Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022) in the test: price, hp, range

The brand’s first electric model, the Hyundai Ioniq, was also more of a car that wanted to please everyone: the model was available as a hybrid, as a plug-in hybrid and as a pure electric vehicle, and it was drawn so conservatively that no one had to fear being uncomfortable with an Ioniq or attracting attention at all.

With the Ioniq 5 it’s different – the car dares pop. And like the brightly colored, stylish K-Pop icons, as an outsider you don’t understand directly what actually makes the fascination. In fact, the design looks more like from another planet than from another culture. This is ensured by the futuristic, angular lines and the matt, shimmering silver of the test car. The square shape of the LED lights at the rear and front, which the manufacturer calls “Parametric Pixels”, looks as if they came straight out of a video game.

The Ioniq 5 has something venerable about it: When the model celebrated its premiere as a concept at the IAA 2019, it was intended to be a reminiscence of the Hyundai Pony, which celebrated great success in the 1980s. In Germany, very few people are likely to understand this (or any other) design anecdote. But: you look.

Admirable is the radical consistency with which the Koreans continue the differentness of the model in the interior. Shallow air vents and well-placed buttons and switches create a modern, airy look. This is also helped by the fact that the center console has been limited to what is absolutely necessary, such as cup holders and storage space.

Unfortunately, it was the multimedia system that left us somewhat at a loss in the test. Well, that speaks for K-Pop too. However, Hyundai could have dared to do a little more purism here. You sometimes have difficulties navigating through the somewhat playful menus of the 12-inch touchscreen. It’s a good thing that the Ioniq 5 also projects the most important driving information and navigation onto the windshield via a head-up display.

If desired, the Hyundai can show charging stations along the route. Unfortunately, he does not integrate loading times into the planning of the arrival time. It is precisely these intelligent systems that are now included with competitors such as Tesla, but also Mercedes, and are damn practical.

Fast loading times, but also high consumption

The fact that you can still regulate almost all important functions such as the air conditioning and the volume with buttons and switches should be an advantage for some car buyers over competitors such as the Model 3 from Tesla. The seats are comfortable too, and thanks to the ample legroom on the back seat and the flat entrance, the Ioniq 5 is even suitable as a family car.

The acceleration is convincing, which of course you can expect with an output of 220 kW (about 300 hp) and all-wheel drive. Two electric motors, one in front and one behind, accelerate the model to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds – despite a weight of around 2.5 tons. This even puts a Golf GTI Clubsport in the shade.

However, if you like to drive fast, you pay the price for this: Because the consumption of the test car is disappointingly high after the first exit. The Ioniq consumed a total of 28.3 kWh over 100 kilometers, and it wasn’t even on the motorway. With the current electricity prices, this is no fun and is even higher than the consumption of the Porsche Taycan. Despite a large battery with 72.6 kWh, there is not much left of the promised range of 481 kilometers.

Another exit in Eco mode and with a very cautious driving style reveals: The fluctuations in the Ioniq are relatively large. The recuperation can be infinitely adjusted and ensures that you rarely have to step on the brakes and also recovers energy. In the end, we end up with a consumption of around 15 kWh. However, it is almost a pity that the Ioniq cannot show many of its strengths at all.

The Ioniq not only has the sometimes high consumption in common with the Taycan, but also the 800-volt on-board system, which promises particularly high charging power at a corresponding DC charging station. From 10 to 80 percent it should work in 18 minutes.

During a 30-minute shopping trip, the Ioniq quickly recharges itself – even if, as usual, it takes a little longer from a charge level of 80 percent. We start at cold temperatures with around 124 kW at a charging station that promises an output of 150 kW. Theoretically, the Hyundai could be even faster.

If you still need longer, you can move the seats to the sleeping position – including a footrest. And Hyundai has installed a 230 V safety socket in the glove compartment. This seems well thought out and helps to get longer charging breaks over with comfortably.

Socket always with you

For an extra charge, the Ioniq 5 heats the interior using a heat pump. Unfortunately, the test cannot check whether the surcharge is worth it in comparison to the savings.

When shopping, however, it is noticeable that the storage space in the Ioniq 5 is not particularly cheap. The dynamic look takes its toll here. The 527 liters that the manufacturer advertises on paper are ample, but in reality they cannot always be used optimally due to the sloping tailgate. The cables can be stowed under the hood. And the Ioniq 5 can also pull a trailer weighing up to 1600 kilograms – that is more than most of its competitors.

Unlike many of its competitors, the Hyundai can not only fill up with electricity using an adapter, but also discharge it. This is practical if you are planning a trip with an electric grill or an electric freezer, charging the e-bike on the way or just want to vacuum the interior. And unlike many electric competitors, it can also tow trailers weighing up to 1,600 kilograms.

Hyundai has not exaggerated the price. The entry-level version is available from 41,900 euros, the test car with all-wheel drive, plenty of horsepower and a large battery is available from 49,900 euros – less an environmental bonus of 9,000 euros. At least if you are lucky enough to get your model delivered in 2022. Because buyers currently have to wait 10 to 12 months.

But patience can pay off. With the Ioniq 5, Hyundai has succeeded no less than a modern classic that can already do many things that the competition cannot offer. Like K-Pop, the wagon is ahead of its time, you probably don’t realize how powerful an influencer he is until the kids want one. But it is not for nothing that the model in 2022 has sold better than the Audi Q4 e-tron of the same price. There it is, the world hit.

Technical specifications

Mid-size four-door crossover

• Length: 4.63 meters
• Width: 1.89 meters, 2.12 meters including side mirrors
• Height: 1.6 meters (without antenna)
• Wheelbase: 3 meters
• Curb weight: 2.1 tons
• Trunk volume: 527 to 1587 liters
• Two electric motors
• Total power: 225 kW/ 305 hp
• maximum torque: 605 Nm
• all wheel drive
• 0-100km/h: 5.2s
• Vmax: 185 km/h (limited)
• Battery: 72.6kWh
• Standard consumption: 17.7 kWh/100 kilometers (WLTP)
• maximum range: 460 km
• Price: from 48,900 euros

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