Hyundai has been producing plug-in hybrids for a while now, but the Ioniq 5 was its first attempt at a fully electric car when it was unveiled.
It shares much of its DNA with the Kia EV6 – a car that has garnered rave reviews.
There are a bunch of trim levels, but it’s the Ultimate grade focused on for this assessment. In this guise, the Ioniq 5 has features such as 20-inch wheels, leather-faced powered seats, a Bose speaker system with a subwoofer and a head-up display.
An assortment of powertrains is available, and all are quick off the line. Furthermore, the Ioniq 5 handles well, feeling nimble around twisty corners, thanks to a firm suspension setup that provides stability without making the ride uncomfortable.
The selectable driving settings make a difference, too. For example, Sport mode packs a punch, Eco conserves battery life, and Normal mode bridges the gap. You get a Snow setting as well.
The interior is impressive, with a minimalist design. You get two screens sitting next to each other in a single unit, with the infotainment screen crystal clear and intuitive.
Separate climate control buttons are available, but they’re touch-sensitive, so they aren’t the most convenient.
Nevertheless, the Ioniq 5 is roomy in the front and back, and the rear seats can slide to adjust the available legroom. Mind you, headroom in the back might reach its limit if you’re very tall.
Boot space is 527 litres, expanding to 1,587 litres with the rear seats folded in a 60:40 split.
The Ioniq 5 earned a five-year safety rating from Euro NCAP, with safety systems including adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and intelligent speed limit assist.
Overall, the Ioniq 5 is a cracker: tech-laden, practical, roomy, and quick, and it handles well, too.
If you want a sports car, a Kia EV6 will suit you better, but the Ioniq 5 is much the same vehicle with some added convenience.
Fast Facts – Hyundai Ioniq 5 (73kWh, Ultimate RWD) as tested:
- Max speed: 115 mph
- 0-62 mph: 7.4 secs
- Range: 298 miles
- Powertrain layout: single electric motor with 73kWh battery
- Max. power (PS): 217
- CO2: N/A
- Price: £46,090
All Photos: Courtesy of Hyundai Ioniq 5