Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review

Read Caroline’s latest Hyundai IONIQ 5 review for everything you need to know about buying Hyundai’s exciting new electric car in Ireland.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, the first model from Hyundai’s new IONIQ electric vehicle-exclusive brand, arrived in Ireland in 2021. The IONIQ 5 goes on sale priced from €37,995, with two batteries available – a 58 kWh with up to 384 km of range and a 72 kWh with up to 481 km of range (WLTP).

With striking good looks, revolutionary Hyundai interior, long range and fast charging, the IONIQ 5 makes a dramatic debut!

Hyundai as a brand has an impressive pedigree in electric vehicles already with the Hyundai Kona Electric being one of Ireland’s most popular compact electric vehicles. The small crossover was a game changer when it arrived in Ireland at the end of 2018, with an electric range in excess of 400 km.

Since then the electric vehicle market has got even more competitive, but Hyundai strikes back with the launch of the IONIQ 5. It’s a larger car than the Kona Electric. In fact the space inside is more comparable with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai’s large family SUV. Let’s take a closer look.

What’s so special about the Hyundai IONIQ 5?

The IONIQ 5 marks a new direction for Hyundai in design. It is built on Hyundai Motor Company’s dedicated battery electric vehicle architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which allows it to have unique proportions on an elongated wheelbase.

The IONIQ 5 looks like a concept car. It’s a fresh new look for the Hyundai brand, with a futuristic presence on the road. The front of the car has Hyundai’s first clam shell bonnet that minimises panel gaps for the best aerodynamics.

The front bumper has an eye-catching V-shape incorporating distinctive daytime running lights that provide an unmistakable light signature unique to IONIQ 5. Small pixel-like light clusters also appear at the rear of the vehicle. Auto flush door handles provide clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. It’s a beautiful car that really makes a statement.

Inside, the IONIQ 5 has a lounge-like feel. The dedicated electric vehicle platform has allowed for an innovative use of space inside the vehicle. There’s great width to the cabin and loads of space beneath the dashboard and where a centre console traditionally lies.

It’s a new interior design concept for Hyundai – futuristic but functional. Yet it’s easy to get comfortable in here. The controls are all intuitive to use. The quality is worth a mention too. It’s truly excellent. Everything feels good to touch from the dials and switches, to the inside surfaces of the doors.

Digital technology is on point as you would expect from a trendsetter like the IONIQ 5. Two 12.3” LCD screens give an almost widescreen effect – one for the driver information display and one for multimedia. There’s also wireless phone charging for compatible devices, a rear view camera and smart navigation-based cruise control.

Is it practical?

Hyundai pitches the IONIQ 5 between the Tucson and Santa Fe in size. In fact space inside is more comparable to the Santa Fe. There’s loads of room in the front of the cabin.

Hyundai has reduced the thickness of the front seats by 30 percent, providing more space for those seated in the second row. You can also recline almost flat in those front seats!

Rear leg room is really excellent because of the stretched wheelbase. The rear seats split fold 60:40 and also slide as standard. There’s a flat floor too making it more comfortable for a middle passenger.

The boot has over 500 litres of space and a traditional hatchback-style opening. There’s also a handy space under the boot floor to store charging cables away cleanly. There is a small amount of extra storage under the bonnet too.

What’s available in the IONIQ 5 range in Ireland?

In Ireland there is a choice of three battery and drive types for IONIQ 5: a 58 kWh, single motor, rear wheel drive; a 72 kWh, single motor, rear wheel drive; or a 72 kWh dual motor all-wheel drive model.

The 58 kWh model on test for Changing Lanes is single motor and sends 170 hp to the rear wheels. There’s 350 Nm of torque available, with 0 to 100 km/h achieved in 8.5 seconds. The electric range of this model is up to 384 km (WLTP) and it’s priced from €37,995, including all relevant grants and reductions.

The 72 kWh, single motor IONIQ 5 starts from €44,995. The same car with all wheel drive is available from €64,995 with the best performance of the entire range – 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds.

There are four trim levels in Ireland: Executive, Executive Plus, Premium and Premium Plus, with high levels of equipment across the range. Standard equipment includes 19” alloy wheels, interior mood lighting, 12.3” LCD audio, visual and navigation system with DAB, Apple Car Play™ and Android Auto™, LCD drivers instrument cluster, and wireless phone charging for compatible devices. There’s also a rear view camera, LED Multi-Faceted Reflector headlamps, LED stop, tail and turn lamps, rear parking sensors. Highway Drive Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Following Assist.

Driving and charging the Hyundai IONIQ 5

On the road, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 58 kWh is swift and supple. There’s a natural feeling to this car on the road that is very pleasant; it doesn’t feel too heavy. It’s not designed to be sporty but it is still agile and well-balanced through corners.

The transmission is very refined. The IONIQ 5 is quiet and comfortable on the move with little transmission noise entering the cabin. It’s capable of driving long distances on one charge, while being comfortable too for an electric car with a balanced ride quality.

IONIQ 5 features 800V charging as standard, which makes it one of the best EVs on the market right now for charging. Of course this depends on the infrastructure available to you but the IONIQ 5 has a lot of things in its favour. If you can find an IONITY station, you can charge at the IONIQ 5’s maximum charging rate of 220 kW, and get 80% battery charge in just 20 minutes.

There is also a powerful 11 kW on-board charger with more flexibility for AC charging. It allows the IONIQ 5 to charge almost twice as fast as a lot of other EVs on the market using those 22 kW public chargers in Irish cities and towns.

WATCH MY VIDEO OF THE NEW IONIQ5 !

Did you like it?

Hyundai has already proven itself as a front runner in the race to electric with the launch of the Kona Electric back in 2018 and its stellar electric range for a sub-premium compact.

But IONIQ 5 brings the game on again for the Korean car brand. The IONIQ 5 feels fresh, new and a generation ahead with its innovative design and 800V fast charging capabilities.

The 11kW on board charger brings even more flexibility in AC charging and is a great feature to have as standard.

It’s no doubt an unusual car, more a hatchback than an SUV. Though the raised ride height will make it popular among drivers seeking a more crossover-style vehicle.

The IONIQ 5 deserves to draw attention to itself with its futuristic design, considering what Hyundai has packed into this car. All things considered, the IONIQ 5 58 kWh is well-priced, loaded with equipment and technology, and a sound buy. The 72 kWh version will bring even more comfort when it comes to range, with over 400 km available on a full battery charge.

The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 is just one more reason why electric is closer than you think.

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Hyundai Ioniq 5 58 kWh Premium
Price: €44,995
Battery: 58 kWh
Power: 170 hp
Torque: 350 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds
Top speed: 185 km/h
Motor tax: €120 per year