Hyundai Ioniq 5 – when not being left-field is a virtue

You might have noticed that EV designers seem to be in a competition to create the most striking design. Others may choose a word or a different type of design to make their car stand out from the growing automotive EV crowd. It’s not always the most complex option that is the most attractive. This is the case with Hyundai Ioniq 5!

This is the most conventional looking EV. It looks chunky and like a 5-door car. It has a lot of room and is very practical.

Priced from €45,710/£39,995 for the 170PS Advance 63kwh model there are two 84kwh versions developing 228PS and a 325PS that comes with all-wheel-drive. Five trim levels are available, including a sporty N-Line S and dual-zone climate. All models come with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play or Android Auto, Bluetooth, and automatic lights and washers.

Ioniq 5’s road performance is as smooth and powerful as you’d expect from an EV of this class. The 84kwh/228PS model can hit 100kph/62mph benchmark in 7.5 second and have a possible range of 569km/354miles. In real life, it will probably be around 466-482km/290-302 miles. This is still a very good range.

It’s longer to 100kph/62mph in 63kwh form and has a range of around 354km/220miles. It has a great ride and is capable of navigating twisting country roads.

The interior is full of clever details to maximize the spaciousness. These include sliding consoles, sliding seats in the rear and wide-opening doors for easier access and egress. You even get a useable ‘frunk’ or small luggage area at the front of the car on the two-wheel-drive models, it’s quite a bit smaller on the all-wheel-drive. The touchscreen is the most common way to control many functions, although there are also some physical buttons.

Ioniq 5 is a great option for those who have not yet been tempted to go the EV route but are interested. It isn’t too far out in style and the price for what it offers is reasonable. The interior is spacious, refined and of high quality. EV power is instant and, if charged mainly at home, running costs are cheaper. There is little to dislike!

FACTS AT A GLANCE

• Model: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate
• Battery: 84 kwh Lithium Ion 228PS
• Gears: Automatic
• Price: £53,055
• Performance: Max speed 185kph/114 mph 0 – 100kph/62 mph 7.5 seconds
• Range: Combination 530km/329 Miles
• Emissions: 0g/km Co2

Model tested is UK specification and may differ in terms of equipment and price on other markets