Hyundai Ioniq 5 upgraded to 325hp
Larger battery capacity means more of the good stuff for Hyundai's 2023MY EV
We're on the record as Hyundai Ioniq 5 fans. After all it ticks many if not most of the usable-EV boxes. It is decent enough to look at, cavernous inside, well-appointed, fast (but not insanely so) and satisfying to drive. It is also equipped with an 800-volt charging architecture, which is still the gold standard of plug-in functionality. (Trust us when we say that being able to accept the full fire-hose 350kW charge while the competition is limited to filling up with a 125kW lawn-sprinkler is a gratifying advantage.)
Better still, the manufacturer has not been content to sit back on its laurels. Because for the 2023 model year, it has confirmed that the Ioniq 5 will get (slightly) better still. For the most part, that's because its battery capacity has increased from 72.6 kWh to 77.4 kWh, which perhaps doesn't sound earth-shattering but is significant enough to lift the WLTP-grade range from a respectable 268 miles to a perception-altering 315 miles - and means that Hyundai can claim to rival the top-spec VW ID.4.
Additionally, the upgrade - which is complemented by a new battery heater that optimises the charging temperature for better consistency - means it can also eke a bit more output from the Ioniq 5, and while 11hp isn't going to explode the minds of anyone buying a two-tonne EV, 325hp is indisputably a bigger figure than it quoted previously. And, much like the range, bigger is better. Preliminary figures suggests it'll drop the 0-62mph time by 0.1 seconds in the range-topping model - so there are infinitesimal bragging rights to consider, too.
Speaking of the flagship version, there is a new one. The Ultimate trim level, priced from £48,400, is still on the list, but it's a sign of the Ioniq 5's success that Hyundai feels like it can now trump it with something called the Namsan Edition - a variant that combines standard Digital Side Mirrors with a new full-length panoramic roof and a £52,900 starting price for the rear-drive version. If that sounds like quite a lot, you're not wrong - but it's worth pointing out that at £56,400 the AWD car is at eye-level with the ID.4 GTX Max. A car it now (albeit modestly) trumps for power, pace and range. Coincidence? Nope.
Nonetheless - a great car
Nonetheless - a great car
Modern car design intrigues me.
I don’t know a thing about this car, but it’s design language (without scale reference points) gives no clue as to whether it’s a super mini or a full size SUV thingy!
From the b pillar back reminds me of the Audi A1.
Modern car design intrigues me.
I don’t know a thing about this car, but it’s design language (without scale reference points) gives no clue as to whether it’s a super mini or a full size SUV thingy!
From the b pillar back reminds me of the Audi A1.
Why do I love it? The clean styling, with a consistent design language from one end to the other. The proportions of the car. The use of space inside the car. But mostly, I love it for its looks. Really distinctive on the road. It just needs some more colour options (oh, for the Mazda red) and wheel choices and it would be well-nigh perfect.
Modern car design intrigues me.
I don’t know a thing about this car, but it’s design language (without scale reference points) gives no clue as to whether it’s a super mini or a full size SUV thingy!
From the b pillar back reminds me of the Audi A1.
Size wise, I was getting rid of my wifes Ford Edge and my BMW i3S to go to a bigger EV.
Theirs bags of flexible space with the sliding rear seats and sliding centre consol. It can make for a huge boot space when you need it.
Design/looks wise, I've had more positive comments than all of my previous cars put together.
People approaching to ask questions etc.
I did get the Maestro comment from a colleague last year which we laughed about but, as they say, each to their own..
Modern car design intrigues me.
I don’t know a thing about this car, but it’s design language (without scale reference points) gives no clue as to whether it’s a super mini or a full size SUV thingy!
From the b pillar back reminds me of the Audi A1.
That isnt a criticism, I really love how these look but there are elements that look like a Princess 40 odd years on, seen other (old...) people say the same.
But these do really appeal, Hyundai nailed it with this.
They're not for me though, proportionally it's all wrong, and some of the detailing will age very quickly.
Agree with the other poster re. the range/capacity. A capacity of 72.6kWh and a range of 268 miles equates to 3.69 miles/kWh, or an additional 17.7 miles, not 47. Either it's BS, or they've not just upped the capacity, they've also increased the efficiency from 3.69 to 4.07 miles/kWh.
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