2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Vehicle: Initial Australian Test Drive

Hyundai has unveiled its latest electric vehicle (EV), the IONIQ 5, a stylish and high-performing SUV that is setting new standards in the EV market.

Design and Features

The IONIQ 5 boasts a tautly chiselled, retro-futuristic design that is sure to turn heads. Inside, the vehicle offers a large 'Universal Island' centre console with an open area for a small bag or pair of shoes, a glovebox that is a pull-out drawer big enough to hold a 13-inch laptop, and a distinctive in-house look, including a dash design with some Mercedes-aping features.

Performance and Servicing

The IONIQ 5 is available in both RWD and AWD versions. Hyundai quotes 5.2 seconds for the AWD IONIQ's 0-100km/h performance. The servicing costs are reasonable, with $220 every year or 15,000km, with the exception of the 48-month/60,000km visit that asks a steeper $804.

Eco-Friendly Materials and Technology

Hyundai has emphasised eco materials in the IONIQ 5, including recyclable paperette door trim, bio-painted interior surfaces, and veggie-oil-treated leather upholstery. The IONIQ 5 also comes equipped with an infotainment menu that includes an EV page providing additional information, such as distance to the nearest charging station.

Advanced Technology and Charging Capabilities

The IONIQ 5 is equipped with two sets of recharging plugs, one for conventional power sockets and another for 800V charging, which is double the industry standard for EVs. This advanced technology allows the IONIQ 5 to be one of the fastest-replenishing EVs when hooked up to a 350kW DC ultra-fast charger, with a 10-80% charging time of just over 17 minutes.

Vehicle to Load (V2L) Technology

The IONIQ 5 also features Vehicle to Load (V2L) power source technology, allowing various electrical appliances to be plugged into a 250V/15A socket when stationary. The vehicle can even give another EV a quick battery boost using its V2L technology. However, it's worth noting that Australian IONIQ 5s do not have a power socket beneath the rear seats that can turn the car into a rolling power bank.

Standard Features and Pricing

The IONIQ 5 comes with standard features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lamps, a smart tailgate, electrically adjustable front seats, heated and electrically adjustable rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual 12.3-inch dash displays, surround-view cameras, and a Bose audio system. A more affordable, RWD version of the IONIQ 5 is available now, priced at $71,900.

Safety and Warranty

The IONIQ 5 is covered by a five-year warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km.

Future Models

An IONIQ 5 N, a high-performance version, is expected to top the range at a later date. Hyundai has also announced plans for a new IONIQ sub-brand range, with the IONIQ 5 being the first model in this lineup.

Local Assembly and Availability

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Line available in Australia in 2024 is manufactured by Hyundai, as part of their IONIQ electric vehicle lineup. Specific local assembly details for Australia are not stated, but Hyundai produces the IONIQ 5 models globally in several plants including South Korea and some exports to Australia.

The IONIQ 5 is currently the most expensive model in Hyundai showrooms, priced at $75,900 AWD. The boot of the IONIQ 5 has a capacity of 527 litres. The boot is relatively shallow, though the seatbacks fold down flat if more space is required.

The IONIQ 5 is larger than it appears, with a length of 4635mm and a wheelbase longer than the Palisade. The vehicle has a big rear door for wide ingress/egress to a VIP-like rear seat with considerable knee space. The accelerator and brake pedals have Plus and Minus symbols, a thoughtful design touch that makes the vehicle easier to drive for all drivers.

Despite its 2100kg kerb weight, the IONIQ 5's battery platform helps create a low center of gravity, making the vehicle quite adept at directional changes. The IONIQ 5 is a new electric SUV from Hyundai that is sure to make waves in the EV market.