Having won over a whole host of admirers – not to mention automotive awards – with the Ioniq 5, Hyundai has upped its game with the next model in the series, the Ioniq 6.

Designed as an ‘electrified streamliner’, the Ioniq 6 electric saloon has been engineered with efficiency as well as luxury in mind

Described by the Korean automotive manufacturer as an ‘electrified streamliner’, the svelte saloon has been engineered with efficiency as well as luxury in mind. Claiming to be one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market, the Ioniq records a WLTP-estimated energy economy of 14kWh/100km and offers a maximum range of more than 380 miles (610km) – a huge increase on the Ioniq 5.

The inspiration for the car comes from classic models from the past, such as the Saab 92 and Ford Corsair. Alongside the retro design, there are innovative technological highlights, such as a broad black band across the front of the car that conceals seven sensors that control the advanced safety technologies onboard.

The interior and exterior of the car were developed in parallel. Therefore the teams worked together to stretch the wheelbase as far as possible – 2,950mm – to maximise interior space. Meanwhile, the front seats have been made 30% thinner than those in comparable models, with no compromise in comfort, Hyundai promises.

The interior was set out to be both spacious as functional, with optional ‘relaxation comfort seats’ in the front. The centre console has also been designed to comfortably fit a laptop on, enabling drivers to work while charging or when out of the office.

The dashboard features a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and another 12-inch digital cluster. All of the functions can be personalised according to specific users allowing the most popular functions to be easily accessed when on the move. Another innovative feature of the Ioniq 6 is speed-sync’d lighting – essentially the faster the car is driven, the brighter the lights become. Hyundai says the system adds to the levels of driver engagement and enjoyment.

More personalisation comes via ‘EV Performance Tune-up’, which allows drivers to tweak steering effort, motor power and the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal.

There’s a range of drive motors and battery packs available for drivers. At the top of the range is a 77.4kWh battery, which can be mated with two electric motor layouts – either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The top-of-the-line dual motor setup is an AWD option producing a combined power output of 320hp and 605Nm of torque.

Charging-wise, the car is set up with Hyundai’s E-GMP platform to support both 400V and 800V options. Like the Ioniq 5, the ‘6’ provides vehicle-to-load capabilities, enabling other devices to be powered. However, unlike the Ioniq 5, a solar roof was not considered because of the potential impact on those all-important elements of interior space and aerodynamics.

Production of the Ioniq 6 begins in the third quarter of 2022, with first deliveries set for the end of the year in Europe and Korea. Prices and specific UK spec are still to be confirmed.