Hyundai Ioniq 6 AWD, what we like what we don't | Our proof

Hyundai Ioniq 6 AWD

We previewed it and carefully studied it during its debut in 2022, the Ioniq 6 is the new coupe electric sedan of the Korean brand and it is not only a first for the sector but also the winner of the World Car of the Year, thus succeeding the Ioniq 5. Heralded by the Prophecy concept car in 2020, Ioniq 6 is based on the E-GMP platform dedicated to electric cars and also used by the Ioniq 5 and the future Ioniq 7, which will arrive on the market in the coming years.

Compared to Ioniq 5, the new model provides a completely different design moving away, in some ways, from what was (briefly we dare to say) the style language of the brand for the Ioniq range. The design here is therefore curvilinear and extremely aerodynamic, specially designed to minimize aerodynamic drag. The side view features a huge arc that runs almost the entire length of the car, true streamliner, fold-down door handles, digital mirrors (option) and a spoiler incorporating the third brake light (Pixel Light).



--> All these tricks reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient, positioning it at 0.21, practically close to the Mercedes EQS (0.20) and Mercedes EQXX (0.18). To give a measure, the Tesla Model S and Model 3 have 0.24 and 0.22 respectively (in the “standard” declinations). Ioniq 6 measures 4855 mm in length, 1880 mm in width with a wheelbase of 2950 mm; compared to Ioniq 5, with which it shares the platform, it is about 20 centimeters longer while the other data remain practically unchanged.

Similarly to the other models designed around the E-GMP platform, two cuts of battery and three engines. We will come back to this point later, but in more detail:

Version Power kW (HP) Autonomy 18″ Autonomy 20″ Progress trim Innovation trim Evolution 53.3 kWh RWD 111 (151) 429 km – 47,500 euro – – 77.4 kWh RWD 168 (229) 614 km 545 km – 55.400 euro 58.950 euro 77.4 kWh AWD 239 (329) – 519 km – – 62.450 euro --> As far as packages and accessories are concerned, Hyundai does not have a particularly rich list but we know that it is now a feeling common to many brands. The only package available is the Tech Pack which includes digital side mirrors and panoramic sunroof, at a price of 1,800 euros.

What we like

Ioniq 6 looks like a car sculpted by the wind or designed to cut through the air: we always repeat that design is more than a subjective aspect, but we like how Hyundai has "inherited" or been inspired by the best of some cars to create this solution. We spoke with some colleagues during the test and the feeling we got is that there are many stylistic cues from different generations: the front area is very modern, almost like a spaceship, the side cut is reminiscent of the Mercedes CLS while the rear recalls a bit the vintage lines of Porsches. Ioniq 6 is a car that catches the eye and we are aware that you may not like it, but it certainly stands out and moves away from those that are only the classic stylistic elements of the sector almost as Tesla has done over the years.



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The interiors, thanks to the use of the E-GMP platform, are very spacious and comfortable. The sensation we had was that of driving a luxury car, full of comforts and quality materials. As with the Ioniq 5, Hyundai has made extensive use of recycled products by offering materials that are closer to the environment but equally of high quality.

Space is plentiful for both front and rear occupants (the rear tunnel is absent and in the resulting space it is even possible to "park" an electric scooter) and, despite the sloping roof, all the seats are comfortable and easy. In the richest set-up, Hyundai provides seats so comfortable that they become real chaise longues to be pampered during the recharging phases.





The dashboard follows the stylistic features of Ioniq 5, with two large wide screens to be used for the entertainment system and to communicate the main information to the driver. Although Ioniq 6 seems to come from the future, the manufacturer has decided to keep a good deal of physical keys to ensure few driving distractions: well done Hyundai! The airliner-style side "flaps" which house the digital mirrors in the more equipped versions are also beautiful. A carefully studied addition which, compared to other manufacturers, appears more congenial.

No buttons in the doors, the windows and mirrors are controlled from the controls in the central tunnel: one of the many peculiarities that you need to get used to, along with the original rotary gear selector positioned on the steering column.

What we don't like

There are few things that didn't convince us about the Ioniq 6, but we certainly would have liked to find Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in their Wireless modes. We understand that some manufacturers prefer to offer a 360-degree experience with their entertainment and control ecosystems but we think that is a limited offer given the widespread use of these two systems.

Stowage space is also underwhelming , very contained for a car of this size. There is a necessary premise to be made: those who buy Ioniq 6 will certainly not go to IKEA to buy tables and furniture, but we believe that 401 liters is a modest capacity. The same goes for the frunk, the 45-litre front trunk.

How it drives

Compared to other electrics we've tested, the Ioniq 6 isn't an extremely sharp car, but despite the length and wheelbase, the car is just as sporty as it manages to offer important accelerations and well-measured braking. We tried the 329 horsepower AWD version which allows you to manually deactivate the integral mode so as to use only one engine (rear) and save a little on consumption. The set-up is valid even if there are no sophisticated settings dedicated to suspension adjustment; the Hyundai is glued to the road and feels like traveling on rails. In short, the behavior is linear and very balanced.

How much does it consume? This aspect is certainly and always the most interesting. The car is extremely aerodynamic and thanks to this aspect it is possible to obtain really important values. With a "happy" pace we reached 19 kWh / 100 km, while measuring the gas pedal more carefully it is not difficult to touch 15 kWh / 100 km. Hyundai declares a consumption of 14 kWh / 100 km (RWD version with 18" rims) and we believe that it is not that difficult to obtain in the mixed cycle (subject of our brief test on the Piedmont hills).



The regenerative braking is very effective and easily adjustable with the paddles on the steering wheel, which also allow you to activate one pedal (i-Pedal) driving. At the moment it is not possible for us to confirm or deny the range declared by Hyundai of over 500 km, but we think it will not be difficult to reach or approach this threshold.

The advanced 800V E-GMP platform shared with Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 allow you to recharge with a maximum power of 350 kW and go from 10% to 80% charge in less than twenty minutes (provided you find suitable columns). During the year it will be possible to use the Plug&Charge service; therefore, it will be allowed to connect the plug to have our account recognized automatically (without apps or cards).

Furthermore, the car can also be used as a huge battery for any other device (or to recharge a other car) thanks to the V2L technology which makes it possible to supply 3.6 kW of power via the internal and external socket.

Is it worth it?

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 starts at 47,500 euros in the Progress version and can exceed 58,000 euros in the Evolution version. Those who want more grip on the asphalt or power can opt for the 62,000 euro AWD variants. The standard equipment is very rich right from the basic set-up which includes numerous accessories, including Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, alloy wheels, Pixel Light lights, dual-zone climate, lots of sensors and USB-C sockets and much more. We specify that only the Long Range versions have a heat pump, very useful for reducing consumption.

Alternatively, the Hyundai By Mobility formula is available: the 77.4 kW Innovation RWD can be obtained with an advance of €14,650 and monthly installments of €429; after the three years, it can be redeemed by paying €27,700 or choosing another model (or returning the car).

Hyundai offers one of the best warranty plans in the automotive industry for the Ioniq 6:

5-year warranty with unlimited km; 8 years or 160 thousand km on the battery. How is it positioned on the market? With Tesla's recent price cut it is difficult to analyze this aspect. If we had to evaluate only the cost for the end user, Ioniq 6 appears slightly more expensive but the build quality and the fine finishes justify the difference in outlay in our opinion.