Review 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6, Daring to be Different

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is different. This electric sedan may share the E-GMP suspension with the Ioniq 5 electric hatchback, but its aerodynamic design not only optimizes range, it stands out to stand out. Being different is bold, and being bold is good.

The Ioniq 6 sedan is the least aerodynamic production car in the brand's history, with an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.22 (0.21 in markets using side mirrors with cameras). This is roughly comparable to the drag coefficients of top-class electric vehicles such as the Lucid Air, Mercedes EQS, and Tesla Model S. Hyundai's compact aerodynamic improvement is even more impressive because these luxury flagship sedans cost at least twice as much and stretch at least a foot longer.

In the real world, or real world by the EPA, the Ioniq 6's aerodynamics translate in part to a range of 361 miles and an efficiency rating of 4.2 miles/kwh for SE long range models.

Aero is important. Especially when trying to exceed benchmarks. the Ioniq 6 outperforms Tesla's Model 3 Long Range AWD with a range of 358 miles and an efficiency of 3.9 miles/kwh. It's not as fast or sporty as the Model 3, but for many electric car owners, efficiency is more important than sportiness.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai does it in style. It uses the same 77.4 kwh battery pack and permanent magnet synchronous motor as the related Hyundai Ioniq 5 hatchback, and in its most efficient single motor form has a corresponding range of 303 miles, rated at 3.3 miles per kwh.

The sedan is nearly 9 inches longer than the Ioniq 5 and has a wheelbase of 116.1 inches, 2.0 inches shorter. The wheelbase is 116.1 inches longer and 2.0 inches shorter. They also weigh about 50 pounds less, averaging about 4,300 pounds for models with a single motor and large battery pack and 4,550 pounds for dual-motor models.

The Ioniq 6 steps out of the shadow of the Ioniq 5, bringing a design inspired by the 1930s Stout Scarab aircraft fuselage into the modern era and expressing the evolution of the automobile in curves. the 1970s Porsche 911 Carrera and its rear ducktail are a There is even a nod to an icon within an icon.

This is a Hyundai. You have to look twice before you notice the badge.

The flush door handles and pixelated design theme is the only outward relation to the Ioniq 5, and the Ioniq 6 really leans toward pixelation. The daytime running lights look like mini ice cube trays, consisting of indicator lights on the reverse lights, rear light bar, and side mirrors. Small squares are stamped on nearly every surface of the interior, including the door panels, dead pedals, dash trim, door sills, speaker covers, and smartphone charger. The Hyundai badge on the steering wheel has also been replaced by four lit dots, which represent the letter H in Morse code.

I tested a Limited AWD model with 20-inch wheels. It hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, and while it doesn't jump off the line like other EVs, it's fast enough to jump ahead of traffic.

Most Ioniq 6s use a 77.4 kwh battery pack and offer a choice of either a single rear-wheel-drive permanent magnet synchronous motor or an all-wheel-drive dual motor setup. This summer, Hyundai will offer a base model SE Standard Range with a 53 kwh battery pack and 240 miles of range for $42,715.

The 168 kwh single-motor version produces 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and has a time to 60 mph of 7.4 seconds. The dual-motor version combines a 75 kw motor in the front and a 165 kw motor in the rear, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft, the same as the Ioniq 5.

There are five drive modes: eco, normal, sport, snow, and custom. Sport adjusts the steering feel from default light to high resistance and automatically distributes torque between axles for optimal traction based on inputs. Eco mode is almost exclusively rear-wheel drive, while Snow mode distributes torque evenly. The drive outside Scottsdale did not test the grip of the test car's Pirelli P Zero tires to their limits, but while the sedan balanced reasonably well, the car leaned noticeably in turns, despite the sedan's low stance.

Regardless of trim, Hyundai equipped the Ioniq 6 with independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link in the rear. Rubber bushings replace the Ioniq 5's hydraulics to minimize road vibrations, and frequency-sensitive shocks with increased oil flow are used to improve responsiveness to speed and road conditions. They are quieter and calmer than the Model 3, but less agile.

While the Ioniq 6 seems like an ideal candidate for a more performance-oriented N model, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, complete with lowered suspension, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and a drift mode, will debut first this July. Interesting.

For now, the Ioniq 6 is vivacious but not sporty, responsive but not necessarily fast, and mostly a calm, quiet sedan optimized for efficiency.

Wheel and tire size makes a big difference in efficiency: the EPA-estimated range of the SE Long Range with 18-inch wheels is 361 miles, or 4.2 miles per kwh.

The heavier SEL and Limited RWD models with 20-inch wheels have a range of 305 miles, dropping to 3.5 miles per kwh.

Efficiency can be adjusted with four regenerative braking settings accessible from steering wheel paddles. The one-pedal driving mode requires some modulation of the throttle to avoid the characteristic jitteriness.

The SE AWD with 18-inch wheels has a range of 316 miles and an efficiency of 3.6 mi/kwh, while the SEL or Limited AWD with 20-inch wheels drops to 270 miles and 3.1 mi/kwh. For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD has 358 miles and 3.9 mi/kwh.

Not as practical as the Ioniq 5, the roofline shaves rear headroom and contorts a 6-foot-tall occupant. However, the 39.2 inches of rear legroom is exceptional for a sedan of this size; even with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down, not much vertical space opens up from the narrow 11.2 cubic foot trunk. Nor is it as high-tech advanced or sporty as the Tesla Model 3.

However, it does offer relative value, although it does not qualify for the latest version of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Standard features include heated front seats, a power driver's seat, five USB ports, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Yes, Hyundai does not yet have wireless smartphone connectivity. The updated Digital Key smartphone controller no longer requires a subscription and comes with greater functionality.

Standard driver-assistive technologies include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, active lane control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control to stop. With new front and rear corner radar sensors and new camera hardware, driver assistance technology is more comprehensive in detecting cyclists, pedestrians, and turning vehicles.

Options such as two-way charging on top models allow on-board charging to power appliances, tools, or camping gear.

Its value proposition, range, and efficiency are compelling reasons to seek the 2023 Ioniq 6.

But the most compelling reason is that it is different. It can make all the difference.

Hyundai covered the lodging and airfare for the Motor Authority to present this direct report.