The new Hyundai Ioniq 6

In the automotive world, the members of a model family are characterized by many similarities. Hyundai's young Ioniq family is an exception, as the new 6 shows.

While Hyundai is taking its Ioniq series, which it launched in 2016, off the market in the summer of 2022, the Ioniq 6, which is still young, is now announcing a second member. The Koreans have now allowed a glimpse into the design and interior of the future 800-volt electric vehicle in a prototype that is very close to the production status. Like the 2021 introduced in 5, the new Ioniq model also features a design that combines styles from bygone eras with retro-futuristic elements. However, the 6 does not create a clearly visible bridge to the sister model, but rather takes a clearly different direction. Even though the technology will be the same, the Ioniq 5 and 6 are very different types.

Hyundai already anticipated in 6 with the Prophecy study that the 5 will be different from the Ioniq 2020. The aerodynamically designed sedan concept can also be found in the production model, albeit in a more pragmatic interpretation in many respects. Of course, it is not surprising that the series design would be a bit more sober. But the almost consistent omission of references to the Ioniq 5 is astonishing. The 6 is clearly not a sedan version of the hatchback 5, but a statement in its own right. Hyundai's global design boss Sangyup Lee still speaks of an Ioniq family, whose members, however, can look very different, like the pieces in a chess game. Even if the king, queen, knight or bishop are clearly different from each other - according to the further analogy with chess - they still form a strong team.

Only a closer look reveals a few similarities that should distinguish all future members of the Ioniq family. This includes a large wheelbase due to the E-GM platform with a corresponding amount of space for passengers, an interior with sustainable materials and a cocoon effect, as well as parametric pixels in the front and rear areas.

As with the 5, the small rectangular light elements also ensure a wow effect on the 6. The stub rear features a continuous strip of lights made up of two long rows of many small rectangles. An additional strip of light adorns the trailing edge of the rear spoiler, while rear and fog lights arranged vertically are integrated into the diffuser-like rear apron. The theme of small luminous rectangles is also reflected in the headlights in the form of a daytime running light signature. The light design of the Ioniq 6 is not only concise, with the help of the many small light points there are various possibilities for animated light sequences.

The outer skin is emphatically aerodynamic with a roof line that stretches in a wide arc and extends far into the short rear rump. In addition, there are the door handles that are flush with the sheet metal skin and the small camera holders in the front doors, which serve as a streamlined replacement for exterior mirrors. As with the Ioniq 5, the digital exterior mirrors will be available at an additional cost. The reward for the effort is a drag coefficient of just 0,21. Compared to the edgy 5 with 0,29, the 6 has a clear advantage. Incidentally, it is noticeable that the 6 is less flat than the Prophecy at 1,50 meters and the door windows are not frameless. These are typical concessions to the red pen regime in mass production. The increase in height compared to the Prophecy is due to the battery construction in the vehicle floor being the same for all Ioniqs. If frameless doors should also make little wind noise on the highway, according to Hyundai designer Simon Loasby, this will be disproportionately expensive for a volume model like the Ioniq 6.

At 4,86 meters, the 6 is over 20 centimeters longer than the 5, while its wheelbase of 2,95 meters is 5 centimeters shorter. Nevertheless, the scope for development in the Ioniq 6 remains generous at the front and rear. Despite the roof sloping towards the rear, the rear offers plenty of legroom as well as good headroom. The 6 is also characterized by a flat floor throughout and, in the optional four-seater version, a continuous center console. Among other things, the interior pleases with surfaces partly made of recycled plastic, with a tidy cockpit and a warm, homely atmosphere thanks to ambient lighting. And then there are a few chic details like translucent panels that are reminiscent of the first generation of the iMac. Another special feature are four light elements in the center of the steering wheel. They give visual feedback from voice recognition and also provide information about the charge level. Thanks to a 6-pixel display on the front of the vehicle, outsiders can also follow the charging progress. And as befits a modern electric car, the cockpit offers two 12-inch displays on the dashboard in addition to the two optional monitors in the camera-based exterior mirrors. The left behind steering wheel mainly shows driving-related information, the touchscreen located on the right is responsible for pretty much everything else.

For the time being, Hyundai says little about the technology of the Ioniq 6, which is expected to start at the turn of the year. But the E-GMP architecture with 800 volt technology sets narrow limits in terms of drive, performance and battery. In this point, the 6 will be very similar to the Ioniq 5. The same should apply to the price, which could even be slightly lower than a comparably motorized Ioniq 5.