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Hyundai Ioniq 6 2023 review

  • PowertrainPermanent magnet synchronous electric motor(s)
  • Battery Capacity77.4kWh
  • Battery typeLiquid cooled lithium-ion polymer
  • Range519km - 614km (WLTP)
  • Plug typeType 2 (AC) / CCS Combo2 (DC)
  • DC charge rate350kW
  • AC charge rate7.0kW
  • Motor output168kW/350Nm - 239kW/605Nm
  • Efficiency14.3kWh/100km - 16.9kWh/100km
Complete Guide to Hyundai Ioniq 6

Imagine being so focused on optimising a car’s aero performance that you break out the planishing hammer and flatten off the badge on its nose.

No doubt Hyundai found a more sophisticated way of lowering the profile of the new Ioniq 6’s most prominent logo, but the fact is it’s helped produce one of the most aerodynamically efficient production cars ever made… that’s also pure electric, with amazing looks and breakthrough tech. 

Yep, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan has arrived in Australia and we’ve taken a first drive on local soil. So, read on to see if the Tesla Model 3 has something to think about.

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

Lots of cars are said to be “shaped by the wind” but all you have to do is look at the Ioniq 6 to know that in this case it’s 100 per cent true.

In fact, images of the car in Hyundai’s wind tunnel show it performing more like a perfectly shaped wing than a four door sedan.

With a drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.21 it’s slicker than the ultra low-drag Tesla Model 3 and Porsche Taycan. And while not conventionally pretty it’s certainly a striking and unusual design.

The Ioniq 6 has a drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.21. The Ioniq 6 has a drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.21.

Flush door handles? Of course. Carefully sculpted spoilers front and rear? Yep. Active air flaps? Check. The RWD Dynamiq’s 18-inch alloy rims are shaped for aero efficiency, while the top-spec Epiq grade even swaps out conventional side mirrors for super-cool digital cameras and interior OLED screens.

And the sleek looks continue inside with a two-section dash divided horizontally by a swoopy winged insert and topped with a pair of 12.3-inch screens covering multimedia and instrumentation.

The look and feel is minimalist. A lot of the controls are on screen or digital, but a physical dial for audio volume gets a big safety and convenience tick. 

No gearshift in the bridge-like centre console. A rotary stalk is located behind the steering wheel on the right-hand side.

Inside is a pair of 12.3-inch screens covering multimedia and instrumentation. (Dynamiq variant pictured) Inside is a pair of 12.3-inch screens covering multimedia and instrumentation. (Dynamiq variant pictured)

There’s configurable ambient mood lighting with six pre-selected themes and the materials used inside are suitably eco-friendly.

Cloth seat trim is recycled PET plastic, as is the headliner, the dashboard skin is manufactured using bio-ethanol, the carpet is made from recycled fishing nets (!), and bio paint (partially derived from vegetable oils) is used on the doors. 

Yes, there’s leather, but its dyeing process uses biodegradable flaxseed oil rather than conventional pigments, which is a good thing in terms of fewer harmful microorganisms in waste water, and is claimed to reduce CO2 emissions by 3.8kg per car. 

  • The Ioniq 6 is available in seven colours. (Dynamiq variant pictured) The Ioniq 6 is available in seven colours. (Dynamiq variant pictured)
  • The Ioniq 6 is just under 4.9m long. (Dynamiq variant pictured) The Ioniq 6 is just under 4.9m long. (Dynamiq variant pictured)
  • The Ioniq 6 features a striking and unusual design. (Epiq variant pictured) The Ioniq 6 features a striking and unusual design. (Epiq variant pictured)
  • To help with aero efficiency, the Ioniq 6 has flush door handles. (Epiq variant pictured) To help with aero efficiency, the Ioniq 6 has flush door handles. (Epiq variant pictured)

On the outside, recycled pigment paint made using ‘end-of-life’ tyres is applied to the body cladding, and bamboo charcoal pigment paint is used in the ‘Digital Green’ pearl colour option.

Speaking of which, there are seven other colours available; three more pearl shades - ‘Abyss Black’, ‘Ultimate Red’ and ‘Biophilic Ink’, as well a single metallic ‘Nocturn Gray’ and a solid ‘Byte Blue’. ‘Gravity Gold’ matt finish is the only extra-cost choice at $1000. 

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

Hyundai is offering the Ioniq 6 in three grades, the RWD Dynamiq at $74,000, before on-road costs, then the AWD Techniq at $83,500 and top-spec Epiq at $88,000.

At those prices you’re going to want a substantial list of included features, and aside from the performance and safety tech we’ll get to shortly, the standard equipment list is long.

There's LED tail-lights. (Epiq variant pictured) There's LED tail-lights. (Epiq variant pictured)

The entry-grade Dynamiq features remote start, capacitive touch front door handles, dual-zone climate control, twin 12.3-inch screens covering multimedia and instrumentation, sat nav, a head-up display, Bose eight-speaker audio (with digital radio), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather-appointed seats, leather-appointed steering wheel, alloy pedal covers, 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, LED headlights and tail-lights, auto rain-sensing wipers, a power (hands-free) boot lid and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Dynamiq wears 18-inch alloy wheels. (Dynamiq variant pictured) The Dynamiq wears 18-inch alloy wheels. (Dynamiq variant pictured)

Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car services are on board as is over-the-air software update capability. 

The Techniq adds a glass sunroof, 20-inch alloys shod with Pirelli P Zero rubber, ventilated front ‘relaxation’ seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

the Epiq swaps out conventional side mirrors for super-cool digital cameras. (Epiq variant pictured) the Epiq swaps out conventional side mirrors for super-cool digital cameras. (Epiq variant pictured)

Then the Epiq tips in digital side mirrors, a battery conditioning system, and high-efficiency (heat pump) heating.

Tesla’s three-grade Model 3 line-up is similar with a RWD entry model. It’s well specified and roughly $10K cheaper, but can’t match the Dynamiq’s driving range. The two more premium Model 3 variants are AWD and close on price to their Ioniq 6 equivalents.

Like the Ioniq 5 this car will be sold via a ‘direct to consumer’ online model, with dealer “delivery partners” charged with getting it into peoples’ hands.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

The Ioniq 6 is just under 4.9m long and the wheelbase is close to three metres, so no surprise there’s an impressive amount of space inside the car.

A flat floor enhances the roomy feel, plus controls for windows and mirrors are located in the centre console or on the dash rather than the front doors, which has allowed the armrests to be trimmed down for some extra breathing space.

As mentioned earlier, there’s no gearshift in the centre console, either. It takes the form of a rotary stalk on the right hand side of the steering column. It doesn’t take long to get used to and I found it pretty handy to use.

There are large bins in the doors with space for bottles, two cupholders in the console and a medium-sized lidded storage box (which doubles as a centre armrest) between the seats.

There’s an impressive amount of space inside the Ioniq 6. (Epiq variant pictured) There’s an impressive amount of space inside the Ioniq 6. (Epiq variant pictured)

A lengthy tray underneath the main console keeps additional loose items under control and a generous glove box slides out from the dash rather than flipping open. So, there’s plenty of storage on offer.  

Move to the rear and it feels like you’ve teleported into the back of a stretch limo. With the driver’s seat set to my 183cm position there is huge legroom.

Hyundai says thanks to the use of high strength steel the backs of the front ‘relaxation’ seats fitted to the AWD models are appreciably thinner than normal, also increasing rear space.

Rear headroom is fine sitting in a normal, relaxed position, although sitting bolt upright my bonse grazes the headliner. 

Three abreast for adults will be okay for short runs, but not a goer for lengthy road trips. Three up to teenage kids will be fine, though.

Move to the rear and it feels like you’ve teleported into the back of a stretch limo. (Epiq variant pictured) Move to the rear and it feels like you’ve teleported into the back of a stretch limo. (Epiq variant pictured)

Speaking of kids, parents will appreciate ‘Quiet Mode’ which limits audio to ‘25’ in front and mutes the rear. Perfect for uninterrupted sleep back there, or keeping the noise to a minimum for those furiously focused on their favourite game or a movie.

Backseaters are provided with bins in the doors, although the section scooped out for bottles is small, there are two cupholders in the fold-down centre armrest, netted map pockets on the front seat backs and a small slot for keys or a phone under the adjustable air vents at the rear of the front console.

Connectivity and power options run to three USB sockets in the front (one Type-A for media and charging, plus two Type-C for power only), a 12-volt socket under the front console, and two Type-C ports in the back. That’s plenty. 

Boot space is 410 litres (VDA), and the rear backrest split-folds 60/40 to liberate more room. Worth noting there are no tie-down anchors in the boot, but there is an underfloor storage compartment, plus a 45L ‘frunk’ under the bonnet of the RWD and a 14.5L storage space in the front of AWD models.

  • There's a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet that ranges from 14.5 to 45L. (Dynamiq variant pictured) There's a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet that ranges from 14.5 to 45L. (Dynamiq variant pictured)
  • Boot space is rated at 410 litres. (Dynamiq variant pictured) Boot space is rated at 410 litres. (Dynamiq variant pictured)

The boot lid is powered but there’s no spare, just a mobility kit. Grrrr!

If you want to hook up the tinny or camper trailer, towing capacity is 1500kg for a braked trailer and 750kg unbraked.

A bi-directional ‘Integrated Charging Control Unit’ (ICCU) allows for ‘Vehicle to Load’ (V2L) functionality on the inside and the outside of the car. There’s a house power-style three-pin outlet at the base of the rear seats or a simple adapter plugs into the charging outlet. Super-handy for camping, picnics, you name it.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its motor?

Efficiency – What is its driving range? What is its charging time?

All versions of the Ioniq 6 carry the same 77.4kWh lithium-ion Polymer battery and the car’s 800V architecture allows it to use 350kW DC fast charging for a 10-80 per cent fill in 18 min.

The number of genuinely fast chargers available is increasing rapidly and that fill time is impressive.

Drop to 400V (50kW charging) and that time increases to 73 min, while 7.0kW AC charging from 10 to 100 per cent will take close to 12 hours.

The ports behind the not-fuel flap are a Type 2 for AC and CCS Combo2 for higher powered DC charging.

The car’s 800V architecture allows it to use 350kW DC fast charging for a 10-80 per cent fill in 18 min. (Dynamiq variant pictured) The car’s 800V architecture allows it to use 350kW DC fast charging for a 10-80 per cent fill in 18 min. (Dynamiq variant pictured)

And if all else fails, you’re also equipped with a portable charger/cable so you can access house power for a full charge in, wait for it… 34 hours 20 min.

Quoted WLTP range for the RWD Dynamiq is 614km, that number dropping to 519km for the more powerful, dual-motor Techniq and Epiq models.

The WLTP combined cycle energy consumption figure for the Dynamiq is 14.3kWh/100km, with the Techniq and Epiq models at 16.9kWh/100km.

A ‘Disconnector Actuator System’ (DAS) on the front axle of the AWD grades is able to automatically engage and disengage drive to the front wheels as required, to reduce mechanical drag, lower energy consumption and increase driving range.

On test, in the Dynamiq, over a mix of suburban, b-road and freeway running we saw an average of 16.1kWh/100km which is a pretty good result.

Driving – What's it like to drive?

Hyundai claims the RWD Ioniq 6 Dynamiq will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, which is not hanging around, and it feels every bit that quick. 

In fact, it has more than enough performance for sharp response in the city and easy cruising on the highway.

Step up to the AWD Techniq or Epiq and you’re hitting 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds, which is properly rapid. 

A single-speed ‘shift-by-wire’ reduction gear auto transmission sits on the rear or both axles and you have the choice of ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Custom’ drive modes, which fine-tune power output, accelerator response, steering weight as well as power distribution between the axles on AWD models.

The Ioniq 6 features multiple driving modes. (Epiq variant pictured) The Ioniq 6 features multiple driving modes. (Epiq variant pictured)

Hyundai’s ‘E-Active Sound Design’ (e-ASD) changes the ‘sound texture’ as you drive with a noise roughly approximating Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder coming through the speakers.

It’s fun for a while, but I found myself turning it down, then off, for the majority of the launch drive. And in that silent mode you can feel and hear (or not?) the impact of the car’s super-slippery shape. No wind noise and only modest tyre rumble at 110km/h on the freeway. 

The Ioniq 6 sits on Hyundai’s ‘Electric Global Modular Platform’ (E-GMP) which features the flat battery pack mounted low down, skateboard-style, between the axles. 

In corners you can feel the effect of the car’s low centre of gravity. (Epiq variant pictured) In corners you can feel the effect of the car’s low centre of gravity. (Epiq variant pictured)

Suspension is strut front, five-link rear, and although the set-up hasn’t been tuned locally, Hyundai Australia says it’s been involved in the development. 

The front seat remained comfy after hours behind the wheel, but it must be said bumps and thumps from typical highway surfaces made their presence felt on a regular basis.

That’s not unusual for a full electric vehicle, but with the RWD Dynamiq riding on relatively cushy Hankook 225/55 ventus S1 evo3 rubber, it’s surprising.  

In corners you can feel the effect of the car’s low centre of gravity with the battery and motor(s) mounted low in the chassis. It hunkers down and remains beautifully balanced and secure through sweeping bends.

Hyundai claims the RWD Ioniq 6 Dynamiq will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds. (Dynamiq variant pictured) Hyundai claims the RWD Ioniq 6 Dynamiq will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds. (Dynamiq variant pictured)

But even though the car points nicely, a meaningful connection between the front tyres and your hands on the steering wheel is MIA. 

The physical brakes are vented discs at the front and solid rotors at the rear, adjustable through ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ settings, and they’re nice and progressive.

However, there’s more fun to be had with the regenerative braking, adjustable through three levels (‘Strong’, ‘Medium’, ‘Soft’) via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The Ioniq's suspension is strut front and five-link rear. (Dynamiq variant pictured) The Ioniq's suspension is strut front and five-link rear. (Dynamiq variant pictured)

Move to the highest setting and you’re in ‘i-Pedal’ mode which means for the majority of the time easing off the accelerator is all that’s required to wash off speed before coming to a reasonably prompt halt.

In terms of ergonomics, the simple dash layout works well thanks to a sensible mix of digital and physical controls, the head-up display is crystal clear, and the big screens for media and instrumentation are hard to fault.

A word of warning, though. An over-speed chime fires four times when you even marginally exceed the detected limit. It quickly becomes intensely annoying, the saviour being an off button in the vehicle settings menu. Downside is it defaults to ‘on’ every time you stop and re-start the car. Ugh!

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

The Ioniq 6 showcases the latest version of Hyundai’s ‘SmartSense’ active safety suite - Everything from front and rear auto emergency braking (AEB) to a bunch of assists, including lane change, blind spot, rear cross-traffic, and heaps more. No surprise it’s scored a maximum five-star ANCAP rating.

The airbag count runs to seven - dual front for the driver & passenger), front side (covering the thorax and pelvis), full-length side curtains and a front centre/side bag to minimise head clash injuries in a side impact.

There are three top-tether points and two ISOFIX anchors for baby capsules and child seats across the rear row.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

Hyundai covers the Ioniq with a five-year, unlimited km warranty, with eight-year, 160,000km protection for the high-voltage battery. Both are industry standard these days.

There’s a lifetime servicing plan with maintenance intervals set at an impressive two years/30,000km. 

Hyundai provide a five-year, unlimited km warranty for the Ioniq 6. (Epiq variant pictured) Hyundai provide a five-year, unlimited km warranty for the Ioniq 6. (Epiq variant pictured)

At this stage cost is $560 a throw, which is pretty handy when you consider the lengthy service intervals. 

A ‘Premium Roadside Support Plan’ is complimentary for the first 12 months and renewed annually while the vehicle is serviced by Hyundai.

Also complimentary is a ‘Sat Nav Update Plan’ which includes nine updates to be used within 10 years.

  • PowertrainPermanent magnet synchronous electric motor(s)
  • Battery Capacity77.4kWh
  • Battery typeLiquid cooled lithium-ion polymer
  • Range519km - 614km (WLTP)
  • Plug typeType 2 (AC) / CCS Combo2 (DC)
  • DC charge rate350kW
  • AC charge rate7.0kW
  • Motor output168kW/350Nm - 239kW/605Nm
  • Efficiency14.3kWh/100km - 16.9kWh/100km
Complete Guide to Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 will stand out in any automotive crowd, thanks to its distinctive aero-influenced design.

It’s well-equipped for the money, surprisingly roomy, energy efficient and notwithstanding some niggles around the ride and steering feel, comes up to scratch dynamically.

Does it do enough to apply the thumb screws to the likes of Tesla's Model 3? I think it’s got a pretty good shot, and it will be interesting to see if EV buyers embrace the car’s unusual streamlined look.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

$74,000

Based on new car retail price

VIEW PRICING & SPECS

Score

4/5
Price Guide

$74,000

Based on new car retail price

Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.