Why is Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 EV the Best Electric Car in India?

 

Hyundai entered India’s electric car arena in 2019 with the Kona, a promising start that failed to capture widespread attention. Now, the game is changing with the groundbreaking Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s best electric car in India and its first EV based on a dedicated electric platform.

The question echoes: is this stride too radical for the Indian market, especially with a hefty Rs 45 lakh ex-showroom price tag? Through this blog, we will try to unravel the answer to this very question.

Is Ioniq 5 the Best Electric Car in India?

• Ioniq 5’s Exterior
• Engineering Marvels Under the Ioniq 5’s Skin
• Interior Is A Haven of Comfort and Technology
• Rear Seat Comfort and Storage
• Effortless Performance and Control
• Range Anxiety? Not Here
• Tech-Packed Driver Assistance Features
• Verdict
• FAQs

Ioniq 5’s Exterior

The Ioniq 5’s exterior design is nothing short of a spectacle. Drawing inspiration from Hyundai’s first car, the 1974 Pony, this EV seamlessly blends nostalgia with futuristic aesthetics. The e-GMP platform serves as the canvas for a striking silhouette, with a profile that is half hatchback, half crossover. Its clean lines, muscular stance, and captivating details create an impression of compactness which makes it Hyundai’s best electric car in India.

With dimensions comparable to Mahindra’s XUV700 and a substantial three-meter-long wheelbase, the Ioniq 5 commands attention on the road. The exterior details, such as staggered LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs), helical cuts on wheel arches, and a distinctive ‘C’ pillar, contribute to its award-winning design. It secured the prestigious World Design of the Year in 2022, a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design.

Read Full Features of Hyundai Ioniq 5 here!

Engineering Marvels Under the Ioniq 5’s Skin

Beneath the visually arresting exterior of the best electric car in India, the Ioniq 5 boasts an innovative heart — the e-GMP platform. This platform houses a rear-axle-mounted 217hp e-motor, delivering a perfect blend of power and efficiency. The compact design efficiently accommodates pouch-type cells in a slim pack, emphasizing space efficiency. With a 217 hp oil-cooled e-motor propelling power to the rear wheels, the Ioniq 5 ensures a responsive and dynamic driving experience. Complementing its performance is a 5-link independent suspension that contributes to a comfortable and controlled ride.

The Ioniq 5 stands as a testimony to Hyundai’s forward-thinking approach to recharging. Equipped with an 800 Volt system, this EV facilitates quicker charging times. A 11kW AC charger takes around 7 hours, while a 50kW DC charger achieves 10–80 percent charge in a mere 57 minutes. For those in need of rapid charging, the Ioniq 5’s 350kW charging capability can propel it from 10–80 percent in just 18 minutes, a groundbreaking feat in the EV realm.

Interior Is A Haven of Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the Ioniq 5’s cabin is akin to entering a realm of innovation and sophistication. The cabin design prioritizes spaciousness, with a wide, tall layout and a flat floor both at the front and rear. The feeling of airiness is further accentuated by the option to slide the center console back, creating a ‘walk-through’ experience. White hues dominate the interior, enhancing the perception of openness. The massive fixed glass roof floods the cabin with natural light, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.

Front passengers are treated to large, comfortable seats equipped with cooling functions. A unique addition is the mini ottoman that allows for calf rest, adding an extra layer of comfort. While the absence of massage functions and the unavailability of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto might be notable, the overall design and functionality of the cabin are commendable.

The dashboard of the best electric car in India adopts a flat and wide design, hosting aircon controls activated by a touch panel. The twin screens, placed low enough not to interfere with the driver’s view, provide an intuitive interface. Quality and fit and finish, though not reaching luxury car standards, represent the best seen in a Hyundai. The Ioniq 5’s cabin mirrors a commitment to innovation, setting new standards in EV interiors.

Rear Seat Comfort and Storage

While the front cabin dazzles with its innovative design, the rear seat of the best electric car in India offers a commendable level of comfort. The adjustable feature allows passengers to move the seat forward or back at the press of a button, adding flexibility to the rear space. However, it’s worth noting that rear-seat comfort, while good, may not match the stellar experience in the front.

The twin-screen layout in the rear maintains functionality and intuitiveness, following Hyundai’s design conventions. Unique features such as a glovebox that functions like a drawer, ample storage space in the center console, and a pad for placing fridge magnets showcase Hyundai’s attention to practicality.

Adding to the Ioniq 5’s appeal is its unique Vehicle to Load function, a high-capacity feature ideal for hassle-free camping. The absence of a spare tire, replaced by a puncture repair kit, emphasizes the Ioniq 5’s commitment to efficiency and weight management.

Effortless Performance and Control

The Ioniq 5, with its wide stance and initially intimidating width, surprises with its effortless performance on the road. The stiff chassis and the 20mm raised suspension contribute to a smooth and supple ride, effortlessly gliding over rough patches and sharp ridges. Its ability to navigate large speed breakers, despite the extended wheelbase, speaks to Hyundai’s focus on control and stability.

On the highway, the Ioniq 5 remains refined, managing road and wind noise admirably. It does exhibit some roll in corners, especially during spirited driving, but the direct steering and composed cornering capabilities provide a satisfying driving experience. The rear-wheel-drive chassis of the best electric car in India introduces an entertaining element to the driving dynamics, although weight transfer during raised suspension maneuvers may present challenges.

The braking system in the Ioniq 5 deserves special mention. The pedal’s natural feel, combined with effective bite, showcases Hyundai’s dedication to seamless integration between electric generator and disc brakes. While not a speed demon with 217hp and a weight of approximately two tons, the Ioniq 5 surprises with its responsiveness, especially in Sport mode making it the best electric car in India.

Range Anxiety? Not Here

The Ioniq 5, while not aiming to break land speed records, demonstrates a surprising amount of power when needed which is why it is regarded as the best electric car in India. The Sport mode, accessible with a firm tap on the throttle, propels the car forward assertively, a useful feature for overtaking maneuvers. With a claimed 0–100 kph time of 7.6 seconds, the Ioniq 5 balances performance with efficiency.

In Normal mode, a step down from Sport, the driving experience is more relaxed but retains the necessary urgency when required. The Eco mode, designed for range-conscious driving, ensures the Ioniq 5 remains efficient without compromising on performance. The ARAI certified range of 631 km positions the Ioniq 5 as a frontrunner in addressing range anxiety. Real-world expectations hover around 480–500 km, offering a practical and reassuring range for daily driving.

Tech-Packed Driver Assistance Features

While the Ioniq 5 invites drivers to revel in its performance, it also prioritizes safety through a plethora of driver assistance features. Forward collision avoidance assist, Blind Spot avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, smart cruise control, and reversing collision assist are among the array of safety technologies integrated into the Ioniq 5. These features of the best electric car in India, while not tested, represent Hyundai’s commitment to enhancing the overall driving experience and ensuring passenger safety.

Verdict

As the most expensive offering in Hyundai’s lineup at Rs 44.95 lakh, the Ioniq 5 may raise eyebrows. However, its value proposition becomes evident when considering the comfort, innovation, and performance it brings to the table. Rear-seat comfort may fall short of greatness, but the Ioniq 5 represents a remarkable achievement for Hyundai, delivering a comfortable, well-built, and easy-to-drive EV without significant compromises.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 emerges as a revolutionary force in India’s EV landscape. From its award-winning design and innovative interiors to its impressive performance and efficiency, the Ioniq 5 sets new benchmarks. As the automotive industry evolves towards sustainable mobility, the Ioniq 5 stands tall as a symbol of Hyundai’s dedication to pushing boundaries. Brace yourself for the imminent influx of the Ioniq 5 on Indian roads, a beacon of innovation and a strong contender for the title of the best electric car in India.