design compared with Hyundai’s gas-powered models. The flat center console can double as a work surface for a laptop, and there are four USB-C ports and one USB-A port for plugging in devices.
Like the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 6 gets a vehicle-to-load function that can charge large devices with an adapter that plugs into the outside charging port or a household outlet under the second row intended for charging laptops and other small devices.
Familiar Powertrains With More Range
The Ioniq 6 will be powered by a 77.4-kWh battery pack and a choice of single-motor rear-wheel drive or a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive. Matching the Ioniq 5’s specs, the AWD model is expected to get 320 horsepower, 446 pounds-feet of torque and have a 0-60 mph time of approximately five seconds. Although Hyundai did not provide figures for the single-motor option, it will likely mirror the Ioniq 5 with 225 hp and 285 pounds-feet of torque.
Hyundai is expecting the Ioniq 6 to be one of the most energy-efficient EVs on the market, predicting it will use 14 kilowatt-hours of energy to travel roughly 63 miles. Its battery is identical to the Ioniq 5, but Hyundai says the sedan is better optimized for efficiency and offers a more generous range: The automaker estimates the sedan will travel approximately 380 miles on a single charge with the RWD setup, besting the Ioniq 5’s 303 miles. If its EPA-rated range matches estimates, the Ioniq 6 also will surpass the Tesla Model 3 among the list of EVs with the longest range; the 2022 Model 3 gets a maximum 358-mile range. The Ioniq 6’s mass-market competitors, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, have significantly lower EPA-rated ranges.
Tech and Safety
A 12-inch touchscreen and 12-inch digital cluster are integrated into one widescreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A real-time mapping system monitors the vehicle’s state of charge and can show available charging stations along the route. The Ioniq 6 will be the first Hyundai vehicle to offer over-the-air updates for the vehicle’s controllers, self-driving features, battery information, and map and media software. Another new feature found in the Ioniq 6 is Hyundai’s EV Performance Tune-Up system. The system allows the driver to personalize the steering effort, power delivery and sensitivity of the accelerator through the vehicle’s touchscreen to create a customized driving experience.
The Ioniq 6 also is available with advanced driver assist and safety features that include the latest version of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite and Highway Driving Assist II. Together, these systems offer Level 2 semi-autonomous features including emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and hands-on lane-centering steering.
Pricing and Release Date
U.S. production is slated for January 2023, and sales are expected to start in the first quarter thereafter. Shoppers who want to experience the Ioniq 6 virtually in the meantime can do so with Hyundai’s new digital studio, which uses augmented reality to give shoppers a closer look at the vehicle and allows them to take a virtual “test drive” on a laptop or phone.
Pricing for the Ioniq 6 has not yet been announced. Currently, the standard-range 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE starts at $41,245 and the higher-range SE at $45,295 (all prices include destination fee).
More From Cars.com:
- As the Prophecy Foretold, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Will Soon Be Revealed
- Hyundai Reboots Ioniq Brand With All-New Electric SUV
- Is the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 a Good Electric Car? 5 Pros and 4 Cons
- 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review: The EV We’ve Been Waiting For
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. Kia EV6: What’s Really the Difference Between the Two?
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