Today we are on board the brand new Hyundai IONIQ 5 for a test drive. After a preview test drive in Milan, we are now excited to be able to drive it for a few days for an in-depth test drive. The IONIQ 5 is the first crossover developed and built on Hyundai’s fully dedicated EV platform called e-GMP. In particular we are on board the top of the range, i.e. an IONIQ 5 in Evolution setup with Recharge Pack which offers photovoltaic panels on the roof and internal and external V2L (Vehicle to Load).
Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a car that certainly does not go unnoticed with its unique and futuristic design. With its clean, streamlined lines, it almost looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. The design is so successful as to almost mask its not exactly modest dimensions, in fact we are talking about a good 464cm in length by 189cm in width. The color of the IONIQ 5 under test is matte silver, called by Hyundai Gravity Gold. It is a very unusual color but equally suitable for a car of this type.
In summary, IONIQ 5 is made with a very charismatic design and a strong personality, also inspired by the shapes of the 1974 Pony. Certainly the most impressive fact is the wheelbase, which thanks to this innovative platform manages to reach 3 meters. What does this entail? Plenty of space on board! Probably from this point of view the best car we have tested on Car-Shooters.
The interiors are also very futuristic, but at the same time practical and well finished. On the driver’s side we find two 12” displays and a two-spoke steering wheel with a decidedly futuristic shape. On the steering wheel we also find practical backlit controls and a button to select the driving mode (Eco, Comfort and Sport). On the side, under the second display, there are some very welcome physical keys for adjusting the most basic functions of the car such as climate control and multimedia controls. It’s rare to see so many physical keys these days. Finally, behind the steering wheel, there is a lever to select the driving mode and two levers to adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking.
The seats, upholstered in white perforated leather, are both heated and cooled and are decidedly comfortable. The white trim also extends to the doors, where there is also a color-changing ambient lighting system. Another gem of the seats is the possibility of reclining them completely like an armchair, a nice way to rest during short recharging stops.
The center console looks like a piece of furniture. It offers a lot of space and 4 USB ports arranged two at the front and two at the rear. It is also positioned on rails that allow it to move forward and backward. On the one hand, this favors the layout of the spaces, on the other it allows drivers of all heights to always have the armrest and glove compartment in the most suitable and reachable position. Finally, a note of merit for the soundproofing which is masterfully done.
Infotainment is the classic Hyundai system, slightly revised in the graphics. Always responsive and functional, but unfortunately there is no compatibility with CarPlay wirelessly. Another flaw, given and considered the type of car we are on, is the limited possibility of customizing the front display. On the other hand, the sound of the car is of excellent quality, entrusted to the Bose speakers.
Going down to the technical side, the IONIQ 5 under test is equipped with the largest battery of 72.6kWh and four-wheel drive formed thanks to the use of two motors arranged one for each axle. The two engines together generate a total power of 305 horsepower and allow a sprint from 0 to 100kmh in just 5.1 seconds. The declared range is 430km and it is a fact that, in summer and with the air conditioning on, it can be reached without any effort by staying off motorways. Realistically on a motorway trip we have seen a range that slightly exceeds 300km.
When it comes to charging, this IONIQ 5 is spectacular. Thanks to the 800v architecture, the charging curve is nothing short of impressive. With the 300kW HPC columns we managed to go from 3% to 80% in just 25 minutes. In alternating current, on the other hand, it is possible to use the 11kW three-phase on-board charger (OBC), which allows you to “fill up” in less than one night.
The set-up of the IONIQ 5 tends to be calibrated on comfort, the steering rightly isn’t very direct and despite the 20-inch rims, offered as standard in the Evolution trim, potholes and bumps on the road surface are absorbed very well. IONIQ 5 offers safety and stability at any speed and, if you want to push a little, you notice a slightly oversteer behavior.
IONIQ 5 prices start at 47,500 for the base range with 58kWh battery and single motor, up to around 65,000 euros for the top of the range being tested.
Overall, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a car that we liked very much and certainly thanks to its very innovative design and its comfort qualities it will be able to conquer a good portion of people interested in the world of electric mobility.
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