Hang on, that’s not an SUV.
I know. Lovely isn’t it? It’s a saloon.
A… suh-lühn?
I know, not a familiar word in recent years. Ask your dad. Or maybe your grandad, but this is what cars used to look like before the world went nuts and we all started to buy cars like Americans.
I don’t remember cars ever looking like this…
Well, quite. This is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Hyundai doesn’t even call it a saloon. It’s called a ‘streamliner’ which makes it sound like a 1930s express train, and frankly that makes it even cooler.
I assume it’s electric?
Oh yes. It uses the same chassis, motors, and batteries and the hugely popular Ioniq 5, which is also — technically — not an SUV, but which is as big as a lot of SUVs. The Ioniq 6, though, goes further on a charge.
Is that because it has a bigger battery?
No, in fact it uses the same 53kWh and 77kWh batteries as you get in the Ioniq 5. But because it’s lower and sleeker, it uses them so much more efficiently. The small battery model can get 429km out of a charge, and the big battery Ioniq 6 will go for 614km before you need to recharge. It’ll also charge really quickly. If you can find a 350kW cDC charger (and they do exist) it’ll top up to 80 per cent battery in just 18 minutes.
Wow. Are those realistic figures?
Pretty much, yep. Even if you’re doing a bit of motorway driving, the big battery version should go for at least 500-550km before you need a top up. It’s all down to the Ioniq 6’s incredibly aerodynamic body. Look at that complex, Porsche-like rear end. That smoothed-off front. The active aerodynamics. This humble Hyundai is as slick through the air as a twice-as-expensive-and-then-some Mercedes EQS.
What’s it like inside?
It’s kinda gorgeous. You get the big twin screens from the Ioniq 5, which work well and aren’t too confusing to find your way around. It’s worth spending a bit on the options list to get the upgraded comfort seats in the front — they’re really comfy.
Hyundai has moved things like electric window switches to the centre console, which makes for really clean-looking door panels (and which is more efficient from a wiring point of view). You sit slightly high up, higher than you might expect, but it’s a really nice environment, and it’s really well-made.
Is it cramped in the back, with that swoopy styling?
No, not at all. It’s quite deceptive. There’s plenty of headroom and the legroom is limo-like. It’s easy to get comfy back there.
What about the boot?
Ah, here it loses out to the Ioniq 5 with its big hatchback. The Ioniq 6 has a mere 401-litres of boot space, and obviously being a separate saloon boot, it’s not as useful as the Ioniq 5 (which has 527-litres). There is an extra 40-litres of space in the nose, though, and hey — having a separate boot doesn’t seem to bother all those Tesla Model 3 owners.
How does the Ioniq 6 compare to the Model 3?
It’s priced similarly enough — €48,295 for the small battery one, and €54,315 for the big-battery version — but it’s roomier by far than the Model 3 inside, and feels much better made too. Plus you get the traditional Hyundai five year unlimited mileage warranty.
What’s it like to drive?
It’s soooooo smooth. The suspension occasionally wallops into a sharp bump, but otherwise it’s one of the most calming and soothing cars around. The silence is astonishing — that aero profile means that the molecules of air in front of the Ioniq 6 just kind of step politely out of its way, so there’s no wind noise, and very little tyre roar. It’s really lovely on a longer drive. It’s not the sharpest thing in corners (thanks to that long 3.0-metre wheelbase), and here the Tesla is more fun to drive, but it’s competent, sure-footed, and doesn’t put a foot wrong, really.
But I like SUVS…
Yes, you probably do. But this is better. It looks cooler, it goes further, it drives nicer. It’s time to come down from the high-chair and get back into a proper car.
Key Facts
How much? Starts at €48,295. The one we drove was €54,315
How fast? 0-100km/h in 7.4secs
How far? Official figure is 614km on one charge, based on using electricity at 14-16kWh/100km
What do you get? Basic Signature model gets ’Pixel’ LED lights, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, dual-zone climate, and automatic rain sensing wipers.
How big? 401-litre boot, which is a bit disappointing, but there’s an extra 45-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet which is ideal for stashing charging cables. There’s loads of stretch-out room in the cabin, front and rear.
Plus: Looks, quality, range, comfort, refinement, not an SUV
Minus: Not everyone loves the styling, small-ish boot, Ioniq 5 is better value
Equals: Sleekest thing on wheels, parts the air like melted butter going by.
