Hyundai IONIQ 6 Impresses With Standout Design and Features

Hyundai put a lot of thought and attention to detail into the design of the 2023 IONIQ 6. While the exterior appearance seems to polarize opinions into either "Love It" or "Hate It" camps with little middle ground, what's underneath the skin of this streamliner sedan is inarguably brilliant.

​The all-new Hyundai 2023 IONIQ 6, inspired by Hyundai’s Prophecy EV concept, debuted at the AutoMobility Los Angeles show and is the next vehicle from Hyundai built on their E-GMP dedicated electric vehicle platform. It comes packed full of technology and best-in-class ultra-fast charging that can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. 

IONIQ 6 is part of Hyundai Motor Company’s plan to introduce 17 BEV models and sell more than 1.8 million BEV units worldwide by 2030. IONIQ 6 goes on sale spring 2023. 

IONIQ 6 Design Characteristics

At Hyundai, each IONIQ vehicle has different design characteristics. This is based on Hyundai's belief that a vehicle should be an embodiment of lifestyle.

“We want our cars to always connect with customers on an emotional level,” said SangYup Lee, executive vice president and head of Hyundai Design Center. “Depending on the owner's lifestyle, the way of using a vehicle will be different, resulting in a different look – much like chess pieces on a board, each one with a distinct look and functionality, but part of the same family. Hyundai designs with diverse lifestyles in mind rather than with a one-style-fits-all approach.”
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Using this approach is why IONIQ 6’s design is different from IONIQ 5’s, but there are still common threads connecting the models: Living Space, Parametric Pixels and Sustainability. The Living Space is built on E-GMP’s long wheelbase, not only providing unparalleled passenger and cargo room, but also optimizing driving dynamics. The Parametric Pixel is IONIQ’s key differentiator just like the radiator grille was for many brands in the internal combustion engine era. Sustainability is seen in the materials (interior and exterior), establishing a unique position as an unrivaled sustainable volume brand.

Sleek-curved Streamliner Design with Perfect Harmony Between Functionality and Aesthetics

IONIQ 6 is an electrified streamliner that realizes the idea of “Emotional Efficiency” by simultaneously satisfying the customer’s aesthetic and functional needs. The aerodynamically sculpted silhouette with simple yet sensuous curves offers a new typology for the EV mobility era:

• Extended 116-inch wheelbase
• Ultra low drag coefficient of 0.22 assisted by a low nose, active air flaps, wheel gap reducers, elliptical wing-inspired spoiler with winglet, slight boattail structure, separation traps on both sides of the rear bumper, full underbody cover, deflectors and reduced wheel-arch gaps
• More than 700 Parametric Pixels found in the headlamps, rear combination lamps, front lower sensors, air vent garnishes and a center console reinforce IONIQ’s brand identity
• The rear wing’s Parametric Pixel High-Mounted Stop Lamp delivers an eye-catching light execution when the brakes are applied
• Newly designed Hyundai ‘H’ badge front and rear
• 18- or 20-inch machined black wheels

A Mindful Personal Space on Wheels

IONIQ 6’s interior serves as both a comfortable hideaway and personal space, replete with practical features and sustainable materials to facilitate a mindful, eco-friendly mobility experience and lifestyle.

Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP enabled the designers to stretch the interior, front and rear, to create optimized legroom and spaciousness that lets passengers stay comfortable. The platform also allows for a completely flat floor, giving an expansive feeling. The user-centric interior architecture is exemplified by an ergonomically designed control unit that is centrally located to reduce distraction and help spur safe, intuitive driving. The modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12.3-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital cluster under one piece of glass. A bridge-type center console provides convenient and generous in-car storage.

Dual-Color Ambient Lighting provides overall illumination for IONIQ 6’s interior. Users can choose from a spectrum of 64 colors and six-dual color themes developed by color experts to help drivers and passengers feel relaxed. The four-dot Interactive Pixel Lights on the steering wheel light up when the voice recognition is activated and indicate charging status. These lights also use different colors and motions for other vehicle functions like a smart speaker does.  
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The removal of buttons from the front doors provides more storage. Translucent accents on the crash pad garnish, door map pocket and console lower cover further accentuate the sense of spaciousness.

Setups to Suit Every Customer

IONIQ 6 is available with a range of drive motors to fit the needs of every customer. Customers can mate the 77.4 kWh battery pack with two electric motor layouts, either with a rear motor only or with both front and rear motors. The top-of-the-line dual motor setup is an all-wheel drive (AWD) option producing a combined power output of 320 horsepower (74 kW front + 165 kW rear) and 446 ft.-lbs. of torque. An IONIQ 6 with this configuration can go from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 5 seconds. The single-rear-motor layout offers 225 horsepower (168 kW) and 258 ft.-lbs. of torque.
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When equipped with a single-rear-motor (RWD) and the 77.4 kWh battery, IONIQ 6’s maximum driving range on a single charge is an EPA-estimated 361 miles.

Fast Charging

IONIQ 6’s E-GMP can support both 400-V and 800-V charging infrastructures. The platform offers 800-V charging capability as standard, and it can accommodate 400-V charging without the need for additional components or adapters. The multi-charging system is a world’s first patented technology that operates the motor and inverter to boost 400-V to 800-V for stable charging compatibility.

With a 350-kW charger, IONIQ 6’s charge can go from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. If the owner only has five minutes to spare, the IONIQ 6 can recoup approximately 65 miles of range using a 350-kW fast charger. The standard 10.9 kW on-board charger completes a full charge in 7 hours and 10 minutes using Level 2 charging.

Battery Conditioning

To reduce charging time even further, IONIQ 6 can use its battery heater to preheat the battery pack to the optimal temperature when it is cold outside. When the battery pack is at the optimal temperature, IONIQ 6 can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes. This function activates automatically when a charging point is entered into the IONIQ 6’s connected routing navigation system. The battery heater turns on at the ideal time when IONIQ 6 gets close to the charger. The battery pack also can be heated up before leaving a destination if the IONIQ 6 is plugged in using the MyHyundai app.  

Over-The-Air Updates

IONIQ 6 is the first Hyundai model to have Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware update technology. OTA will allow the owner to improve their IONIQ 6’s performance or experience new features using wireless communication. The IONIQ 6 can improve overall vehicle performance and functions by itself by updating the firmware of the EV Control Unit (VCU), Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) or Motor Driver Electronic Power Steering (MDPS). For example, an OTA could adjust acceleration characteristics by improving the response setting of the accelerator pedal, change the settings of the steering sensitivity or resolve a recall. OTA wireless updates also can be used for maps and multimedia software.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Function

IONIQ 6 also provides an innovative V2L function, which allows customers to freely use or charge any electric devices, such as electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment. It serves as a charger on wheels. This function can even be used to charge a stranded EV. It is ideal for powering necessities during a power outage, tailgate parties, camping or outdoor projects (1.9 kW peak power using a standard 120-volt outlet). The V2L function is enabled using an available accessory adaptor and goes into the outside charging port. In addition to the outside power outlet, there is a second outlet underneath the back row seat for charging laptops, phones and other devices on the Limited trim.

Electric-Active Sound Design

IONIQ 6 offers up a fun EV driving experience using a virtual propulsion sound called electric-Active Sound Design or e-ASD. e-ASD is a Hyundai first on the IONIQ 6 and uses an acoustic design processor to provide unique driving sounds inside the cabin and the ability to set the volume.  

Infotainment System

IONIQ 6 introduces a new navigation function that generates connected routes that include EV charging stations when it is difficult to reach the destination on the current level of charge. If the charging station is out of order or in use, the system will automatically search for other EV charging stations and provide updates.  

Digital Key 2.0 Touch

The 2023 IONIQ 6 supports the latest version of Hyundai Digital Key. Digital Key 2 Touch allows owners to leave their car key at home and use an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Samsung Galaxy smartphone to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle. After the car key has been added to Apple Wallet or Samsung Pass, users can simply hold the supported device near the door handle to lock or unlock the car. Touching an Apple Watch near or placing the phone in the wireless charger and then pressing the start button allows the driver to start the IONIQ 6. Apple Wallet or Samsung Pass also allow secure sharing of keys with family and friends.

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Source: Hyundai USA