The first EV on Hyundai's new purpose-built platform has just debuted. The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 takes the Pony-inspired 45 concept car and brings it to the road with 800V charging, the ability to charge other cars, early range estimates of up to 500 km, and Hyundai's latest driving assist features.
Hyundai returning to the Pony for styling cues shows just how far the automaker has come in the 45 years since that car first debuted (and the 37 since Hyundai arrived in Canada), this one's more of a Clydesdale than a pony. With its 4,365-mm overall length, it's as long as a 2022 Hyundai Tucson and 25 mm wider than that crossover. With a 3,000-mm wheelbase that's nearly 250 mm longer than Tucson for maximum passenger space. It's bigger than it looks, and that translates into a roomy-looking interior and 1,591 L of total cargo volume in the back. More storage space is offered under the clamshell hood.
Like the concept car, the Ioniq 5 keeps the Parametric Pixel lights front and rear, a design that will continue on future Hyundai EVs including the upcoming Ioniq 6 sedan and Ioniq 7 three-row crossover.
A sliding centre console Hyundai calls the Universal Island slides fore and aft to allow for more flexibility as well as to let the driver or passenger exit from either side, which works in combination with the flat floor. This would come in handy in tight parking spaces, but also when parking up against Canadian winter snowbanks. The sliding console gives rear passengers access to wireless phone charging and USB ports as well as cup holders.
Two 12-inch screens, one for the infotainment system and one for the digital dash, cross the cabin giving driver and passenger important information. The driver has an augmented-reality head-up display that turns the windshield into a massive screen while the infotainment system is Hyundai's first to use a new design theme with various ambiance settings.
The interior uses eco-friendly materials extensively, including for the seats, headliner, door trim, and the floor. Materials used like recycled bottles, plant-based and natural yarns, eco-processed leather, and bio paint help to reduce the car's footprint.
Hyundai will offer two battery choices, a standard range 58 kWh battery and a longer range 77.4 kWh pack (in North America, other markets get a 72.6 kWh LR pack). Rear-drive is standard with twin motor AWD optional. Standard range cars offer 168 hp in rear-drive and 232 hp with AWD, while long-range cars offer 215 and 302, respectively. Trailer towing of up to 1,600 kg is allowed, and the 480 km WLTP-estimated range is waiting for confirmation and approval in the U.S. and Canada.
800v charging and a 350 kW charger can add 100 km of range in five minutes, and go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes. Vehicle to Load technology adds a high-output plug in the cabin and in the charge door that can provide up to 3.6 kW of power, letting you charge camping gear, run a fridge, or even charge another EV.
Driver assistance features include forward collision avoidance, blind spot collision avoidance, and more, but this is the first Hyundai model to get Highway Driving Assist 2. The system uses cameras and radar sensors to control speed, following distance, and centre the vehicle in lane. It can also help with lane changes.
Production of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 would start in April, expected to launch nationwide in Canada in late October or early November. Pricing for our market as well as final range figures and options should come later in the year.
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