The slick multi-award winning all-new fully electrified Hyundai Ioniq 6 mid-size fastback sedan is absolutely brilliant. Our test unit, in Abyss Black Pearl paint and recycled black leather interior, is the lone GLS model currently offered in our market that shares a lot of equipment and the drivetrain with the long-range Ioniq 5 hatch and Kia EV6 GT-Line from the rear-wheel drive, brakes, suspension, screens, electric motors, and electronics, to the battery. They all use the shared new Hyundai E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles for Kia, Genesis, and Hyundai. Ironically, the physically smaller Ioniq 5 hatch actually has a longer wheelbase by 50 mm compared to both the Kia EV6 and the much larger Ioniq 6. The industry news is that the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis group is producing a confirmed 23 battery electric vehicles using the new platform within the next few years.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 does have multiple available variants and trims that include AWD, more power, and more range already available in other markets with more models to come, however our local GLS long-range model is genuinely very well packaged and has more than enough thrust for our driving environment. More range would be great but for now it has the appropriate balance of performance and standard equipment especially for its price. However, for its price and packaging, it is considerably a more attractive and more practical premium mid-size sedan alternative.
The Ioniq 6 GLS does have the standard performance tuning technology, electric vehicle virtual driving sound, and electric vehicle active sound, but I prefer to silence all the synthetic sounds and enjoy the fabulous 8-speaker Bose sound system unencumbered while the substantial sedan travels stealthily. Though admittedly the exterior sound generation should be enabled in high traffic areas and in the city so pedestrians and cyclists are made aware of your existence. In the event of an unfortunate accident, it is great to know that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has achieved the highest overall rating in the Euro NCAP, including adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assistance systems.
Much like other Hyundai models that now feature the new literally pixelized design language called “Parametric Pixel” found in the Ioniq 5 and the top-spec Staria Premium+, the Ioniq 6 heavily applies light show to the tune of over 700-pixel LED lights applied to almost every area including the rear spoiler. It also uses the new aluminum stylized-H emblem and the functional new 4-dot reference on the steering wheel to the Morse code for “H” that also serves as indicators for state-of-charge while the fastback sedan is plugged in.
Speaking of being plugged-in, when the test unit was delivered it had only 62% of charge with an indicated range of 351 kilometers. Without a dedicated fast charger and wall-charger at our home, we simply used the supplied auxiliary home wall socket-charger (home cable trickle charger) which charged at a painful 1.3 kW. Even with 39% of charge in the battery at the time we plugged it in, the available travel range was still an effective 215 kilometers. At 59% charge approximately 16 hours later we had a range of 331 kilometers. Interestingly, the first two times we tried to charge the Ioniq 6 to 100%, the charger stopped functioning at 62%. On the third charge, the rate of charge increased, and we got 82% with an indicated range of 467 kilometers. So, it is clear that when you do buy these EV vehicles that you should definitely install the faster and more secure wall chargers to charge swifter and more efficiently.
The very tastefully designed rear-wheel drive Ioniq 6 (uses a 77.4 kWh Liquid-cooled Lithium-Ion battery with 225 hp @ 4600-9200 rpm / 258 lb-ft of torque @ 0-4400 rpm) would definitely be more attractive in any other color than black as it hides the considerable visual and functional aerodynamic efforts. With a drag coefficient of .22 cd, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the most aerodynamic car ever sold in the Philippines, which definitely helps with range and dynamic performance as well as cabin comfort. It is priced at PhP 3,798,000.00, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and has a governed top speed of 186 km/h. Its rated rage is 578-kilometers, but the realistic range is approximately 550 kilometers.
The Ioniq 6 also has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging outlets located inside and outside the vehicle so you can also use it as a generator when parked and has the ability to charge higher capacity devices on the move. Thankfully a secure smartphone wireless charger is also standard. There are multiple USB ports, customizable ambient interior lighting, and clever interior packaging to maximize space that creates a very welcome and spacious cabin environment. The dual crisp 12.3-inch displays are. Every detail on the fabulous Hyundai Ioniq 6 is noteworthy and thoroughly comprehensive. Much of the interior materials applied in the modern and tasteful interior are repurposed/recycled. Other highlights include the intelligent full-LED lighting, the + and – aluminum pedals, the unique stalked drive control (also known as Column type shift-by-wire), comprehensive active and passive safety suites, and smart cruise control.
The Ioniq 6 is an accomplished handler with relentless linear power that will entertain the most jaded enthusiast and deliver exemplary comfort to its passengers. It can utilize 400V fast charging and 800V ultra-rapid charging as well. It is definitely a very compelling and very desirable mobility solution that ticks most required boxes. Its only compromise is essentially its acquisition cost despite the eventual savings to charge it and one’s sensitivity toward our environment. The trunk is good but not great, we were able to fit two full-size golf bags with some available space, but it is not commensurate to the vehicle’s proportions. The fully independent suspension soaks up road imperfections better than many conventional cars while dynamically staying ahead of the rest effortlessly, cleanly, and quietly.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 GLS exceeded all expectations, it is a very luxurious mid-size premium sedan for only P10,000.00 more than the award-winning Kia EV6 GT with more interior space and fully loaded with most of the optional trim and equipment. It is an engaging real-wheel driven sedan with excellent range, is very aerodynamic, it comes with a free wall-charging kit with purchase, Hyundai Smartsense Technology, long warranties, a strong selection of exterior color options, solid 8-speaker Bose audio system, is very comfortable, and has 5-years / 75,000 kilometers of free maintenance service.