Inside the Hyundai IONIQ 5, it’s an air of space and relaxation—the sort of feeling one experiences upon entering a spa. No. Not that one in Belgium. The music plays a huge role in this as it fills the otherwise astonishingly quiet cabin with a selection of subtle yet soothing sounds, which include Lively Forest, Sailing Ship, Rainy Day, City at Dawn, and even Outer Space Communication. The innovations in here are mind-boggling. The start-stop button is the only real familiar element. Push it and theatrical ambient sounds enliven the senses. The twin 12.3-inch displays come alive as one seamless beam. The drive selector is a circular flick knob. Behind it is a magnetic dashboard—and I mean that literally. The door-pockets are huge. The centre arm-rest is part of a sliding unit and holds a wireless charger for smartphones. There is an open storage for larger items.
The floor is flat and evenly spacious. The boot has a generous 527 litres with an additional 57-litre “frunk”. Plus, there is the V2L (vehicle-to-load) tech that supplies up to 3.6 kW for powering anything from appliances to instruments or even juicing up another EV. There is an abundance of unique elements with some truly outstanding quality of materials used.
Rs 44.95 lakh—that’s the ex-showroom price for early bird buyers of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 . Although 650 bookings have already been addressed, expect something around Rs 46-47 lakh if you ask as you read this… At that price, the space, comfort, quality of finish, and overall attention to detail exceed that of many premium luxury German sedans and SUVs costing Rs 10-20 lakh more. Speaking of a Rs 20-lakh difference, that’s exactly how much the IONIQ 5 is below its Korean cousin, the Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD. Of course, while that is also based on this E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), it is fully imported and packs two motors. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is assembled here and brings just one rear motor.
On the rear axle sits a 160-kW (Hyundai say 217-hp) electric motor with 350 Nm of torque. It is powered by 800-volt architecture and a 679-volt 72.6-kWh battery pack which allows an ARAI-rated range of 631 kilometres. That translates into about 8.7 km/kWh—achievable in certain circumstances, I presume. I saw about 4.0 km/kWh and just about 400 km when I got the car to myself with 84 per cent charge remaining, so go figure. Again, more downhill driving means less accelerator pedal, more regeneration, and greater range. More uphill driving means the opposite is true. And it also matters if it’s hot, warm, cool or cold. Too many variables!
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a sublime ride quality. The battery pack is in the floor and that means a low centre of gravity and a planted feel, lending it reassuring, yes, but also sharp and agile handling characteristics. It feels predictable and honest at high double-digit speeds. It accelerates quickly off the line for a two-tonne car within a claimed 7.6 seconds from naught to 100 km/h; don’t ask for the top speed. The suspension is a strut set-up at the front and a five-link one rear. Ground clearance is 163 millimetres laden and a bit more with just one or two occupants.
The safety systems are high up there and they all work well. There are over 60 active and passive safety features, 21 of which are advanced “SmartSense” sensor-based systems. The smart cruise control works well, with stop-and-go up to 180 km/h, aided by distance alert, collision alert, steering assist, and many more features.
Overall, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a welcome surprise in the sub-Rs-50-lakh segment and brings some features unheard of here. In terms of sheer quality, refinement, technology, and attention-to-detail, it has no equals in the price range it is offered at. Hyundai offer a pair of home wallbox chargers, too, both 3.3-kWh and 11-kWh. DC charging (at 350 kW) takes just 18 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent state of charge. If you have been on the fence about getting an electric car regardless of the lacklustre prevalent infrastructure, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a safe bet indeed.
Need to Know – Hyundai IONIQ 5 72 RWD
Price: Rs 44.95 lakh (ex-showroom)
Electric Motor: Permanent magnet, synchronous, 160-kW
Battery Pack: 679-volt, 72.6-kWh, lithium-ion
Peak Output: 217 hp, 350 Nm
Transmission: Single-speed, automatic, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, five-link rear
Weight: 1,990 kg
Also read: Hyundai Kona Electric Road Test Review
