2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 review

Hyundai says it wants to become a leader in the electric vehicle space and that it’s going to be a quick transition.

With just 3.5 per cent of Hyundai’s sales in 2022 consisting of EVs, a major wriggle-on is imminent, for which its Ioniq sub-brand will be integral.

The Ioniq 6 is Hyundai’s first sedan to incorporate its Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture and arrives in three trim levels, starting with the single-motor RWD Dynamiq ($74,000).

The Techniq ($83,500) and top-spec Epiq ($88,000) are both dual motor AWDs and all three models employ the same 77.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

With its lower power needs, the Dynamiq offers a claimed range of 614km, while the dual motor variants provide 519km.

The Ioniq 6 is capable of 350kW ultra-fast charging from 10-80 per cent in 18 minutes, but current infrastructure dictates drivers will mostly have to settle for 73 minutes at a 50kW DC fast charger.

The Ioniq 6 cuts a sleek and neoteric, if somewhat odd, exterior figure, with a single-curve roofline tapering down to twin rear spoilers. Auto flush door handles, front air curtains and active air flaps aid in aerodynamics, while parametric pixel lights – a signature theme in Ioniqs – look a treat on the front and across the rear.

Seven exterior paint colour choices are offered at no extra cost and matte Gravity Gold is $1000.

Key features in the Dynamiq include an intelligent front lighting system that reacts to traffic, SmartSense driver assistance and active safety suite, 18-inch alloys and a head-up display.

Stepping up to the Techniq gets you 20-inch alloys and a full-width sunroof, while the Epiq gains a battery heater to prime the car for ultra-fast charging and digital side mirrors to aid vision in all conditions.

You can power devices like laptops using V2L outlets and Hyundai’s Bluelink allows monitoring and some vehicle controls using an app on your phone.

Dual 12.3-inch driver and infotainment displays headline the Ioniq 6’s uncluttered and spacious cabin. All buttons usually located on the door rest have been moved to the centre console. Sustainable materials are used throughout, including a sugarcane-derived dashboard skin and floor carpets made from recycled fishing nets.

Ambient mood lighting can be set to different themes and feels futuristic, but Hyundai’s choice of a drive selector stalk seems stuck in the past.

Other niggles are a slip-prone wireless charging pad and rear passengers getting acres of leg room yet scant head room. The speed limit monitoring is also as irritating as that in the Kia Seltos – the chimes can be switched off but revert to ‘on’ with every engine restart.

While the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6's 0–100km/h time of 5.1 seconds in AWD guise (219kW/605Nm) isn’t astounding, throwing the car in and out of corners and letting the regen braking – altered via paddle shifters – do all the work is a smooth and satisfying experience.

Considering Hyundai is only anticipating selling 1000 Ioniq 6s this year, it’s unlikely to hurt main competitor, the Tesla Model 3 ($60,900), which has been shipping almost three times that number a month in 2023.

The Ioniq 6 is more expensive, but its unique looks will sure make owners stand out from the crowd.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 at a glance

Pros: Good range; unique design

Cons: Rear head room; speed limit monitoring system is too distracting