Electric Vehicles

Hyundai Motor reveals All-Electric IONIQ 6

Written by Rohit Tonapi

Hyundai has taken the wraps off its second IONIQ model, the IONIQ 6. The model is also the brand’s first EV sedan. Hyundai describes the IONIQ 6 as an ‘Electrified Streamliner’. This is because it is aerodynamically sculpted and uses sustainable materials. 

The sedan draws inspiration from the Prophecy concept Hyundai previewed in 2020. Thus, it uses clean, simple lines and a pure aerodynamic form. Hyundai describes this as ‘Emotional Efficiency’. 

Exterior Highlights

The IONIQ 6 retains a similar shape to the Prophecy concept. However, Hyundai has toned it down to meet practicality and safety needs. Compared to the Prophecy concept, it uses a lot more graphics on the front and rear bumpers. This helps the car look more distinctive. It also helps trim the visual height of the IONIQ 6. 

Like the Prophecy concept, the IONIQ 6 continues to use the Parametric Pixel lighting elements. Hyundai plans to use these across the entire IONIQ line. These are integrated into headlights, rear combination lights and front lower sensors. At the rear, there is also a Porsche Panamera-like spoiler. The rear also continues to have vertical lights. However, it is not a part of the light bar. Meanwhile, at the front, you see two vertical aero openings in the front bumper and a long black trim strip above it. 

The IONIQ 6 also has an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.21. Helping with this is the electric sedan’s low nose, active air flaps and wheel gap reducers. The IONIQ 6 also comes with optional slim digital side mirrors. For better aero, the underside of the car also gets a full cover.

Interior Highlights

Hyundai says the IONIQ 6 has a cocoon-shaped interior. This serves as a comfortable hideaway and personal space. The interiors have a user-centric architecture. The modular touchscreen dashboard houses two screens – a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12-inch digital cluster. The steering wheel of the IONIQ 6 gets the 4-dot Interactive Pixel Lights. These enable easy communication between the driver and the vehicle. On the ends of the dashboard, you also see two new integrated digital side-view mirrors.

Since it uses a modular platform, Hyundai stretched its wheelbase for additional leg room. It features 64-colour ambient lighting and 6 dual-colour themes to set the mood in the car. The IONIQ 6 also uses a host of sustainable materials for the interior. The seats use eco-process leather or recycled-PET fabric, and the dashboard uses a bio TPO skin. The doors of the car also use bio paint made from vegetable oils. Also, a first for the IONIQ brand is the use of recycled fishing net carpets.

Technical Specifications

While the company did not share much, we know it will use the E-GMP EV platform. The same platform also underpins the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5. Hence, it will likely get similar powertrain options. However, because of the better aerodynamics, the range will be better. For comparison, IONIQ 5 has a drag coefficient of 0.288. The IONIQ 6 will likely get single and dual motor variants. Hence, it will be available with RWD and AWD.

Expected Launch

The world premiere will take place in July. That is also when Hyundai will reveal the specifications. For now, Hyundai will release a 3D digital film at three global landmark billboard sites. These sites are – K-POP Square in Seoul, Piccadilly Circus in London and Big Kahuna in New York Times Square. The film will showcase the streamlined design and flexible interior space of the IONIQ 6.

Also Read: Hyundai will launch 6 electric cars in India by 2028