I’ve long maintained that at this moment in time, EVs are fashion accessories. Despite the availability, the price and infrastructure just aren’t attainable enough for the everyday Filipino.
Knowing this, I rethought my mindset when I was lent the Hyundai IONIQ 6. Instead of just thinking of it as an EV, I wanted to see if it’s desirable.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6
Table of Contents
Last year I was able to sample the Hyundai IONIQ 5, and It was as most described “so cool looking”. I remember thinking it would be hard to beat the IONIQ 5 in terms of ‘stop and stare power’, the IONIQ 6 took a completely different approach.
When I first saw the Hyundai IONIQ 6 during last year’s MIAS, I was in love. I remember being in awe of how sleek and classic the lines and proportions are. It is the opposite of the IONIQ 5 in the sense that it wants to pay tribute to curved sculpted lines, as opposed to future-looking sharp angles.
The rear is reminiscent of the Citroen DS some even say a 911, but there are modern touches all around the IONIQ 6 that create this blend of the future and the timeless class of yesteryears car design. I think it’s one of the most beautiful cars on sale today, and arguably one of the most beautiful cars ever.
Interior
Interior-wise the IONIQ 6 carries over much of the layout and design from the 5, but the most glaring change is the fixed center console. In the 5 you could move the console forwards and backward to create more space, in the 6 it runs from the dash and is fixed in place. There is still space though as the middle of the console is a big and wide abscess where I was able to fit a hardbound book perfectly.
In terms of tech the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is packed, it has a heads-up display, a big cluster for the instrument panel and infotainment, hands-free connectivity, and even wireless charging. There are also a bunch of other features you don’t normally find in most vehicles like a virtual sound enhancer that makes an electric whirring sound during acceleration and deceleration (which in all honesty was quite annoying and I recommend turning it off), and if you’re alone you can program the climate control system to only turn on for the driver thus protecting and limiting the precious electricity the car consumes.
The IONIQ 6 is plenty spacious inside though, despite having normal proportions. The interior is packaged so well that 2nd-row passengers have an abundance of legroom, and I mean to the point that when I sat in the back I had to speak louder so my friends upfront could hear my voice, that’s how much space there is inside. Carrying over also from the 5 is the use of recycled and sustainable materials for interior panels like Vegan-leather and some recycled plastics, which to be fair don’t feel ‘recycled’ Hyundai has done a good job in keeping the interior premium and a nice place to be in.
Performance and Safety
The IONIQ 6 is powered by a 77.4 KWH electric battery motor that makes 229 PS and 350 Nm of torque, while the transmission is a single-gear shift-by-wire system.
Safety is a priority of Hyundai and the IONIQ 6 is a fine example of that, it has all the relevant safety features including an ADAS system with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and others.
Driving Impressions
An EV promises a completely different driving experience from normal vehicles, the electric motor gives instant torque and the lack of combustion creates a quiet environment. There is also the i-pedal system that acts as “one pedal” driving, when turned to the highest level I was able to use just the accelerator in the city. When I lift off the gas the Hyundai IONIQ 6 slows itself down collects the energy from braking and returns it to the battery for more range capabilities. It takes a while to get used to it, but once you are it becomes a breeze and a welcome feature.
The one thing I have to say about the IONIQ 6 is that it is a breeze to drive in everyday conditions, the quietness of it creates a tranquil and peaceful environment for both driver and passenger. I found myself more relaxed in traffic because of this, and I would say IONIQ owners are less prone to road rage and the general irritability that comes from driving in Manila.
Out on the highway, the IONIQ 6 becomes a gentle missile, capable of wafting along comfortably and speeding up when needed. It is something truly serene to be able to do 100-120 kph in pure silence. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 though is very heavy, the weight is apparent when taking some corners dynamically, but amazingly the IONIQ 6 is astonishingly able to keep up in the corners.
It’s no sports car, but the steering is responsive and has enough feedback to give drivers confidence when attacking a corner. The suspension is also somewhat tuned to be both comfortable and dynamic, eliminating too much body roll. I could feel that the chassis was also something the brand did well in tuning. The overall driving dynamic of the IONIQ 6 is one of the stronger points of the vehicle, relaxed and quiet when needed, or dynamic when prodded.
The full range of the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is around 545 km, and that varies depending on driving habits, air-conditioning usage, and drive mode. I am happy to report though that despite taking it to Subic from Manila, I was not afraid at all. I feel that we have reached the point in EV technology where 1 km traveled is equivalent to 1 km in consumption. We traveled far, shot the car in scorching heat, and drove around Subic Bay only to consume 50% of the battery by the time we recharged before heading back to Manila.
I’m not excusing the lack of charging stations and the hassle of it, but in terms of range anxiety, I think the Hyundai IONIQ 6 has enough to quell most fears about running out of juice on the road.
Points for improvement
I only have one problem with the IONIQ 6 and that’s the ride. I remember finally sitting in the 2nd row of the IONIQ 6 and after a long day of driving and shooting was looking forward to kicking it back and relaxing.
Immediately though I felt that the ride was much harsher than I expected it to be, there was a firmness that I would say could be uncomfortable for the 2nd row occupants. Speaking with my colleagues in the car we have an inkling that the Pirelli P Zero tires could be part of the problem, but also the weight of the car.
Price and Verdict
At a whopping PHP 3,798,000, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is far from a bargain. Let me however bring you back to my earlier statement, as a fashion statement on wheels the IONIQ 6 ticks the boxes, it is amazing to look at and I remember getting a lot of stares while driving as if I was in a sports car. The Interior is as well thought out and adorned in premium-feeling materials, and the tech features are also aplenty, all of this translates to an experience that not many (if any) other cars can give.
I found myself conflicted after my time with the Hyundai IONIQ 6, it is a luxury and a hassle at times to use but it is undeniably desirable. I wanted one, and I still do… or do I? See what I mean?
