The Ioniq 6, Hyundai's next all-electric car, is getting an early look. Bloomberg says that the company's EV market share is quietly increasing in Europe and the United States, leading even Tesla CEO Elon Musk to take note.
If last year's all-electric Ioniq 5 crossover SUV was inspired by 1970s designs, Top Gear claims that the 6 is inspired by streamlined cars from the 1920s and 1930s, such as the Stout Scarab. If you enjoyed the design of Hyundai's 2020 Prophecy concept car, the Ioniq 6 is the vehicle it's evolved into. Similar to how the Tesla Cybertruck was inspired by early 70s Cyberpunk designs.
Hyundai unveiled the IONIQ 6 sedan, the much-anticipated follow-up to the brand's popular first battery-electric vehicle, the IONIQ 5 SUV, on Wednesday.
The IONIQ 6's pricing range and manufacturing run size will not be revealed until the vehicle's world presentation in July.
The South Korean carmaker that built its name over the last few decades on low-cost, entry-level gas-engine vehicles reversed course this year, reallocating capital and resources to position itself as a top global brand for EVs before global sales take off.
The Ioniq 6 boasts two touchscreens on the inside: a 12-inch infotainment display and a 12-inch digital cluster. However, when it comes to the types of functions you'll frequently require while driving, like as radio or climate control, Hyundai has chosen traditional buttons.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 SUV, like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, has aerodynamic sculpting and interior trim made of sustainable materials. Hyundai designers aimed to create a personalized, cocoon-like interior with new lighting elements and additional displays.
So far, the aim to imbue IONIQ models with cachet and desire has proven successful. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 SUV, the first model from Hyundai's IONIQ sub-brand, swept the World Car Awards at this year's New York International Auto Show because to its elegant appearance, performance, and futuristic interior. A similar buzz appears to be building around the upcoming Hyundai IONIQ 6.
"The Ioniq 6 demonstrates Hyundai's intention to offer a variety of EV goods, and the company sees this as a fundamental transformation," Stephanie Brinley, lead analyst at S&P Global Mobility, said. "With the Ioniq 6, Hyundai also proves that it will continue to be aggressive and daring with design."
Hyundai, which leads the automotive industry in the number of partnerships formed with suppliers and technology providers, has successfully transitioned from low-cost gas-engine vehicles to premium electric vehicles.
There are no definitive price information for the Ioniq 6, but my understanding is that it will be less expensive than the Ioniq 5, which starts at $46,650. It is slated to enter manufacturing next month and go on sale in the United States in model year 2023. It will be completely released to the public on July 14th, when we will hopefully learn more about its release date. Check out the Hyundai Seven, a massive concept SUV shown off last year, for a taste of what's to come.
