Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
With the expansion of electric vehicle offerings from almost every automaker, Hyundai has identified its e-mobility brand as the “IONIQ” label, which will continue to grow as battery technologies evolve. The Korean company’s wildly successful and game-changing IONIQ 5 compact SUV took home a bevy of industry awards since inception and features output of up to 320-horsepower and an impressive 303-mile all-electric driving range (RWD). Now enter the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 and its 4-door bubbled coupe design to magnify the EV lineup.
Hyundai is the third-largest automaker behind Toyota and VW in terms of volume, thus they have the resources to keep building progressively. That means we will see an IONIQ 7 come to market after the launch of the IONIQ 6. And it doesn’t hurt that Hyundai’s 2023 green vehicle sales are up 18%. With a target focus on millennial professionals, creative marketing to reach these potential EV owners include Hyundai Evolve+, a subscription-based service for temporarily using the IONIQ 6 such as going to Florida for two months. Think of it as a super, short-term lease. Increasing EV awareness also includes household lifestyle behaviors. For example, the Korean company is focusing on a project dubbed Hyundai Home to advance the behavioral habits of owning an EV like installing solar panel technology and Level 2 home chargers. An energy consultant secured by Hyundai will visit your house, evaluate your electrical setup, and provide the proper requirements.
In Phoenix, Arizona I had the unique opportunity of analyzing the new Hyundai EV. From the outside the IONIQ 6’s styling is reminiscent of a 4-door coupe — a look we have seen in the past — and dramatically sets itself apart from the crossover look of the IONIQ 5. It features a low hood, a stretched cabin, a spacious interior, power flush door handles, a large rear spoiler, Parametric Pixel LED lights, and a streamlined silhouette. Hyundai designers call the sedan an electrified streamliner. As you can imagine, on the road the Hyundai EV cuts through wind like knives through soft butter. The IONIQ 6 is sleek with razor-sharp lines, inviting you into a technology-laden but comforting cabin.
The cockpit is highlighted by a flat bottom and thumb-indented steering wheel, then shifts to the minimalist center console and dual 12.3” screens. Gear shifting is now located on the steering wheel column and rotates from the top of the thick stalk. Window controls have been moved from the door to the center console. Guests will enjoy the array of ambient lighting options and Electric Active Sound Design that makes galaxy reverberations when accelerating. The earth-friendly cabin utilizes eco materials like Bio Pet Fabric, Bio TPO Skin, Eco-Process Leather, and recycled paint from waste products.
Two battery pack options are available for electric power depending on your day-to-day driving needs. The shorter range 53 kWh battery with 149-horsepower achieves 240 miles. The Long Range RWD 77.4 kWh battery offers 225-horsepower and up to 361 miles of driving range. Lastly, the Long Range AWD (front and rear motors) 77.4 kWh battery provides 320-horsepower and up to 316 all-electric miles. Of course, I will always select AWD if given a choice. Super-fast charging from the 800-volt/350kW system lets you restore battery energy from 10 to 80% in as little as 18 minutes. The IONIQ 6 is also engineered with Drive Modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Custom. It will drive with RWD performance first until torque is required elsewhere. The IONIQ 6’s battery is covered by Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile Hybrid/Electric Battery & Hybrid System Components warranty.
EV owners will complete 80% of their charging at home using a 240V Level 2 unit. Therefore, a home installation setup is best once you purchase your 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6. And when leaving the house to run errands, Electrify America’s extensive nationwide charging network is at your disposal for both Level 2 and Level 3 DC Fast Charging. For example, I can tap into the Hyundai Bluelink and Electrify America mobile apps to source charging locations in my area from shopping centers to large retailers. Bluelink Connected Car also powers smart navigation and over-the-air software updates. Lastly, first-time owners of the all-electric IONIQ 6 will receive two years of unlimited 30-minute complimentary DC Fast Charging sessions from Electrify America.
“We are excited for a third collaboration with Hyundai to offer customers hyper-fast charging experiences to EV owners,” said Rob Barrosa, vice president of technology, Electrify America. “We look forward to helping advance the electric vehicle revolution with leading automakers such as Hyundai and their latest IONIQ 6 model.”
Available with two alloy wheels sizes (18s and 20s) and seven color options, MSRP starts at $41,600 for the IONIQ 6 SE Standard Range. The IONIQ 6 SE Long Range trim will be available with an EPA-estimated 361 miles of range starting at $45,500. The fully-loaded Limited AWD model is $56,100. Additionally, customers will be appeased by Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance which is part of the Hyundai Assurance Program.
The 2023 IONIQ 6 is essential to Hyundai’s strategy to present 17 EV models and sell more than 1.8 million EVs globally by 2030. And with its Progress for Humanity mantra, Hyundai will continue to celebrate smart mobility, eco-friendly mobility, and safe and convenient mobility.
