This year sees the launch of the Ioniq 6, adding to the array of electric cars that includes the Kia EV6, Genesis GV60, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, showcasing its unique four-door design.
Its distinctive appearance highlights aerodynamic performance, creating a smooth exterior with a stylish sedan roofline and streamlined front and rear sections, while inside, a modern design features pixelated elements and winglets inspired by airplanes.
DESIGN
In a chic Gravity Gold coat, our Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited test car features a streamlined front end that effortlessly cuts through the air, smoothly transitioning to the hood and down to the ground. Active air flaps enhance aerodynamics, and twin body lines connect to housings accommodating 20-inch wheels.
Tapering elegantly towards the trunk, the sedan radiates coupe-like grace, concluding with an elliptical spoiler that highlights distinctive design elements. Inside, the sleek black setting mirrors the front end’s pixelated motif, resembling ice tray cubes, extending across the dashboard and doors.
Reflecting dynamic steering-wheel squares, numerous small squares dance across surfaces, shifting colors with different drive modes. At the dashboard ends, the Ioniq 6 raises flaps resembling wingtips on a modern aircraft.
Amidst this, expansive digital displays become a lively canvas for pixels. Despite the visual energy, the Ioniq 6 maintains an organized and tranquil interior, seamlessly blending with its driving characteristics.
PERFORMANCE
The Ioniq 6 Limited brings together sporty vibes with subtlety in its driving. With the bigger battery and dual motors, it pumps up to 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet, way higher than the basic version.
While it’s quick off the mark with its electric power, it falls behind the Tesla Model 3 in speed, clocking 4.4 seconds for 0-60 mph. Handling is decent with a low center of gravity, but the softer suspension makes the ride bumpy when dealing with bumps and turns.
RANGE
The Ioniq 6 comes with a powerful 350-kW DC fast charging feature, zipping from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. If you go for the standard range, a 10.9-kW onboard charger will fill it up in about six hours with a 240-volt connection, but the long-range model needs around eight hours for a complete recharge.
VERDICT
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited we test-drove for a week here at CarFanaticsBlog has an MSRP of $56,100. With the addition of the Gravity Gold paint job ($1,000), the $210 carpeted floor mats, and transportation, the total price comes out to $58,425.
Competition
The Ioniq 6 sets itself apart as the frontrunner in its price bracket for range, drawing from a shared platform with the Ioniq 5 hatchback and the Kia EV6, blending crossover and sport wagon features seamlessly.
While the Tesla Model 3 shines in infotainment and driver-assist tech, the Ioniq 6 outshines it in range and efficiency, positioning itself as a top contender among electric sedans.
In contrast to the Polestar 2, linked with gas engine-based vehicles, the Ioniq 6 flaunts the advantages of a pure BEV in its design, despite sharing visual cues with the distinct Polestar 2 hatchback.
Even though the BMW i4 and Mercedes EQE sedan offer superior performance at a premium price, those eyeing the Ioniq 6 might be less enticed due to their inability to match its range and efficiency.
