CHATHAM, Mass. – The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle does not look like anything else on the road on Cape Cod – or anywhere else in the U.S. for that matter, making a statement the Korean automaker will be heading in a new direction as it plans to introduce 23 battery-electric vehicles by 2025.
And the 2022 Ioniq 5 Limited AWD rivals the luxury brands for comfort, performance, amenities, and technology within the compact crossover/sport-utility (CUV/SUV) segment.
Built on a new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), (which also underpins the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60), the Ioniq 5 version features up to 300 miles of range; a battery that with the right charger can be replenished from 10 percent to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes, and can provide 120-volt power for standard electric devices like a laptop.
TOP-OF-THE-RANGE LIMITED AWD TWIN-MOTOR POWERTRAIN
The Ioniq 5 Limited AWD comes with a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system which produces 320 horsepower and 446 pounds-feet of torque – numbers more commonly found in performance vehicles. This is enough power to go from 0-60 in less than five seconds and tow a trailer of up to 1,500 pounds.
Providing the energy is a 77.4 kWh battery capable of approximately 244 miles of range, but the fast-charging capability of the Ioniq 5 means travel can be more like traditional gasoline-powered cars than traditional battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
On a 350-kW charger, the CUV can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes and if time is tight, pick up about 68 miles of range in a five-minute charge at that rate.
Daily use of the Limited was never stressful. I was able to replenish the battery each night on a simple 120-volt circuit (not ideal, but adequate) and carry on the next day. Ideally, ownership would mean an upgrade to a DC charging system which would necessitate a 240-volt circuit in my garage. This would allow me to install a Level 2 charger that could fully charge the Hyundai in under seven hours.
FLEXIBLE, MODULAR PLATFORM PROVIDES LARGE-CAR ROOM
The E-GMP platform will allow Hyundai to produce a variety of vehicle types from a common base. In the case of the Ioniq 5, it has engineered a compact SUV (182.5 inches long) with a large-midsize comparable wheelbase (118.1 inches). The result is a roomy, open interior with loads of space for five occupants and their stuff.
The shift-by-wire and steer-by-wire systems of the E-GMP contribute to the interior roominess, allowing for a nearly flat floor throughout (the battery pack is located below the floor, within the wheelbase).
The platform’s suspension pieces are straightforward: MacPherson-type struts with high-performance shock absorbers up front and a five-link setup with high-performance shocks in the rear.
The friction-braking system features four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), an active hydraulic booster, 12.8-inch ventilated rotors (front), and 12.8-inch solid ones (rear).
More interesting is the regenerative braking system with steering-wheel-mounted paddles and one-pedal, which Hyundai calls i-Pedal, vehicle operation. Three tugs on the left paddle turns on i-Pedal (which The BRAKE Report covered in an extensive past earlier this year). Using i-Pedal means under normal driving conditions, the driver simply backs off the accelerator pedal to slow and, eventually, stop the Ioniq 5’s forward progress without touching the brake pedal (or engaging the friction brakes).
I used it throughout my week in the Ioniq 5 and it worked just as advertised. My lone complaint – I had to remember to reengage i-Pedal each time I started the CUV (and, more importantly, I have to remember I do not have such a system when I get into a car without one-pedal capability).
ROBUST ADAS IN THE LIMITED MODEL
The IONIQ 5 is equipped with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including being the first model to offer Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). HDA 2 helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway. It also helps center IONIQ 5 in the lane, even around a curve by controlling the steering wheel.
The system actively responds to close-range low-speed cut-ins by other drivers and will automatically assist lane changes in certain conditions simply by activating the turn signal. HDA 2 also adjusts the steering feel according to drive mode.
Other ADAS include:
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Surround View Monitor
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
- Parking Distance Warning — Reverse/Forward
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist –Reverse
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Safe Exit Assist
- Highway Driving Assist 1 (HDA 1)
- High Beam Assist
- Rear Occupant Alert (door logic type)
MODERN INTERIOR FILLED WITH TECHNOLOGY, AMENITIES, AND COMFORT
More than 24 inches of screens welcome the driver upon entering the Ioniq 5 Limited, stretching from the left side to the middle of the dash. The first 12.3 inches on the left displays the vehicle information (what would be the “instrument” cluster) and can be customized.
The second 12.3 inches is a touch screen providing the heart of the navigation/infotainment system. Just below is the touch-screen controls of the dual-zone automatic climate-control system.
The “room” itself is customizable as all seats are adjustable (and the fronts have reduced thickness to improve second-row foot room) with the drivers being electrically adjustable with memory and a footrest. The center console can be slid 5.5 inches forward/back to further tailor the interior space to the needs of the occupants.
Increasing the sensation of unlimited space, the roof is a single, large glass panel without any cross members.
LIVING WITH THE IONIQ 5
Quiet, smooth, quick, comfortable – driving and riding in the Ioniq 5 Limited was a pleasure throughout the week. Solid range and ease of recharging eliminated the only downside to EV motoring and I never ran into any issues during my time with this electric Hyundai.
The Korean firm gives EV buyers choices from $44,000 for the SE (base) rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version, $46,250 for the SEL RWD and $51,000 for the Limited RWD. Our Limited AWD ($54,900) with carpeted floor mats ($195), Atlas white paint ($400) and freight ($1,295) brought the total to $56,790.
The price does not include any federal or state tax rebates which might reduce the cost substantially. With or without, the Ioniq 5 Limited AWD represents a very reasonable compact-SUV competitor. And passing all the gas stations is not a bad thing either.
Driving an Ioniq 5 means you are daring to be different; different in a very positive way.
