Will this IONIQ 5 electric car convince us to part with our fossil powered cars.
This was the most anticipated test drive for us for 2022 simply because there has been so much hype about the design, cabin features and also technology that has been used for this world class electric car.
This IONIQ 5 is a battery electric vehicles (BEV) built on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated BEV architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
The IONIQ 5 is already an award winning vehicle in so many areas and has been riddled with thousands of online positive comments, just in Malaysia, even though only a handful has been delivered to happy customers and with a few hundred others waiting patiently for their allocation to arrive from the Hyundai factory.
Global demand has surpassed production capability and this has given Hyundai the much needed status of being the first electric car manufacturer that might outsell Tesla (many Tesla fans going to be angry with this statement) in North America and maybe even Asia.
IONIQ 5 Design
From any angle, this is an unusual looking vehicle and it attracts attention, which is the prime reason to buy an EV right now in Malaysia. From the sleek headlights to the sharp edge body contours, this Hyundai attracts attention from even non car lovers. It is just too modern and avant garde to be ignored.
IONIQ 5 Cabin
This is where any potential buyer will be ‘sold’ first. Step inside and you can immediately tell that Hyundai designers have taken added attention to detailing, material use and the all important premium fit and finish. Yes, this Hyundai follows closely the quality of its premium sibling, Genesis.
Then there is a level of comfort accorded to the driver. A torso hugging electric seat that should be fitted to a super premium sedan from Crewe. Thigh and calf support for our average height was more than surprising and it is a seat that will NOT be out of place in an aircraft business class cabin.
IONIQ 5’s ‘Smart Living Space‘ interior has panoramic view twin 12.3-inch flat screens, bringing together all the driving and operating information in an intuitive and high-tech layout.
IONIQ 5 also has a generous drawer-type glove-box that holds up to 9.4 litres which is great for most female handbags (and some man bags as well). With a long wheelbase and a flat floor, there is very good legroom and space in the cabin.
A versatile ‘Universal Island’ adjustable center console slides up to 140mm fore and aft to allow front or rear passengers to enjoy more space as required, as well as providing for all USB connectivity and storage needs. A power sliding rear seat function can increase second-row legroom or luggage space by up to 135mm, enhancing overall flexibility.
With this platform the IONIQ 5 has a generously sized 527-litre rear cargo compartment. Add in the 60:40 second-row backrests folded flat and the space expands to 1587 litres.
IONIQ 5 MAX Powertrain
Hyundai has provided three versions of this electric car for Malaysian buyers to decide. We are test driving the highest version which is the IONIQ 5 MAX that retails for RM259,888 (this price is slightly lower than immediate rivals, Mercedes EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge).
This IONIQ 5 Max is powered by a 653-volt, 72.6kWh lithium-ion polymer battery mounted beneath a flat floor-pan, which enables optimized interior packaging by providing great cabin space.
This new battery technology features a separate coolant channel which improves the safety of the battery. The IONIQ 5’s next-generation powertrains deliver best-in-class performance and exceptional energy efficiency. This is achieved by integrating the inverter and reduction gear with the drive motor housing, which minimizes both weight and energy loss.
At the heart of the IONIQ 5’s powertrain is a high-output 160kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor driving the rear wheels, which can deliver up to 350Nm instantaneously across the range of motor speeds.
This EV has an all wheel drive (AWD) powertrain that supplements with a 70kW front axle-mounted electric motor, to deliver a total system output of 225kW and 605Nm.
With a substantially higher torque than a 225kW conventional powertrain, the IONIQ 5’s acceleration is exceptional, with the AWD achieving 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds.
IONIQ 5 MAX Drive
From the start up of the computer driven dashboard, you get a variety of functions and available technology to use. For the first timer, it can be a little overwhelming, however after a few days with this Hyundai EV you will easily learn and understand its features and very interesting technology.
Driving it is a cross between a luxury sedan and a performance hatchback with its quick acceleration and very tight turning radius. The 20-inch light wheel alloy wheels shod with performance rubbers provide great grip and on the limit high speed handling that would shame some German sedans.
With 5 adults on board, this Hyundai provides great inner city travel comfort and when on the highway it cruises like a luxury sedan riding on air suspension. Yes, it is heavy vehicle with the battery pack and this is why it is well damped and sits well on the highway, but more than that, it is an EV designed to change the minds of many people who previously never looked at a Hyundai, especially in Malaysia.
Easily, this could be Hyundai’s best selling model in Malaysia now and for years to come. Then, when the IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 7 arrives, the Hyundai nameplate might actually be side by side on total sales volume with Japanese rivals. Let’s wait and see.
Meanwhile, the IONIQ 5 will soon be built at the all new Hyundai production facility in Singapore.
Bookings of the IONIQ 5 can be done online via Hyundai’s online shopping platform, Click to Buy (www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/) or visit any of Hyundai’s authorized showrooms.
Customers can also call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1300-13-2000 or log on to www.hyundai.com.my. for more information and enquiries.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV MAX Specifications
Powertrain: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Battery Capacity: 72.6kWh
Range: 430km (WLTP)
Charge Type: Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC)
Min Charge Time: 6.1 hours (AC) and 18 mins (DC)
Transmission: Single Speed Reduction Gear
Max power: 305PS
Max torque: 605Nm
Top Speed: 185km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
Price: RM259,888
