Hyundai Ioniq 5 first drive

Zapmap verdict: “Hyundai already had some excellent electric cars before the Ioniq 5 came along. Now it has a truly world-class model.”

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Range & charging

Larger than it looks in photos, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers customers a practical family-sized crossover with a significant range, ultra-rapid charging, and a superb cabin.

There are three configurations available:

• • ● Hyundai Ioniq 5 58 kWh RWD – 125 kW – 58 kWh – 240 miles
  • ● Hyundai Ioniq 5 73 kWh RWD – 160 kW – 73 kWh – 300 miles
  • ● Hyundai Ioniq 5 73 kWh AWD – 224 kW – 73 kWh – 287 miles

Range

The best model in the line-up in terms of driving range is the 73 kWh RWD model, capable of covering 300 miles on a charge according to WLTP tests. The model reviewed was the 73 kWh AWD, which is rated at 287 miles, and there’s a 58 kWh RWD Ioniq 5 available with 240 miles per charge.

Although the first drive was very much that – initial impressions – those impressions were very good. Calculated driving range on percentage used against miles covered brought up 290 miles on the calculator. That’s over a mixture of urban, country and fast routes, so very promising indeed. We shall test the range more thoroughly in a future review, with more time in the car.

Braking

Hyundai’s brake energy recuperation system was good before the Ioniq 5, but like many aspects of its EV expertise, it has been improved upon further. There is now an i-Pedal setting for ‘one-pedal’ driving. Previously, drivers needed to hold the left-hand steering wheel paddle to accomplish a similar feat. Those variable regen levels are still available, giving maximum flexibility to experienced EV drivers, but the whole system works excellently.

Charging

Charging is possible on ultra-rapid points thanks to an 800V set-up within the Ioniq 5’s systems. As such, a charge to 80% will take as little as 18 minutes according to Hyundai. We had no need to charge the car and test that, but will do in the future.

AC charging can be carried out at up to 10.5 kW via the Type 2 section of the CCS inlet. Hyundai has also added vehicle-to-x charging, allowing the car to not only be used to run equipment such as lap-tops from three-pin sockets, but also slow charge other EVs when required.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 on the road

Performance is ample rather than extreme. However, the 224 kW (305hp) all-wheel drive model with twin electric motors had plenty of shove for any task. It was comfortable at motorway speeds, easy to use around town, and relatively engaging on the twister stuff – always with reserves of power for when they were needed.

What’s the Hyundai Ioniq 5 like to drive?

Extremely good. It’s on a par with any other family crossover – electric or otherwise – in terms of refinement, comfort, and body control. The Ioniq 5 doesn’t excel in any particular area in terms of driving experience, but does everything very well. It’s reminiscent of how the VW Golf came to become a class leader – no weak points.

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Comfort & Practicality

The Ioniq 5’s boot space isn’t the largest in the class, with the sharply tailored styling cutting into the roof height a little. It’s far from pokey in the back though, and the Ioniq 5 will comfortably deal with life as a family workhorse. There’s also a storage area under the bonnet it’s worth remembering. Head, leg, and shoulder room is very good across the board, and there will be no complaints from occupants in terms of cabin space.

Design and functionality

The interior design is a real point of strength for the Ioniq 5, with a crisp and clean look to everything, but not unduly so; essentially, the key functions are easily accessible unlike some rivals. The twin screens are clear, feature crisp graphics, and work quickly, whilst the rest of the controls are on the dash or behind the steering wheel. The drive selector is a particular highlight, on its own stalk below the windscreen wiper controls, with a rotating bezel at the end. Frees up space beneath the centre console, looks good, and works well.

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Tech & Specifications

There are three trim levels – SE Connect (on the entry level 58 kWh RWD model only) Premium, and Ultimate. Fitted as standard are:

1. 12.3-inch navigation/infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
2. Digital instrument panel
3. 19-inch alloys
4. LED headlights
5. Climate control
6. i-Pedal brake energy recuperation with driving modes
7. Keyless entry and start
8. Rear parking sensors

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 takes all the excellent attributes of the company’s previous EV models and shifts things forward a notch. It’s an excellent all-rounder that drives as nicely as it looks, has plenty of clever and useful tech, and an extensive line-up varying between budget offering and long-range model. It’s one of the best cars in its class, and certainly one of the best EVs on sale today.

And how much is the road tax on an Hyundai Ioniq 5? Use our Car Tax Calculator to find out.

All information above correct at time of publication. Official economy figures, pricing, and tax rates supplied by the manufacturer. Cost to charge based on 0-100% charge at home on a tariff of 16 p/kWh.