The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan is a slippery-looking jelly-bean shaped vehicle designed to eliminate electric charge range anxiety and push car aesthetics into new territory.
Though it has the same powertrain as the more upright Ioniq 5 SUV, it goes 58 miles further for a total of 361 miles, much of that on shape alone. That puts in the top ten of longest range electric vehicles (EVs) sold today, alongside offerings from Tesla and Lucid.
Like the Ioniq 5, the 6 has unique LED head- and taillights that set it apart from the crowd. The fluid body shape allows one to imagine the wind flowing over it, barely disturbed as opposed to something like the Ram ProMaster, which has all the aerodynamics of a flying brick.
Hyundai has delivered excellent wheel design options lately and the Ioniq 6 has several futuristic and wind-efficient options. Smaller wheels are more aerodynamic and allow the car to max out its all-electric range.
The middle 320-horsepower dual-motor powertrain in the all-wheel drive Ioniq 6 tested here was zippy, quicker than most vehicles on the road, but the acceleration is modulated for comfort rather than abrupt speed.
With the sedan's low center of gravity, in addition the battery weight, the Hyundai feels solid, like an old Germany luxury vehicle, thudding quietly over bumps without any reverberation through the cabin. Thanks to its shape, the Ioniq 6 has less wind noise to account for, making it quieter than electric SUVs. It hugs the road in sweeping turns and changes direction better than expected. This sedan is no sports car, but it is enjoyable to drive.
The one-pedal regenerative driving system allows drivers to let off the accelerator and slow to a stop without using the brake pedal. There are several levels regeneration and it takes some getting used to. But, the function is rewarding when you regenerate every electron possible when coming to a stop.
During faster stops, the mechanical brakes worked fine, though they still exhibit some of that spongy feeling that regenerative brakes are known for.
The 6's platform allows it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes using a 350-kilowatt fast charger, according to Hyundai. In 5 minutes, it can gain 65 miles of charge. The standard on-board charger, the type users would typically have at home, completes a full charge in around 7 hours using Level 2 (240 volt) charging speed.
The average commuter won't need to charge very often thanks to the 6's long range, which gives them the ability to plug in every few nights and still have plenty of juice to get back and forth.
It is true that the 2024 Ioniq 6 sedan has less total volume than the electric Ioniq 5 SUV, as well as other electric SUVs, but the amount of passenger space is about the same between the brandmates. The cargo area is expectedly smaller, 27 cubic feet to 11. That is the tradeoff for efficiency and handling.
The cabin of the 2024 Ioniq 6 is set low and is stretched thanks to Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform with plenty of legroom in both front and rear. The flat floor adds to the spacious feeling, as does the floating center console with space underneath for a jug of milk or bag of groceries.
It comes with twin 12.3-inch infotainment digital instrument cluster screens under one piece of glass. The climate system has physical controls underneath the screen and the usual door controls have been relocated to the center for a cleaner look. It has ambient lighting that change depending on drive mode.
The digital cluster has several viewing modes and provides different amounts of information. Hyundai's software on the touchscreen works quickly, though it needs some customization when first used. Icons can be moved around to suit the driver's needs. Wireless Apple CarPlay worked fine, it's also compatible with Android Auto.
The sustainable cloth seat material is comfortable and grippy. The cabin looks spartan overall though the dash has cool horizonal styling accents. However, some of the other materials in this tester appeared unattractively grainy and some of the lighter accents looked like they wouldn't age well. Dark or gray interiors look best in this model.
The front and back seat are spacious, even with three adults in the back, and the trunk, though smaller than an SUV, will easily swallow a few suitcases or a big load of groceries. Views are excellent from the driver's seat, though as one of the few sedans on the road, Ioniq 6 drivers will be lower than most vehicles.
The Ioniq 6 debuted in 2023 with several long-range rear- and all-wheel drive variants with pricing starting at $41,600 for a version that goes 240 miles on a single charge. The highest-range 361-mile version, also rear-wheel drive, is $45,500.
The most expensive model ($56,100) has two motors, all-wheel drive and a 270-mile range.Hyundai's Ioniq 6 isn't eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit for vehicle purchase, though it is available when leasing.
The Ioniq 6 has plenty to compete with in the EV space considering many buyers are just starting the journey and don't yet know what they prefer. The slightly larger Mercedes EQE sedan is far more expensive and far better appointed, and the similarly sized Tesla Model 3 is less expensive.
If any buyer is looking at any electric vehicle it would be a disservice not to stop at the Hyundai dealership. With the sedan there will be tradeoffs, buyers need to see what fits them best.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jake Lingeman is the Managing Editor for the Autos team at Newsweek. He has previously worked for Autoweek, The Detroit ... Read more
