Introduced in 2023, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a sedan that represents the second model in the brand’s electric lineup, combining Hyundai’s signature technology with a sleek fastback design that, much like the Ioniq 5 (here our test drive) but with a very different style, features some exquisite vintage touches.
It’s a work car that focuses on comfort and aerodynamics. Here’s how my test drive went.
Hyundai Ioniq 6: our tops & flops
Distinctive in its design, very refined, and focused on maximum efficiency. However, in its style, it’s not far removed from the stunning Prophecy Concept from which it originates. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the flagship that Hyundai had been missing for a while, at least in Europe, where they’ve chosen to offer it only as an electric vehicle. Premium in nature, it features a multitude of solutions designed for those who frequently travel for work, such as the central tunnel that serves as a support for tablets and laptops, a domestic power outlet to charge any device, internet connectivity, and several storage compartments. But it’s also made for those who love to drive: the maximum power of 325 HP is the same as the Ioniq 5, but it’s much more maneuverable, and you can really feel all the work done on the aerodynamics. The range is also decent, though it’s better to opt for the single-motor version, which promises over 610 km. The standout feature, however, is the charging: the 800-volt system allows you to recover 80% of the charge in 20 minutes, and the low consumption ensures a real-world range of 400 km even on the highway. It’s really a shame, though, about the ADAS sounds—they are far, far too annoying.
What we like:
- Practicality that other flagships lack;
- Very fast charging;
- Plenty of space despite the shape;
What we don’t like:
- The notifications are annoying;
- Some plastics clash with the finishes;
- The OS has far too many menus.
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A futuristic vintage design
The Ioniq 6 has a “Streamlined” silhouette, a body style typical of the 1930s and ’40s, which gave rise to many race cars aimed at achieving maximum aerodynamic efficiency and, therefore, high speeds.
The design clearly draws from the Prophecy concept car, which was even more striking, if possible. A sedan that, therefore, cannot disappoint in performance. Even more interesting, in terms of running costs, is the low aerodynamic drag coefficient (just 0.21), which allows for a declared consumption of 13.9 kWh/100 km: the Ioniq 6 is thus one of the most efficient electric cars both in its category and in the general market.
This, in turn, allows for good range. Like the Ioniq 5, it can be configured with either a single rear motor (RWD) or dual motors for a total of 325 HP, and two battery options, 53 kWh and 77.4 kWh. However, thanks to its sleeker design, it enjoys a range of up to 614 km on the WLTP cycle. For this reason, it is an electric car designed for long journeys, aided by the 800-volt system that allows it to charge up to 351 km of range in just 15 minutes.
Interior
The Ioniq 6 evolves the philosophy of the Ioniq 5: it uses its long wheelbase for excellent habitability, with an interior architecture centered around the driver, featuring ergonomic controls designed to minimize distractions, most of which are located on the steering wheel. It’s a car for those who work, as the central tunnel has been designed to also serve as a table where you can place your laptop, tablet, or any other device, which can even be powered as if at home (more on that later) so you can finish your work while the car charges, or relax watching a movie or playing a game.
The car features a modular dashboard with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a second, equally sized central touchscreen for infotainment. This setup ensures more space for personal items. Upon request, you can have a retractable table to place your laptop or any other device and make the most of downtime, such as charging, to continue your work or enjoy video content.
Moreover, the Ioniq 6 has a 220V outlet inside to quickly recharge all your devices with Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) technology. This feature is designed to provide power to any device from the internal outlet, or even other items like electric bikes or another vehicle using an adapter from the external outlet (up to 3.6 kW).
The designers used sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the construction of this vehicle. Some exterior coatings use paint pigments derived from used tires, while the body is colored with bamboo charcoal pigment paint.
The same philosophy extends to the interior, where, depending on the trim, you can find eco-treated leather or recycled PET for the seats, TPO leather for the dashboard, bio PET fabric for the headliner, bio paint from vegetable oils for the door panels, and carpet made from recycled fishing nets—a first for the Ioniq family.
I didn’t expect a car like this
From the start, the Ioniq 6 presented itself as a very light and agile electric car in terms of perception, even though it remains a large car weighing around 2 tons.
The power is certainly there, but the low aerodynamic drag coefficient is also noticeable while driving, contributing to the pleasure of steering this streamlined car. A new feature is the ability to customize the engine sound, similar to what is available in other cars. Personally, I wasn’t convinced by the sound provided, but in general, I prefer to enjoy the silence typical of an electric car. However, the choice is yours: if you want some sound, it’s available.
It’s better, though, to focus on the Bose audio system, which sounds quite good, thanks to the large subwoofer located in the rear window area, just behind the rear seats—which, by the way, are very comfortable and can be heated, just like the front seats.
As mentioned, the version we tested is the most powerful, with two electric motors and all-wheel drive, providing 325 HP. However, the two electric motors are more energy-consuming, slightly reducing the range to around 520 km. That’s still plenty and allows for long distances to be covered with ease, but in my opinion, it’s better to sacrifice a bit of power to gain more driving pleasure and additional range.
Furthermore, while the AWD version already performs excellently in terms of consumption, relative to its weight and power (around 15-16 kWh per 100 km), the single-motor version does even better, reaching less than 14 kWh. A record for the category.
Agile, with 4 driving modes, practical thanks to the gear selector located right on the steering wheel, the Ioniq 6 is also the most advanced in terms of driver assistance systems, which further enhance the comfort already provided by the naturally soft suspension, smooth driving experience, and the seats.
These features range from the well-established Highway Driving Assist 2 to the indispensable cameras under the side mirrors that assist during overtaking, projecting the image directly onto the dashboard to help with the blind spot sensor, as well as lane-keeping, distance maintenance, and a 360° camera with 3D polygon for maximum visibility during maneuvers.
Additionally, the car can park itself automatically while you remain outside. There’s also semi-automatic overtaking. It only activates when HDA and cruise control are already engaged, and you just need to activate the turn signal for the car to perform a complete overtake on its own, of course without the driver being distracted.
The only downside of the ADAS is that they are quite noisy. The car beeps for almost everything, and every time it’s turned off, the settings reset, reactivating all notification sounds. It’s a shame because it slightly detracts from the otherwise impeccable driving comfort.
Complete charging
Another advantage that makes the Ioniq 6 capable of traveling across Europe without problems is the entire charging ecosystem. Starting with the technical aspects, the 800-volt system allows for 80% charge recovery in about 20 minutes. Thanks to its low consumption even on the highway, the extra-urban range is still over 300-350 km, which reduces the number of stops. So, while stretching your legs and grabbing a coffee, the car recharges.
There’s also the V2L feature, which allows you to charge electronic devices using the internal Schuko socket, located under the rear seat, but also to power bikes, scooters, tools, and even other electric vehicles.
And if we’ve learned that pay-per-use charging is not ideal for long trips, Charge myHyundai makes electric travel more optimized with complete packages that, depending on the chosen offer, include discounted rates for Ionity, the highest power charging stations currently available.
