Those cheeky chaps from Monty Python may well have had the new IONIQ 5 in mind
when they coined their “And Now For Something Completely Different” catch-phrase.
A futuristically-styled mid-sized SUV, the IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first-ever dedicated battery-
electric vehicle as distinct from the Kona SUV and IONIQ hatchback models which also
come with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
Although it carries Hyundai badging, the SUV IONIQ 5 is the first vehicle from the Korean
company’s new sub-brand and joins the luxury Genesis marque but with EV only models.
The existing IONIQ hatchback variants (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV) will continue to be
sold as Hyundais, but future dedicated EV including a sedan (IONIQ 6) and large SUV
(IONIQ 7) will sell join the IONIQ 5 under the new brand name.
IONIQ 5 is available in one grade, with the option of a rear-wheel single motor layout or a
dual motor (rear and front) AWD. Our test car was the AWD variant with Hyundai’s HTRAC
multi-mode system and in metallic Galactic Grey, one of six exterior colour options.
STYLING
As always there will be opposing opinions about external styling and that’s even more
likely when something as adventurous as IONIQ 5 comes along. We absolutely loved
everything about it, a few were non-committal, while a couple hated it. One thing that was
consistent as we drove the car around for a week was that it didn’t go un-noticed.
Although EVs don’t need a conventional grille most models to date have been based on
petrol or hybrid vehicles any so usually end up with a closed-off version of the grille.
Because IONIQ 5 is all-new from the ground up its designers have been allowed to let
their creative juices run free. The front of the car features two narrow glass strips, the top
one with twin rectangular LED headlamps outside of orange turn indicators on either side
and sensors and a camera in between.
Below there’s a full-width string of LED daytime running lights beneath while at the bottom
there is a pair of air flap that opens when needed to provide cooling to the various pieces
of componentry above.
On the side a diagonal crease runs from high in the front doors down to the base of the
rear ones with a neat lined panel at the bottom of the doors. The door handles sit flush
against the doors and pop out when unlocked. The wheels are 20-inch alloys with a
complex design.
Throughout the exterior of the IONIQ 5 car there’s a small square design that’s most
noticeable at the rear lighting panel with, as at the front, the name in the centre and
rectangular taillights surrounding the turn indictors.
INTERIOR
The innovative design features continue inside the IONIQ 5
Comfort features include a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats,
heated rear seats and an adjustable centre console. The front seats are 12-way power
adjustable and come with a ‘Relaxion’ (zero gravity) mode. Perfect for lying back and
having a quick nap while the car is charging.
IONIQ 5 has a three-metre wheelbase and that contributes to a level of rear legroom that
you’d get in a luxury sedan. All seats are power adjustable with a memory function which
can be set through the digital display screen.
A vision glass roof with a powered sunshade is standard in both models.
There are a number of “why didn’t someone think of that before?” features including a
padded bar that runs the length of the interior doors instead of conventional handles, a
glovebox that slides in and out and a small magnetic pad on the right edge of the display
panel where you can pin notes, photos, etc.
The charge point is at the rear driver’s side with both AC and DC sockets. The cables are
located under the front bonnet including a very clever Vehicle to Load device which plugs
into the car’s AC port at one end and a standard power plug at the other allowing for
multiple uses including providing power to another electric vehicle.
During our week we found a practical use when we had a black-out at home but were able
to plug in a kettle and have a welcome cuppa while we waited for the power to come back
on. Amazing!
Full charge through a standard domestic power point is upward of 24 hours. However, it’s
likely that anyone buying an EV will invest around $2000 in a home charging wallbox. This
will reduce charging time to around six hours while an ultra-fast charger can charge from
10% to 80% in around 18 minutes.
We’re currently in the process of having a wallbox installed at our home office by JET
Charge, Australia’s leading installer of EV charging equipment who partner with Hyundai
as well as most other EV brands including Tesla, Volvo, Porsche and Audi. We’ll do a
follow-up News story to report on how it all works out.
DRIVETRAIN
The IONIC 5 RWD has a single 72.6 kWh battery mounted at the rear and producing
160kW of power and 350 Nm of torque with a listed WLTP range of 451 km.
The AWD version has batteries at the front and rear with outputs of 225 kW and 605 Nm
but less range, at 430 km.
INFOTAINMENT
The IONIQ 5 has two 12.3-inch screens embedded into a single panel. A digital instrument
cluster in front of the driver and a Multimedia navigation unit in the centre.
There are three USB ports at the front and two more at the rear with 12-volt sockets at the
front and another in the boot.
Wired-only Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard as well as wireless
smartphone charging. Sound is through a BOSE eight-speaker premium audio system.
Satellite navigation includes details of the closest charging stations and a driving radius on
how far the battery will allow the car to reach.
SAFETY
Standard safety features include seven airbags; front and rear autonomous emergency
braking; front and rear parking sensors; blind spot monitoring including camera coverage;
lane departure warning; lane keep assist (which can be temporarily turned off by those of
us who like to steer the car ourselves without interference); smart radar cruise control;
rear cross-traffic alert; safe exit alert; rear seat occupant alert; driver inattention alert; and
an interactive surround view monitor including a 360-degree overview; remote smart
parking assist which allows the car to be moved remotely; and two ISOFIX child seat
mountings.
DRIVING
Pressing the unlock button on the key fob opens the door handles which sit flush against
the sides of the car.
The driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive and the overall ambience of the interior
sets the scene for an enjoyable travel experience. The driving position is fairly high even
with the intrusion of the sunroof and visibility in all directions is excellent.
The chunky steering feels great but does tend to obstruct the driver’s view of the
instrument panel and the steering wheel-mounted gear selector.
We love driving electric vehicles at the best of times but the IONIQ 5 takes that enjoyment
to an even higher level. It cruises effortlessly and with such a large amount of instant
torque on offer it can accelerate sharply when needed.
Smart regeneration braking to extend range can be adjusted through steering wheel
paddles including an i-Pedal feature which allows single-pedal driving.
There are three drive modes: Normal, Eco and Sport.
The only downside with the IONOQ 5 is in the ride and handling especially through corners
where we found ourselves backing off. Typically, most Hyundai and Kia models gain the
benefit of local input into their cars’ tuning but that didn’t happen with the IONIQ 5,
possibly because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
SUMMING UP
Motoring journalists are inevitably asked what their favourite car is. After spending a week
behind the wheel of the IONIQ 5 it has certainly earned a podium spot and, with the
expected ride and handling tweaks, would likely move to the top spot.
We love its exciting styling both outside and in its bright, spacious and airy interior.
No review of an EV can be complete without reference to the price / range equation. All
EVs are very expensive when compared to conventional vehicles, including hybrids. At
$71,900 for the IONIQ 5 RWD and $75,900 for the AWD it sits at the higher end of the
segment.
Offsetting the high price, its potential range of up to 450 kilometres makes it more practical
than many of its competitors.
If you’re willing to trade-off a lower range for a more affordable price a base model IONIQ
5 will arrive here at a date to be advised later.
Standard warranty is five years with unlimited kilometres. There’s an eight-year, 160,000
km battery replacement warranty,
MODEL RANGE
IONIQ 5 160 kW 2WD: $71,900
IONIQ 5 225 kW AWD: $75,900
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
AT A GLANCE
SPECIFICATIONS (IONIQ 5 AWD Electric five-door SUV)
POWERTRAIN:
Maximum Power: 225 kW
Maximum Torque: 605 Nm
Maximum Range: (ADR 81/02) 450 km
CO2 Emissions: Zero
DRIVELINE: Single-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4635 mm
Wheelbase: 3000 mm
Width: 1890 mm
Height: 1605 mm
Turning Circle: 12.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 2100 kg
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
RATINGS
Looks: 9.5/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Range: 8.5/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
