Test – Hyundai Ioniq 5 (58 kWh): the ion king

In summary

Electric crossover
From €46,500
Autonomy: 384 km

Crossover or compact sedan, it’s difficult to box the Ioniq 5 exactly as its design is divisive. The Korean model, launched in 2020, took on the lines of the “45” concept vehicle presented a year earlier at the IAA in Frankfurt. The entry-level version, estimated at 46,500 euros, does not ignore all the style elements that make this car so popular. Namely a compact profile, a neo-retro look, large diameter rims (19”) and “pixel” lights.

The Ioniq 5 adopts the concept car's neo-retro look almost entirely. This 58 kWh version in the finish — The Ioniq 5 adopts the concept car’s neo-retro look almost entirely. This 58kWh version in “Intuitive” finish and priced at €46,500 is eligible for the Superbonus.

The path of light — The “pixel” lights are the trademark of the Korean.

On board the same. This “intuitive” finish doesn’t have to be inferior to the competition at the same price and finish. Aside from the fabric covering, the floor plan remains identical to that of the more upscale versions. The driver faces an air dashboard overlooked by two large, high-performance digital screens. This clean and bright environment is pleasant and still rare in the electronics market today.

The passenger compartment is modern, refined, bright and functional. It's a car that's comfortable to travel in. — The passenger compartment is modern, refined, bright and functional. It’s a car that’s comfortable to travel in.

The central touchscreen is efficient and offers many functions, including Android and Carplay connectivity.

Two tall adults will be perfectly comfortable in the back seats.

Conceived and designed as such, the Korean uses its electric car architecture to free up as much space as possible. Everything on board this car is thought out and functional. All passengers (even tall ones) will appreciate the legroom and wide seat cushions. The many practical storage spaces are supplemented by a generously dimensioned trunk (525 litres) and an additional 24-litre compartment under the bonnet for storing charging cables. The Ioniq 5 easily meets the needs of a family of 4.

The trunk is a good size. The loading area is wide and the volume (525 liters) is suitable for families.

An additional 24-liter box under the bonnet stows the charging cables.

The “Intuitive” basic version tested today is the cheapest in the catalog at a price of €46,500. Compared to the market launch in mid-2020, there is still inflation of almost 3,000 euros with the same engine and paintwork. Despite this significant increase, the “small battery” Ioniq 5 can still claim the state-approved eco-bonus of €6,000 until the end of 2022. The Ioniq 5 with the 77 kWh battery in the drive is a good choice, but starts at € 49,700. She is only entitled to the €2,000 bonus. The difference between the two models, minus the bonus, is €7,200.

Average consumption of 16.9 kWh/100 km over 800 km

To animate this Ioniq 5 at first prize, the manufacturer has chosen a simple configuration. A 58 kWh battery is connected to a 170 hp motor, which is responsible for driving the rear wheels. Despite the large mass, which flirts with 2 tons (1,985 kg), the driving performance of 0 to 100 km/h under 9 seconds is neat and energetic. Despite a top speed of 185 km/h, there is never a lack of performance behind the wheel. Maximum torque (350Nm) delivered right from the start offers lively city starts and the 3 driving modes on offer (Eco, Normal and Sport) allow you to juggle depending on the load and your environment.

Here is our average fuel consumption over a distance of almost 800 km.

Comfortable, the Ioniq 5 also retains good cornering support.

After almost 800 kilometers driven at the wheel of the Ioniq 5 (58 kWh) on a route that is 50% motorway, we observed an average consumption of 16.9 kWh/100 km, regularly using the efficient energy recovery system on several Played levels (with paddle shifters on the steering wheel). This very playful system even allows driving with just one pedal. An excellent result in favorable climatic conditions. We advise you to opt for the heat pump (950 €), which optimizes the interior temperature while saving the battery. On the Autobahn at 130 km/h, the average consumption is more like around 20 kWh/100 km.

What sets the Ioniq 5 apart is its ability to accept high power DC fast charges.

We charged at an Ionity terminal with an average of 160 kW and peaks at 183 kW.

The promised autonomy after the WLTP cycle is 384 km in mixed use. Hard to imagine on long journeys, but the Korean has an advantage up its sleeve: fast charging. Even this Access version is equipped with the 800 volt system, capable of handling a DC load of up to 350 kW, better than a Porsche Taycan! Enough to theoretically allow a charge from 0 to 80% in just 18 minutes. But to date, no fast terminal is capable of delivering such performance. However, the waiting time on an Ionity terminal (when the latter is operational) will rarely exceed 30 minutes, as we observed during this test, where the Korean easily held a 163 kW load with peaks at 183 kW. In the end, long trips are possible with a minimum of preparation.

To do this, it is possible to subscribe to “ChargemyHyundai”, which offers 3 charging offers included (without an Ionity subscription of €13/month, which grants preferential rates) according to your needs, but also an intelligent route planner that will inform you of the terminals available , their power etc.

However, we recommend the ABRP application (Carplay and Android compatible), the reference for calculating routes in conjunction with a Chargemap card for more flexibility. Please note that in this case you will not benefit from preferential tariffs on Ionity terminals. If you have to drive long distances regularly, choose the 77 kWh battery and take out an Ionity subscription. With alternating current, the Ioniq 5 offers a charging power of up to 11 kW.

Test - Hyundai Ioniq 5 (58 kWh): the ion king

Despite its considerable width (1.89 m), which decreases in the city and in parking lots, the Ioniq 5 is particularly pleasant to drive. The cushioning perfectly balances the excess weight and the large diameter rims guarantee a very good comfort. This good traveler enjoys good soundproofing even at high speeds, which makes highway driving enjoyable. On the secondary road, the body almost does not support itself and faithfully follows the specified trajectories.