CHATHAM, Mass. – The look is entirely unique but the swift, quiet, smooth driving experience says the four-door sedan maneuvering smoothly through the twisting bay-side roads of Wellfleet, Mass. is the latest offering from the growing family of Hyundai electric vehicles, the new 2023 Ioniq 6.
Based on the Korean company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which also provides the foundation for such stalwart EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV-60, the Ioniq 6 Limited long-range (dual-motor AWD, all-wheel-drive with 20-inch wheels trim) delivered the performance and comfort I have come to expect from the vehicles in this group.
This long-range version utilizes a 77.4kWh hour capable of up to 305miles of range (up to 361 in the single-motor, rear-wheel drive long-range) and is also able to be recharged on a Level 3 350W fast-charger up to 80 percent of capacity in in 18 minutes!
Proven powertrain
At the heart of Ioniq 6 is an energy-dense Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (80/10/10) 77.4 kWh battery pack. The low-mounted, underfloor pack delivers energy to electric motors at the front and rear axles balanced for traction and operating and capability.
The combined power of the twin motors is 277kW or 320 horsepower which can be delivered to the four wheels of the car for optimum operation depending on which of the five drive modes is selected by the driver:
- ECO: maximum driving range
- Normal: for comfort and ride refinement
- Sport: for nimble and responsive performance
- Snow: for maximum traction & stability
- Custom: customizable drive mode
The amount of power to AWD operation and torque-split differential front/rear is determined by the car’s computers based on chosen mode. In addition, the regenerative braking can be customized based upon drive mode selection.
The regen braking has four levels of operation which the driver can select via the steering-column-mounted paddle shifters, including i-Pedal one-pedal driving. In i-Pedal model the regen system is capable of stopping the Ioniq 6 simply by using the accelerator pedal (my choice whenever available).
The Smart Regenerative System 2.0 can even adjust braking automatically via the car’s radar system, changing operation based upon surrounding traffic.
I had no opportunity to test the Snow mode, but the other three – ECO, Normal and Sport – did change the reaction and feel of the Ioniq 6 as I motored along. I ended up primarily in the Normal mode since it offered just the right blend of performance – the Ioniq 6 is always quick enough for today’s American roads, capable of 0-60 in well under seven seconds – comfort and range for everyday driving.
All these systems, plus the broad spectrum of recharging options (from 110V outlet to quick Level 3 fast charging), makes the Ioniq 6 an EV which is easy to live with.
And, with a home charger like the Level-2 Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home in my garage, keeping the Ioniq 6 juiced is really simple.
ADAS goes beyond the unique regen system supplemented by strong chassis components
As is the case with Hyundai’s Limited-trim vehicles, this Ioniq 6 had a comprehensive list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These included blind-spot collision warning; blind-spot collision avoidance assist; surround-view monitor; blind-spot-view monitor; rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist; parking distance warning front/rear; parking collision avoidance assist with car/pedestrian/cyclist; detection and junction turning; land-keeping assist/lane-following assist; intelligent speed-limit assist; Highway Driving Assist II and high-beam assist.
Many of the ADAS are built upon the capabilities of the power-assisted, four-channel, four-wheel-sensor anti-lock (ABS) braking system which features 128-inch ventilated rotors at the front and 12.8-inch solid ones in the rear.
The brakes live within 20-inch alloy wheels wearing 245/40R20 all-season tires.
Premium interior filled with modern technology and amenities
The Ioniq 6 Limited’s interior is a large, comfortable place for up to five persons, with an especially large rear seat area. (with a multiple-inch advantages over competitors like the Tesla Model 3).
The seats are covered with artificial leather; heated/ventilated as well as power adjustable up front. The cabin’s environment is controlled by an automatic two-zone climate-control system which can be controlled by either logical dash-mounted buttons or commands through the dash display.
The heart of the infotainment system with navigation system is the aforementioned 12.3-inch LCD touchscreen, which is paired with a 12.3-inch informational instrument screen within the display wall running 36 inches from the left side to the middle of the dash.
The Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capable infotainment system with satellite radio pumps its sound through a Bose Premium Audio System.
This is a very comfortable place for either a quick jaunt to a local shop or a long-distance highway voyage. It never gets loud, at least due to the Ioniq 6’s activities, nor does anything but the roughest roads cause a disturbance.
Excellence and EV value
The Ioniq 6 range offers single (RWD) and dual-motor (AWD) configurations in standard and long-range versions, SE, SEL and Limited trims. The SE RWD standard range leads off the group at $41,600 while the fully equipped Limited AWD long-range model like I sampled had a base price of $56,100. Adding in the one option, carpeted floor mats at $210, and inland freight & handling at $1,110, brought the as-tested price to $57,425.
This price puts into the ballpark with the EV sedan segment and with the extensive Hyundai dealer network, the ever-growing public charging network, including fast chargers, the Ioniq 6 at the top of the group. It offers the best range of options, features and choices amongst the EV sedans and would be a solid choice for anyone looking in this arena.
