Hyundai Ioniq 5: test drive and prices in Denmark, Norway, Sweden

Updated at the beginning of 2023 with a larger battery, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 confirms itself as one of my favorite cars—not just electric ones—on the market, for its design, technology, build quality, and driving dynamics.

A small but significant technical change that, in the single rear motor version with 225 horsepower, allows for a WLTP range of 500 km. However, the test focuses on the version with two electric motors and all-wheel drive, which also receives an upgrade, increasing the power from 305 to 325 HP. It still uses the 77.4 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 481 km.

Among the best-selling cars in Scandinavia, let’s understand together the success of this vehicle, what makes it so appealing despite the somewhat undemocratic price and a few small details still to be improved.

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Our Tops and Flops

A car that I feel like recommending to almost everyone: design enthusiasts, for its 1980s aesthetics yet futuristic appeal; those in need of space, as there’s plenty, even for giants; electric car enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on performance.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 drives well, is relaxing, technologically advanced, comfortable, and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a premium option to stand out a bit, perhaps you shouldn’t exclude it. It’s a shame that the operating system needs an update, in the style of the New Kona, and for some impractical choices, such as the inconvenient front USB ports close to the floor, away from the central tunnel.

Another drawback is the increasingly annoying notification sounds that Hyundai is (unfortunately) getting us used to

What we like:

Distinctive and vintage design
Record-breaking interior space
Drives very well

What we don’t like:

Outdated infotainment
CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility only via cable
ADAS alerts are too annoying

It’s hard to say something bad

I have never hidden my strong appreciation for this car, which I liked from the moment I tried it in Valencia in the summer of 2021 during the international press launch. It’s a car that drives very well: the incredible interior space, the quality of the seats, the soundproofing, the precision of the steering, and the responsiveness of the accelerator and controls, along with the completeness of the ADAS, make it hard to ask for more.

Of course, the weight of 2.1 tons is noticeable, and the aerodynamic optimization is lower compared to the Ioniq 6, but it doesn’t matter. Every time I get in, I am happy, and I experience great driving pleasure.

The mode I use the most is inevitably Eco, which uses only the rear motor with significant fuel savings (my average, heavily influenced by the highway, is 23.4 kWh / 100 km; in the city, it goes below 20).

In this mode, the good acceleration is restrained because only half of the power is used, and the second motor kicks in only when we need more power, such as on highway ramps.

In Sport mode, on the other hand, it’s much more fun, and above all, you can appreciate a car that is demanding but still dynamic and powerful, with an acceleration effect that is truly impressive.

Has the range improved?

The increase in range is indeed noticeable. I went with it from Copenhagen to Göteborg and its surroundings, covering 1000 km ca (round trip). On the highway at 120 km/h maximum in Sweden, it covers between 300 and 350 km, while in the city, respecting the limits it easily reaches 420 or 450 km, a bit less when temperatures drop.

In my opinion, this is excellent, and the single motor version, which consumes less, can do much better and is therefore more suitable for corporate use, especially considering the charging speed.

The Ioniq 5 is indeed one of the few electric cars with an 800 Volt voltage system, still a unique feature among mainstream brands, capable of supporting charging powers up to 300 kW. This translates to charging times 10-80% faster than 20 minutes and 5 minutes to recover more than 100 km.

The infotainment needs an update

ADAS also work well on the Ioniq 5. I highlight the always excellent HDA, Highway Driving Assist, which combines navigation with Adaptive Cruise Control and recognition of both horizontal and vertical signage: the system automatically adjusts the speed when there are highway curves, when the speed limit changes, and when there are obstacles, not necessarily in automatic mode but by asking for permission.

Moreover, it activates with a simple click, as once the button is pressed, the system automatically adapts it to the detected road sign.

The infotainment system also works well, it’s quite smooth, but perhaps the graphics could use a refresh, especially in terms of compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, still only via cable. A pity, especially since the only USB that allows smartphone replication is located very low, in a somewhat inconvenient position.

Space and practicality champion

The design, both internal and external, of the Ioniq 5 remains the same, the beautiful mix of vintage and modern, inspired by the Hyundai Pony by Giugiaro.

It remains very pleasing to the eye but, above all, is a champion of space. Between the central tunnel that moves back and forth, including a large number of storage compartments; the front seats that can be reclined; the numerous USB ports plus the 2.3 kW shucko; and finally, the rear seat that tilts and moves, the Ioniq is essentially a “mobile home,” which, in 4.6 meters, offers virtually infinite configuration possibilities.