Reviewing the Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 review

Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 available in the UK?

One of the latest innovations from the Korean manufacturer, which began as a concept in 2019, was officially launched globally in late February 2021 - including the UK and Europe. By the close of 2021, some 66,000 units had been manufactured by Hyundai as this “compact crossover SUV” quickly found immense popularity amongst many EV drivers.

In some ways the Ioniq 5 and the upcoming 6 (which is a fastback sedan) have revolutionised the Hyundai brand and pushed this from being a budget manufacturer into one considered an equal against the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

The electrification of the automotive world has enabled this brand to completely alter public opinion and to dispel some of the myths surrounding Hyundai. It wasn’t too long ago in the UK that the thought of a Hyundai would be revolting to many personal and business leasing customers, with the only saleable element of it being the lower price tag (and a generous 5-year warranty). But the 5 and 6 Ioniq models are almost certainly prestige EVs and are anything other than cheap to buy or lease.

And while it is described a compact SUV, the Ioniq 5 is not overtly a traditional 4x4 or crossover vehicle, with only a slight elevation from the ground. While it is likely to compete against the Genesis GV60, the Skoda Enyaq and the VW Id.4 it will also be a viable alternative to the VW Id.3, Renault Megane e-tech and the upcoming Peugeot e-308. 

When customers ask what type of car an Ioniq 5 is, the e-car lease team will say that it is lots of types! Indeed, this has been so popular that the current wait list times (as at October 2022) are now well over 6 months for many fresh factory orders. While some of this can be accounted for by microchip shortages, logical issues and the worldwide conflicts, some can also be reasoned to the UK’s increasing appetite for electric cars (and vans).

From January - September 2022, the UK registered 175,000+ BEVs, a 40.3% increase from 2021 (according to the -  SMMT) . And why are pure electric vehicles, like the Hyundai, so popular? Since 2020 there has been a noticeable increase in demand for zero-emission transport and the answer is not entirely simple.

At e-car lease, we believe the COVID period allowed many of us to reset and think more carefully about the environment and our commutes, with many of us electing to work from home more or reduce our reliance on combustion engines. Of course the increasing petrol/diesel costs, plus the record profits by oil companies, has encouraged more customers towards electric solutions - including solar technology on their houses.

And even with electricity increasing from the 15p to 34p per kWh, the cost per mile still rests with EVs. The preferable company car tax rates for company car and salary sacrifice schemes which started at 0% BiK and which are now just 2% until 2025, have made EVs so much more affordable than combustion or plug-in technology.

The demand for many fleets to become net zero is not just a priority of the Government but it is also a driver-led change, as there are inherent advantages to doing so. And a final point to note - electric cars are great to operate with many offering enviable 0 - 62 performance coupled with reduced running costs. The reasons to go electric with your next new Hyundai are somewhat plentiful.

What options are there with Ioniq 5? What is the best specification?

Unless you have an unlimited budget, or access to a glut of stock, many PCH and BCH customers are going to be restricted by finance or build allocation. As per the Hyundai website, there are a few great specs to consider including: 

•  Premium - this model offers a 12.3” touchscreen satellite navigation system, 12.3” driver display, 19” alloys, ambient lighting, Bling Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, climate control, LED lights, heated driver’s seat and steering wheel, part-leather upholstery, rear view monitor with parking guidance, smart cruise control, electric tailgate, V2L and wireless phone charging;
•  Ultimate - this model offers 20” alloys, BOSE premium audio, Bling View Monitor, heated rear seats, HUD, leather seats, privacy and solar glass, Surround View Monitor and ventilated front seats. Add the Tech Pack for memory seats, remote parking, relaxation seats and parking collision avoidance (PCA); and 
• Namsan - this special edition model has auto flush handles, digital side mirrors, heat pump, the tech pack and a vision roof. This is one of the highest specification EVs in the class. 

And in terms of additional options, many customers elect for the heat pump (to increase battery performance), carpet mats, detachable towbar or the heavy duty boot liner. 

So how long does the Ioniq 5 battery last? 

What type of range can I expect in the UK? One of the key questions for the e-car lease team, particularly from high-mileage drivers, will pertain to the efficiency of the battery. Above all, this has been one of the biggest obstacles for ensuring the electric car transition can happen seamlessly.

Indeed, we now have a dedicated part of our website to answer the questions of the best range, charging times and towing capacity of every EV for sale in the UK! . And with the Ioniq 5, your EV experience will be determined by the battery configuration you choose which includes: 

•  Standard Range / 58 kWh - the usable 54 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 125 kW (or 168 hp) for 0 - 62 times of 8.5 seconds and 115 mph top speeds. The smaller battery will offer a combined cold weather range of 155 miles on a full charge and around 210 miles in warmer temperatures. In terms of charging times, the 11 kW AC will allow for 0 - 100% in just 6 hours with the robust 175 kW DC rapid charge allowing 17 minute 10 - 80% times. A fuel equivalent of 138 mpg this compact SUV can also tow 750 kg (braked);
•  Long Range 2WD / 77 kWh - the usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 168kW (or 225 hp) for 0 - 62 times of 7.3 seconds and 115 mph top speeds. The bigger battery will offer a combined cold weather range of 205 miles on a full charge and around 275 miles in warmer temperatures. In terms of charging times, the 11 kW AC will allow for 0 - 100% in 8 hours with the 233 kW DC rapid charge allowing 16 minute 10 - 80% times. A fuel equivalent of 131 mpg this compact SUV can also tow 1600 kg (braked); and
•  Long Range AWD / 77 kWh - the usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 239 kW (or 321 hp) for 0 - 62 times of 5.1 seconds and 115 mph top speeds. The bigger battery will offer a combined cold weather range of 200 miles on a full charge and around 270 miles in warmer temperatures. In terms of charging times, the 11 kW AC will allow for 0 - 100% in 8 hours with the 233 kW DC rapid charge allowing 16 minute 10 - 80% times. A fuel equivalent of 128 mpg this compact SUV can also tow 1600 kg (braked).  

The Ioniq 5 has some of the quickest charging times (fast charge / rapid charge) in the class, making this a great solution for those drivers who will be utilising the public network. Additionally, the 527L cargo volume means that this is a large family car and is a perfect children / pet solution, without compromising on style or aesthetics.

Feedback from the automotive world has been overwhelmingly positive with Auto Express at 5/5, Auto Trader at 5/5, CarWow at 8/10 and What Car? at 4/5. In terms of battery performance, range and charging it’s difficult to argue with the qualities of the Ioniq 5 and in many ways the Korean brand has managed to create a class-leasing proposition. But as a car, it is stylish, spacious, practical and has a high level of specification. 

In terms of the car shown, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Hatchback 160kW Premium 73 kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following configuration: 

•  Phantom black Pearl paint
•  Cloth - Pixel perfect grey
•  19" alloy wheels
• Type 2 Charging Cable (Suitable for Public charging and home wallbox charger – Fast charging)

What is the range of the Ioniq 5 Premium Long Range?

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the Ioniq 5 Premium Long Range? 

How long does it take to charge the Ioniq 5 Premium Long Range?

Where can I charge the Ioniq 5 Premium Long Range? 

What is the company car tax on the Ioniq 5 Premium Long Range?