A new electric era for Koreans: Hyundai IONIQ 5

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the prototype anticipating the car we are talking about today was unveiled. Of that model, almost everything was kept, except for slightly exaggerated proportions in the original concept. Fortunately, its retro aesthetic has been preserved, with an edge inspired by Hyundai's first car, the 1975 Pony.

The similarities are no coincidence. If the Pony was the starting point for what Hyundai is today, its contemporary equivalent (the Hyundai Ioniq 5) should do the same, but with electric mobility. Without a doubt, this model sets the trend with a new E-GMP modular platform dedicated to electric cars.

Thanks to the modularity of the E-GMP, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric car has dimensions that, by design, are very well camouflaged. Therefore, until you have a reference to compare, it is impossible to know that it is 4.63 meters long, 3 centimetres longer than a Toyota RAV4. But, on the other hand, its 3-meter wheelbase is just 7 centimetres shorter than that of a BMW 7 Series.

As a good representative of retro design, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 wears a body full of taut lines and sharp angles. The V-shaped front, the Z-cut of the doors that Hyundai is beginning to implement in its latest models and a wide and stretched rear are the main elements of the model.

Still, not all are references to the classic Pony. Instead, this vehicle incorporates very modern ideas, such as the solar panel on the roof, 20-inch wheels, retractable hands and an LED lighting designed to look like pixels. This last attribute will become a hallmark of future models in the IONIQ range.

At the interior level, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric car is presented with a very refined and mature appearance, moving away from the stigma Asian brands have of designing too baroque interiors. Here, what is striking is the horizontality of a dashboard reduced to the minimum expression, with few buttons (touch) and a double instrument panel.

This panel includes both the instrumentation and the infotainment system screen, both 12.25-inch diagonal elements. In addition, they are complemented by a colour Head-Up Display and augmented reality images projected directly on the windshield.

Another new element is the sliding centre console, nicknamed by the brand as "Universal Island" in its Spanish translation. This can be moved from the front row of seats to the rear. Thus, it is possible to use it as an armrest with a glove compartment or as a table (if used from the rear seats).

As it is becoming more and more common in electric vehicles, recycled materials have been used to make the cabin an extra environmentalist. In the case of the IONIQ 5, material extracted from the recycling of wool, plastic bottles and even oils have been used.

Hyundai will market the IONIQ 5 electric car in a combination of power levels and battery capacity. In total, the range consists of 4 versions, two for each battery, which will have a capacity of 58 kWh and 72.6 kWh, respectively.

For each battery, a single-engine version will be offered on the rear axle and a twin-engine version with all-wheel drive, greater power and greater autonomy. Therefore, we find a power range that extends from 170 hp for the 58 kWh simple version to 306 hp for the 72.6 kWh twin-engine version.