Hyundai brings its fully electric crossover to Auto Expo 2023; launches Ioniq 5
Unlike Kia EV6, which is offered as a fully imported CBU model, Hyundai will offer Ioniq 5 as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) model in India.
Despite major auto brands giving it a miss, the 2023 edition of Auto Expo has turned out to be quite a fanfare, thanks to the numerous models on display. Hyundai took this opportunity to launch its Ioniq 5 in India after the fully electric crossover was officially unveiled on our shores a few weeks ago.
Offered at an introductory price of Rs 44.95 lakh (ex-showroom), Ioniq 5 undercuts its platform sibling, Kia EV6, by Rs 16 lakh. However, this price will be applicable for the first 500 buyers only. Bookings for the crossover are already underway for Rs 1 lakh.
Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture that also underpins EV6, Ioniq 5 is the second EV from the brand in India after Kona Electric. The electric crossover was first previewed as the 45 EV concept at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and has been bestowed with many honours, including the World Car of the Year award for 2022.
Exterior design
The exterior design of the Ioniq 5 is built on Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness template with an amalgam of modern and retro styling elements. The overall styling is dominated by flat surfaces, sharp lines, and pixelated LED elements on the headlamps, DRLs, taillamps, and turn indicators. The tall SUV-ish stance is complemented by a crossover-like profile with highly raked windscreens.
It rolls on 20-inch aero-optimised alloy wheels with a turbine-like design lending it a sharp look. The battery-powered car measures 4,635 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and stands 1,605 mm tall. For the Indian market, Hyundai is offering Ioniq 5 with three paint schemes—Gravity Gold Matte, Optic White, and Midnight Black Pearl.
Interiors and features
Ioniq 5’s cabin adopts a minimalist approach with a focus on sustainability using materials like eco-friendly artificial leather and fabrics made from recyclable plastic. The cabin’s interiors wear a dark grey pebble colour scheme that employs bio paint for the switches, steering wheel, and door pads. Prominent highlights inside the cabin include a flat floor, flexible seats, and a movable centre console.
As far as features go, Ioniq 5 benefits from two 12.3-inch screens—one for the touchscreen infotainment unit and the other for the digital driver’s display. Other creature comforts offered in the package include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, BlueLink-connected car tech, ventilated front seats, Bose audio system, dual-zone climate control, a heads-up display with augmented reality functions, and more.
Ioniq 5 also offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality with an output of 3.6kW, which allows the charging of external electrical appliances. It can be used via two ports—one located under the rear seats and another outside the car near the charging port. Safety is taken care of by six airbags and a Level 2 Advanced Driver’s Assistance System.
Powertrain specs
The India-spec Ioniq 5 derives power from a 72.6kWh battery pack that drives an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This powertrain returns a peak output of 214 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, while the maximum range offered is 631 km (ARAI rated). The company offers two complimentary home chargers (3.3kW and 11kW) with Ioniq 5.
The crossover also supports up to 350kW DC fast charging, which can rejuvenate the battery from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. Hyundai is offering a wide range of service packages, including an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty on the battery, a three-year or unlimited kilometre warranty on the car, and three-year roadside assistance.
(Images courtesy: Hyundai)
Edited by Suman Singh