Hyundai IONIQ 6 (2022 - )

Jelly beans, Spitfires and Peregrine Falcons – not the usual objects that spring to mind when learning how a car’s design was inspired, but the IONIQ 6 is anything but an ‘ordinary’ car.

Despite being built on the same Electric Global Modular Platform as its sibling, the IONIQ 5, the latest car has been developed into a saloon rather than SUV body style. And the result is an exceptionally streamlined car that boasts an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.21. This means its aerodynamic body glides through the air and that in turn results in improved performance and efficiency.

With a driving range between charges in excess of 320 miles, customers can choose from generously-equipped trim levels called Premium and Ultimate, both of which are available with either rear or all-wheel drive. Models featuring RWD have a powertrain offering 228PS with 350Nm, but step up to IONIQ 6 AWD versions and you will get 325PS of power along with 605Nm of torque. There were First Edition models at launch, but these quickly sold out.

All models feature a long-range 77.4kWh battery with the E-GMP platform’s standard 800v charging system providing 350kW fast-charger compatibility.

Hyundai is becoming renowned for its use of pixels as design tools throughout its most recent cars and the IONIQ 6 really raises the bar on that count. There are signature parametric pixel Matrix LED headlights, parametric pixel rear lamps with a signature design and even the steering wheel has four perfectly formed pixels in place of the Hyundai badge. 

There are in excess of 700 pixel designs throughout this car. So, what is it with these shapes? Simple, the pixel is actually a symbol in the Korean alphabet, so this is a subtle tribute to the culture. And the four pixel-shaped symbols on the steering wheel equate to the letter H in Morse Code. Clever or over-the-top? I’ll let you be the judge of that.

But one thing that is not in question is the beautifully streamlined design of the IONIQ 6. Eye-catching features include flush door handles, privacy glass, front and rear LED lighting, a rear spoiler, sunroof (depending on trim) and striking 20-inch alloys.

The interior is minimalist, but there are still physical controls for some functions. Expect to find plenty of eco-friendly and sustainable materials throughout the car with eco-processed leather, recycled PET fabric, bio paint derived from vegetable oils and recycled fishing net. Honestly, it looks a whole lot better than it sounds with a truly premium feel.

The main focal point is a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system and media centre with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. There is a wireless charging pad as standard, along with a BOSE sound system and head-up display on the upper-spec car. 

Our Premium car featured powered seats that could be heated, along with a manually adjustable steering wheel. The four pixels on our wheel didn’t light up, but on the Premium cars they are illuminated and enable communication between the driver and vehicle with requests about navigation, charge status and drive modes etc.

It's a very modern cockpit, but not overwhelming in any way. It does beep a lot, but the functions that cause the most annoyance in that respect are easily deactivated.

Powering the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a long-range 77.4kWh battery and our all-wheel drive car boasted a power output of 325PS (239kW) and 605Nm of torque. Like all EVs the acceleration is rapid out the starting blocks, but this car can complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 115mph.

We tested the vehicle in biblically-poor driving conditions with flooded roads which made the AWD set-up a welcome option thanks to its extra grip, especially when pulling away quickly from a junction.

With its bullet-like streamlining, the car powers along with ease and is a very comfortable motorway cruiser, effortlessly eating up the miles. But it was its agility through more challenging country lanes that really impressed. The grip was confident with no sign of body sway and the steering was perfectly weighted too with ample driver feedback.

And special mention to the beautifully refined cabin along with the effective suspension set-up which, in most parts, was exceptionally adept at smoothing out our pothole-ridden roads. That said; two test cars failed to complete the route due to punctures. As I said, dreadful driving conditions.

The driver visibility is excellent and the car is deceptively agile in busier town centre settings where the parking sensors, rear-view camera and remote smart parking will all play a part when squeezing into tight spaces.

Paddle shifts are used to increase or decrease the levels of regenerative braking, or you can leave it up to the car to automatically do that for you. And there are drive modes called Eco, Normal and Sport that alter the car’s driving characteristics. All-wheel drive cars also gain a Snow setting to cope with more challenging conditions.

The IONIQ 6 has a very strong road presence, not just because of its streamlined, aerodynamic design, but also because it boasts some of the most distinctive lighting effects of any car. Up front are signature Pixel Front Matrix headlights with an intelligent lighting system that means the main beam can remain on without dazzling oncoming motorists. And at the rear are pixel rear lamps with an additional strip of braking lights on the rear spoiler.

The car stretches 4,855mm, is 1,880mm wide (excluding mirrors), 2,144mm with standard mirrors or 2,073mm with the optional digital camera mirrors. It is 1,495mm tall with a wheelbase stretching 2,950mm in length.

Those dimensions translate into an exceptionally spacious cabin with ample room for five adults, of the taller variety, to stretch out in style. There is generous levels of shoulder, leg and head room in the back and storage options also impress.

The boot, accessed via a powered lid, can swallow 401 litres of luggage, increased considerably with the rear seats folded flat. In addition, there is a frunk (storage room beneath the bonnet) for a further 45 litres on rear-wheel drive models, reduced to 12 litres on all-wheel drive cars.

Throughout the cabin there are front and rear cup holders, narrow door bins, a deep glovebox, central cubby, some handy trays, seat back nets and a vast area beneath the centre console.

IONIQ 6 can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1.5 tonnes which makes it ideal for family getaways, especially with the Vehicle to Load capability which uses battery power from the car to power up outside systems.

Charging the long range 77.4kWh battery takes 11 hours, 45 minutes from 0-100 per cent via a 7kW wallbox; seven hours, 20 minutes via a 10.5kW charger or one hour, 13 minutes to 80 per cent via a 50kW fast charger. It is worth noting the battery is compatible with all charging systems and is future-proofed so as faster charging becomes available, the IONIQ 6 will be ready.

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is available in Premium with rear-wheel drive costing £47,040, Premium with all-wheel drive at £50,540, Ultimate in RWD priced at £50,540 or AWD at £54,040. 

We tested the Premium model with all-wheel drive and there were no options fitted to the car to bump the cost up further. Customers choosing the IONIQ 6 Ultimate can select the Digital Side Mirrors that replace conventional door mirrors with camera stalks projecting an image inside the car. These cost £995 extra. Other options available include metallic or matt paint along with a Vehicle to Load (V2L) adaptor, priced at £375, which is handy if you are camping and need to power up a stove, portable TV or inflate an airbed etc.

Under WLTP testing the rear-wheel drive cars can deliver a combined 338 miles between charges, while the all-wheel drive models offer a slightly reduced range of 322 miles.

With all cars producing zero carbon emissions, the car benefits from a number of Government-led incentives, including free road tax and the exemption from Congestion Charge fees. However, these encouraging financial bonuses, along with dodging any premium car tax payments will all be changing in 2025.

But, for now at least, this car is still an attractive vehicle for business owners with an excellent Benefit in Kind tax rating of just two per cent. 

The insurance rating for the IONIQ 6 Premium AWD is group 41.

Some may find the whole ‘pixel’ thing a little pretentious, but we kind of like it when a company shows so much passion in creating their vehicles. And you have to credit the Hyundai designers, they haven’t missed a trick when it comes to the streamlining of the IONIQ 6. And it’s always going to be instantly recognised thanks to those distinctive light signatures – front and back.

Factor in the wealth of on-board tech and safety features, impressive driving range and engaging driving dynamics and it’s easy to see why this car is already scooping top honours in annual awards ceremonies.