Here's a Quick Look at the Upcoming IONIQ 5 Electric Crossover From Hyundai

author: Manish Kharinta   

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric crossover.

South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. recently announced its comprehensive electrification strategy. As part of this strategy, the company plans to introduce 23 battery-powered vehicles by 2025. 

Hyundai has also confirmed that some of its upcoming EV offerings will be introduced under the company's dedicated IONIQ sub-brand. The first of these new models, the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5, which recently made its global debut in February to much fanfare. 

Hyundai said the IONIQ 5 will offer "game changing" technology.

The IONIQ 5 car marks a very pivotal milestone for Hyundai, as the company embarks on a new era of electrification. So far, Hyundai has refrained from divulging much information about the U.S.-bound IONIC 5 EV, but Hyundai has confirmed that it will make its stateside debut later this year. Here's a quick look into what the upcoming crossover has to offer.

Exterior

The electric crossover's design is identical to the futuristic Hyundai 45 concept, which was unveiled in 2019 based on a prototype from 45 years earlier in 1974, thus the name "Hyundai 45." 

The automaker describes IONIQ 5's styling as "a new mobility experience for the next generation." Overall, the styling of IONIQ 5 (much like that of the Hyundai 45 concept) is a futuristic reinterpretation of the first-generation Hyundai Pony hatchback.

The parametric pixel design theme along with the crossover's straight cut monocoque design gives the IONIQ 5 its breathtaking and distinct aesthetics. The crossover features short overhangs and a wheelbase that's 3-meters long.

The exterior sports clean sharp lines, which gives the IONIC 5 crossover a sophisticated and sleek design. 

Interior

The highlight of the IONIQ 5's cabin is its flat floor design, which comes as a courtesy of the crossover's new Electric-Global Modular Platform. The vehicle architecture offers a flat battery floor which allows designers to incorporate the steer-by-wire and drive-by-wire technology, which eliminates the need for a steering column. 

The IONIQ 5's unique design translates into more interior space. The flat floor above the battery pack also opens up the interior providing more passenger room allowing Hyundai to maximize cabin space. 

The company has also installed a unique movable center console, which is called the "Universal Island." This allows the front passenger to customize the interior and eliminate any obstacles between themselves and the driver. The interior also comes equipped with a wireless smartphone charger and tray. 

The automaker will offer Vehicle-to-Load capability in the IONIQ 5, which allows the customers to power their electronic equipment using the vehicle's battery.

The IONIQ 5 is also the first Hyundai model that replaces the conventional rearview mirrors with small HD cameras screens. The driver also gets an advanced head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality mode. 

Hyundai uses bio-paint for interior surfaces in the IONIQ 5, and the interior panels are wrapped in eco-processed leather. 

Powertrain

In the international markets, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 will be offered with a 72.6 kWh battery pack, whereas the U.S-spec model will be powered by a slightly larger 77.4 kWh battery. 

Although its not confirmed yet, the IONIQ 5 crossover will likely be offered in standard and long-range configurations with either a single-motor RWD setup or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric powertrain.

The single-motor RWD IONIQ 5 will produce 218 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque. The optional dual-motor powertrain will deliver 235 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. 

Range

We expect IONIQ 5 will offer around 300 miles of range in its most capable spec while complying with the more lenient WLTP standards. It's also worth noting that the crossover will also get 400V to 800V multi-charging capability, which enables rapid charging.

Customers will be able to recharge the IONIQ 5's battery for 5 minutes to add roughly 62 miles (100 kilometers) of range. When completely depleted, IONIQ 5's battery pack can be recharged up to 80% capacity in just 18 minutes.

The IONIQ 5 will also offer Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability courtesy of Hyundai's Highway Driver Assist 2 system.

The IONIQ 5 EV could arrive at U.S. dealers as early as September.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.