A super sleek four-door coupé, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is hot on the heels of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. With a mighty range, smooth drive and tonnes of tech, the IONIQ 6 in all its three variants is one of the flashiest new arrivals at the premium end of the EV market.

Overview

Variants: DYNAMIQ, TECHNIQ and EPIQ

Range: DYNAMIQ 614km, TECHNIQ 519km, EPIQ 519km

Charging time and ports: When connected to an 800V Type 2 ultra-rapid charger, the IONIQ 6 can recharge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.

Battery: 77.4kWh

Power: DYNAMIQ 168 kW, TECHNIQ 239kW and EPIQ 239kW

Efficiency: DYNAMIQ 121 Wh/km, TECHNIQ 127Wh/km, EPIQ 127 Wh/km

Top Speed: 185 km/h

Torque: DYNAMIQ 350Nm, TECHNIQ 605Nm, EPIQ 519km 605Nm

Weight: 1,800–2,055kg

Dimensions: L 4,855mm, W 1880mm wide, H 1495mm

Design & look

If you’re looking for futuristic cool, the IONIQ 6 has it in spades. With a sporty, aerodynamic design, the IONIQ 6’s exterior is characterised by sharp lines and curves, bestowing it an ultra-streamlined silhouette. So streamlined in fact, the IONIQ 6 was inspired by the wing of an aeroplane, so it slips through the air as you drive along.

Continuing the aerodynamic theme, door handles are flush-fitting, and all variants include aero wheels. Parametric pixel LED headlights light your way beautifully.

Features and interior

Slightly evocative of its SUV sister, the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6’s interior comes in grey or black, and despite its size, there’s plenty of head and legroom, along with a 401-litre boot capacity. Hyundai has even added ambient mood lighting that adjusts to your speed. What’s more, front seats recline fully to a ‘zero-gravity’ relaxation mode for passengers that want to chill out en route

A command centre to be reckoned with, the IONIQ 6’s minimalistic dashboard comes complete with impressive dual 12.3” infotainment displays featuring a touchscreen and button controls. All the car’s software updates can be carried out over the air which is rather handy indeed.

To put more regenerative power back into your battery, Hyundai’s helpful i-Pedal mode allows you to stop and start the car with a single pedal without ever having to engage the mechanical brakes.

The IONIQ 6 also features a range of advanced and driver-assist technologies, such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

If sustainability is your passion, you’ll be pleased to know the IONIQ 6 has some unlikely, fun and imaginative eco-interior solutions. Carpets and car mats started life as fishing nets (seriously), fabrics are made of sugarcane-derived thread, and upholstery leather is eco-processed with flaxseed oil.

Performance

The entry-level IONIQ 6 variant, DYNAMIQ provides a whopping 614 km range on a 77.4kWh lithium-ion battery with a maximum total power and torque of 168 kW / 350 Nm. However, if you’d prefer power and performance over distance, the TECHNIQ and EPIQ both offer 239kW / 605Nm but with a slightly reduced range of 519km – which is still more than enough to get you from A to B.

Indeed, when you compare it to the Tesla Model 3’s 547km and Polestar 2’s 478km ranges, the IONIQ 6 can really go the distance. To drive, the IONIQ 6 offers a smooth and responsive ride, with excellent acceleration and good handling.

All variants of the IONIQ 6 support 7kW AC charging with a Type 2 plug and 80kW DC fast charging using a CSS Type 2 port. When connected to an 800V ultra-rapid charger, the IONIQ 6 can recharge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.

You also get vehicle-to-load (V2L), offering 250v power outlets which can be used to power up laptops and e-bikes using your car’s battery.

The IONIQ 6 can go from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds, which is faster than the IONIQ 5.

Safety and warranty

The IONIQ 6 is at the forefront of safety technology. To start, there’s a 5-star ANCAP rating in its Medium Car category, where it particularly excelled in Adult Occupation Protection, Child Occupation Protection and Safety Assist categories.

Then, there’s Hyundai’s signature suite of SmartSense safety technology. Combining sensors, cameras, alerts, alarms and their software, Hyundai SmartSense boasts apps like Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Driver Attention Warning.

To make parking a breeze and give you a view of your surroundings, rear and surround view monitors show on the main 12.3” displays.

To safely secure your tots in tow, the IONIQ 6 has two ISOFIX attachments in the rear for baby and child seats.

The IONIQ 6 is backed by Australia’s first five-year unlimited km warranty, while its battery is supported by an eight-year or 160,000km High Voltage battery warranty.

Summary

When it comes to competing with top EVs at the top end of the market, Hyundai has certainly positioned IONIQ 6 as a premium model with a design and performance to match.

Its super futuristic looks and cocoon-like interior ensure the IONIQ 6 is a head-turning ride, and in terms of safety, it cannot be beaten. An incredible range and smooth driving experience make it great for long distances, and although it may suggest ‘flashy’ rather than ‘family’, the IONIQ 6 is a pleasingly good choice for your whole brood.

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