DON'T Call it a Sedan: 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6

In keeping with their IONIQ sub-brand’s quirky and pixilated design theme, Hyundai showed off their latest electric vehicle at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show under the IONIQ 6 moniker. With its four doors and trunk, you might be inclined to call this thing a sedan, but you would be wrong.

Hyundai designers call this unique new design a streamliner. Steering clear of using the word sedan on stage, the designers really wanted to emphasize the IONIQ 6’s flowing lines; from its low nose to sloping tail.

While this departs from the IONIQ 5’s boxy and angular styling, there are similar design elements throughout this new EV from the Korean automaker. Pixelated headlights and taillights are the first sign to shoppers that there are similar bloodlines between the two EVs from Hyundai. Stepping inside reveals many more similarities to the 2022 World Car of the Year and the 2023 Motor Trend SUV of the year.

The steering wheel and dash of the IONIQ 6 are almost a carbon copy of the IONIQ 5. Moving to the seats and doors shows a more flowing difference from the boxy “SUV.” Window and door controls are moved from the doors to the center console to make room for sweeping flowing lines accentuated by customizable LED lighting.

Benefits of the EV architecture include a completely flat floor, wheels pushed out to the corners for increased interior passenger space, and a smoother ride thanks to the added weight of the batteries down under the floor.

Hyundai estimates a maximum range of 340 miles on a single charge, an increase of 37 miles over the best IONIQ 5. Most of that added range is thanks to the drag coefficient of 0.22 or the most aerodynamic vehicle in the Hyundai lineup. This is thanks to the low hood and that sloping, streamlined tail with an integrated spoiler for added rear downforce.

Power is stored in a 77.4 kWh battery pack with two different electric motor layouts: rear or all-wheel drive. The most powerful IONIQ 6 boasts 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque and an estimated 0-60 time of less than 5 seconds.

Charging happens quickly thanks to the 800-V architecture of the electrical system and can take advantage of 350 kW DC Fast Chargers to go from 10-80% charge in an impressive 18 minutes. If you just need a quick top-off, 5 minutes will add approximately 65 miles of range at the same 350 kW charging station.

We look forward to more time behind the wheel of one of these EVs as we were impressed with the IONIQ 5. Hyundai also took the opportunity to announce the IONIQ 7 will be announced soon as the 3-row electric SUV of the future. More on that to come…