The VW ID4 may be a smart car. But with the Ioniq5, Hyundai proves that the Koreans have even smarter ideas. Because the electric crossover not only stands out visually, it also scores points in terms of convenience and above all in terms of charging technology. However, the Koreans pay dearly for this advantage.
Kona and Ioniq were just the foreplay. Now Hyundai is serious about electromobility. Because when the Koreans start delivering the Ioniq41.900 in May at prices from 5 euros, it will be their first battery-powered car with a dedicated e-architecture. And it is not only just as flexible as the VW Group's modular e-kit, from which the most important competitors such as the VW ID4 or the Skoda Enyaq come. Rather, it is currently the only platform on this side of the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT to use 800 volt technology for unrivaled short charging stops. And the whole thing is also more attractively packaged.
Because from the outside, the Ioniq5 looks like something out of a Bauhaus picture book, its shapes are so clear and geometric and despite these almost classic lines, thanks to the idiosyncratic light graphics, you can see its future-oriented claim. Cool and cool on the outside, the Ioniq5 is warm and cozy on the inside - and incredibly spacious. With a length of 4,64 meters, the Koreans have stretched the wheelbase to three meters, built in particularly wide but thin seats and a sliding sofa in the rear - so everyone can find enough freedom for their feet - and there is up to 527 liters for luggage Rear and again at best 57 liters in the bow still enough space.
In addition, there are a few gimmicks that are so simple and clever that you would have expected them from Skoda: The sliding center console, for example, or the pin board next to the digital instruments, on which you can stick notes with magnets. In addition, Hyundai offers unrivaled lounge chairs for the Ioniq5 that turn into comfortable loungers at the push of a button - then the electric debut actually charges as if it were asleep.
In the ideal case, the downtimes are only sufficient for a power nap anyway. In addition to its design, the Ioniq5 scores above all with its sophisticated energy management. Not only is it the first and only car on this side of the two-sided Taycan and E-tron GT to use 800 volt technology and thus charges faster than the competition: the battery makes the jump from 0 to 80 percent under optimal conditions in 18 minutes and the electricity for 100 kilometers flows in five minutes. On request, there is also a solar roof that can collect electricity for around 2.000 kilometers in a sunny year. And where helpful people used to be able to become a yellow angel with a reserve canister, the Hyundai gives other e-vehicles jump-start with the vehicle-to-load function. Because it is one of the first cars to deliver the battery power via an external socket if required.
Driving itself, on the other hand, is as unspectacular as any other electric car. The acceleration is linear and of the rather brisk kind. The lush weight ensures a confident driving experience and unlike the e-models from the VW Group, the Ioniq5 surprises with a stately top speed of 185 km / h.
But there are two properties that leave a lasting impression: Its turning circle is almost tiny for its size, because the front wheels can be turned very far. Together with the 360 degree camera and virtual auto-projection on the screen, maneuvering becomes child's play. And the Koreans have managed the recuperation very well. In addition to the usual levels, which allow kilometers of sailing or a comparatively strong deceleration even without using the mechanical brake, there is also an automatic mode that uses the distance control and the navigation data as a basis for decision-making and thus comes pleasantly close to one-pedal driving, without frightening people switching from the combustion engine. And if you want to enjoy a completely new experience, you can regulate the recuperation with the old paddles on the steering wheel and can even bring the car to a stop by hand.
The Ioniq5 is offered in two different versions each with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, so that the Koreans cover a power range from 125 kW / 170 PS to 225 kW / 306 PS. They also fit batteries with either 58 or 72,6 kWh and promise a range of up to 485 kilometers.
It offers even more space than at least the European MEB models, has more advanced charging technology and smarter energy management, its design is more eye-catching and the material concept is more sustainable, and some small items are smarter than the Simply Clever solutions from Skoda - that's how the Ioniq5 the new Stromer of the Wolfsburg family suddenly look quite old. Because the Koreans apparently know that best, they also allow themselves a self-confident price position. The Ioniq5 is therefore not only significantly more expensive than the Skoda and is also higher than the VW, but also allows the same entry-level price as the Audi Q4 e-tron. This is also a first for the Koreans.
Technical data:
Four-door, five-seat SUV; Length: 4,64 meters, width: 1,89 meters (width with exterior mirrors: not specified), height: 1,61 meters, wheelbase: 3,00 meters, trunk volume: 527 - 1.587 liters (rear), 57 liters (front)
Front and rear engine; 225 kW / 305 PS, maximum torque: 605 Nm, all-wheel drive, automatic input, 0-100 km / h: 5,2 s, Vmax: 185 km / h, standard consumption: ka kWh / 100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 0 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, efficiency class: A +, battery capacity 72,6 kWh, range 485 km, base price 41 euros
Brief description:
Why: because “clean” becomes really “cool”
Why not: because he's bigger than he looks, much bigger in fact
What else: VW ID4, Skoda Enyaq, Audi e-tron Q4 and Mercedes EQ C
When does he come: May