In challenge to Tesla, Hyundai Ioniq 6, its first electric sedan, launched
In a massive bid to increase its market share in the global electric vehicle (EV) playing field, Hyundai Motor Co has officially launched its first electric sedan called Ioniq 6 in its home base of South Korea. With an eye to challenge Tesla and possible reduce the lead that the US company has in the EV space, Hyundai Motor Group has plans of launching as many as 31 all-electric models till 2030.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 may be just one of the many EVs planned by the Koreans but it is being touted as the most significant one as it is the first all-electric sedan from the company and one that would likely go head-on against the Model 3, Tesla's best-selling EV which is also a sedan.
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Combining forces, Hyundai and Kia - under the Hyundai Motor Group banner, have been looking to make significant in roads in markets where EVs are gaining wider acceptance. While China remains the biggest automotive market as well as EV market and while Tesla has a formidable market share here and the world over, the Koreans are appearing more determined than ever before to ensure a product offensive ushers in a change of tectonic proportions.
As such, the Ioniq 6 will have to fight a massive battle.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 exterior styling
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 design from the outside is likely to divide opinions because while it does have a smart face, it isn't radically sporty or modern. The Hyundai designers have given it a clean-cut image and the swooping roofline - best seen from the side - gives it a coupe-ish profile, complete with a Porsche-like spoiler at the rear.
LED lights are all around the EV and the Ioniq 6 stands lower than conventional Hyundai sedans - a deliberate move to enhance aerodynamics.
(Also see | In pics: Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan launched; to rival Tesla Model 3 EV )
Hyundai Ioniq 6 dimensions
The Ioniq 6 isn't the most dominant-looking but does claim to have a striking road presence with the focus on passenger comfort. As such, it has a wheelbase of 2,950 mm. Standing on either 20 or 18-inch wheels, the EV measures 4,855 mm in length, is 1,880 mm wide and 1,495 mm tall.
For only reference purposes, the Hyundai Verna sold in India measures 4,440 mm in length, is 1,729 mm wide and 1,475 mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 battery, motor and range
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 gets a long-range 77.4 kWh battery pack and this is paired with two electric motors for 320 hp and 605 Nm of torque. It may also be paired to a single motor for maximum range. There is also a 53 kWh battery pack with a single motor but the official power output and torque figures have not been revealed for this.
If range is the biggest concern for a prospective buyer, Ioniq-6 claims to have a WLTP-certified per-charge range of 610 kms when the bigger battery pack is paired with a single motor.
Hyundai is also claiming that the base variant of the Ioniq 6 would be the most energy-efficient car anywhere around the globe with energy consumption at under 14 kWh per 100 km.
But if someone is looking to extract the maximum performance from the EV, Hyundai claims that the Ioniq 6 can hit 100 kmph in 5.1 seconds in the dual-motor set up and in around seven second with the single motor.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 features
Being the latest Hyundai EV, the Ioniq 6 is absolutely packed to the brim with tech-based features.
The list is dominated by a 12-inch main infotainment unit inside, multiple USB Type-C and Type A ports, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 64-colour ambient lighting, Relaxation Comfort Seats at the front, among others.
