Hyundai IONIQ 6 Review: Electric elegance with a punch

Join us as we take a closer look at the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the award-winning electric streamliner.

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 has arrived, and it's making waves in the electric vehicle market.

If you're after a sleek electric saloon that combines style with substance, this might just be the car lease for you.

With its streamlined design, impressive range, and cutting-edge technology, the IONIQ 6 is positioning itself as a serious contender in the EV space.

But does it live up to the hype?

We took it for a spin to find out.

What we drove:

• Model: Hyundai IONIQ 6 168kW Ultimate 77kWh 4dr Auto
• Power: Electric
• Battery: 77 kWh
• Range: Up to 338 miles (WLTP Comb)
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (5.1 sec)
• OTR: £54,050.00
• Warranty: 5-Year Unlimited Mileage (8 years/100,000 miles for battery)

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Sleek streamliner design: Turning heads for all the right reasons

The IONIQ 6 isn't trying to blend in.

With its aerodynamic, streamlined silhouette (and a drag coefficient of just 0.21), this car is designed to slip through the air with minimal resistance – helping it achieve that impressive range figure.

It's not just functional, though.

The IONIQ 6 has been racking up design awards, including 'World Car Design of the Year' at the 2023 World Car Awards, where it also took home 'World Car of the Year' and 'World Electric Vehicle' titles.

That's a pretty impressive trophy cabinet.

The wing-inspired rear spoiler features transparent materials that highlight its unique LED signature lighting, adding to the car's distinctive character.

It’s a bit like Marmite; you either love it or hate it. But you can't deny it stands out from the crowd.

Impressive interior space and technology: A cocoon of comfort

Step inside, and you're greeted by what Hyundai calls a "cocoon-shaped interior" designed to provide a whole new in-car experience.

One of the first things we noticed was the unusual placement of the window buttons – they're in the middle console rather than on the doors.

It's a bit of a surprise at first, but it actually allows for slimmer door panels and creates a more spacious feel inside.

Speaking of space, there's plenty of it, especially in the rear seats. The dedicated electric platform means there's no transmission tunnel eating into legroom, so passengers can stretch out in comfort.

The front seats are 8-way adjustable and can even fold flat for a power nap at the push of a button – perfect for those charging stops.

Tech-wise, the IONIQ 6 doesn't disappoint.

The dual 12.3-inch screens (one for the instrument cluster, one for infotainment) dominate the dashboard, providing clear information and easy access to the car's numerous features.

Smooth and powerful drive: Electric performance that impresses

On the road, the IONIQ 6 delivers exactly what you want from an electric car: smooth, instant power.

We took it on a short stretch of the M5 to test out its acceleration, and it didn't disappoint.

The all-wheel drive version we were in can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, providing the kind of immediate thrust that makes overtaking effortless.

What really stands out is how refined it all feels. There's no drama, no noise – just smooth, instant torque whenever you need it. It does like to beep at you quite a lot, though. This car isn't shy about letting you know what's going on.

You can also customise your driving experience by adjusting steering, power output, and accelerator pedal sensitivity, allowing you to tailor the car to your preferences.

When you indicate, it shows up on the dashboard a clip of your blind spot. How cool is that? No more peeking over your shoulder and pulling a muscle in the process.

It's these little touches that make the IONIQ 6 feel like it's been designed with actual humans in mind.

Smart features that actually help - Technology with purpose

The IONIQ 6 is packed with clever features that go beyond simple gimmicks.

One that impressed us was the Remote Smart Parking Assist 2. We tested this out, and it works brilliantly – if someone parks too close to you, you can use the key to get the car to move forwards or backwards while standing outside.

It's not just a party trick; it's genuinely useful in tight parking situations.

The 800V charging architecture is another standout feature. It allows for ultra-fast charging, going from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes when connected to a 350 kW charger – just enough time to grab a coffee and chill.

For the tech-savvy, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function turns your car into a power source, allowing you to charge devices up to 3.6kW from either an interior plug or the external charging port.

Whether you're camping or facing a power outage at home, this feature could prove invaluable.

Optional digital side mirrors replace traditional door mirrors with cameras and interior digital monitors. They're designed to improve visibility and aerodynamics, though they do take some getting used to.

Are there any downsides?

For all its innovations, the IONIQ 6 isn't perfect – even Hyundai's engineers haven't mastered perfection yet (they’re only human!).

The boot, at 401 litres, is decent but not the best in its class.

And the sloping roofline? While great for aerodynamics, it does limit headroom somewhat.

Some might find the futuristic design a bit too avant-garde for their taste, particularly compared to more conventional electric saloons on the market.

While the interior uses sustainable materials like recycled fishing nets and sugar cane-derived components, some of the plastics don't quite match the premium feel of more expensive rivals.

Final verdict: A glimpse of the electric future

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 impressed us with its smooth, powerful drive, spacious interior, and genuinely useful features.

Top 5 reasons to consider the IONIQ 6:

1. Award-winning design that combines style with aerodynamic efficiency
2. Impressive 338-mile range (WLTP Comb) that eliminates range anxiety
3. Ultra-fast charging capability (10-80% in just 18 minutes)
4. Practical tech features like Remote Smart Parking Assist and Vehicle-to-Load function
5. Comprehensive warranty - 5 years unlimited mileage plus 8 years/100,000 miles for the battery

With its cutting-edge technology and impressive performance, it represents a significant step forward in Hyundai's EV journey.

If you're looking for an electric car that stands out from the crowd while delivering above and beyond on range, performance, and practicality, the IONIQ 6 deserves a spot on your shortlist.