Everything we know about the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been revealed and it will be the brand's first fully electric vehicle. It has been slotted for a 2021 release date with its design paying homage to the iconic 1975 Hyundai Pony. The South Korean manufacturers have focused on a mid-size SUV appeal, making it fit in today’s market.
The Ioniq 5 will measure at 20 inches and will come fitted with rectangular pixel-like LED lights at the front and rear. For extra convenience, the Ioniq 5 will come with charging ports on both sides of the vehicle. The hood of the vehicle does get a clamshell design, which is a first for Hyundai. Its design is clean with its pop-out door handles contributing to its modern aesthetic. The Ioniq 5 will come fitted with cameras instead of your conventional side mirrors. Of course, in some countries, this design may not be legal, and Hyundai has taken the liberty of using traditional glass mirrors in their images. In terms of wheels, the Ioniq 5 will get around on 20-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of batteries, consumers will get to choose between a 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh capacity. The Ioniq 5 will get AWD and 2WD derivatives for both its 58kWh and 72.6 kWh batteries. The 2WD derivatives with a 58 kWh battery will produce 125kW and 350 Nm of torque. While the larger 72.6 kWh battery will produce 160kW and 350 Nm of torque. The AWD derivatives do sit on top of the range as those models equipped with a 59 kWh battery will produce 173kW of power and 605 Nm of torque. Models equipped with a 72.6 kWh will certainly benefit from a power output of 225kW and 605 Nm of torque.
Hyundai has claimed that the Ioniq 5 can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. This is of course thanks to its 800 V charging capabilities which uses a 350-kW charger. In just five minutes of charging, the Ioniq 5 can cover nearly 100 kilometers of range. According to Hyundai, the rear-wheel-drive version that features a larger battery can cover 480 kilometers of range.
The Ioniq 5 has taken full advantage of the EV platform as the interior has been completely recreated, offering ample space for its passengers. The driver and passenger can enjoy full comfort thanks to its fully reclining front seats. The Ioniq 5’s cabin will come equipped with a high-tech 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Another exciting addition to the Ioniq 5’s interior is that its centre console can be slid back to the rear seats making it an excellent source of entertainment for the kids.
The Ioniq 5 will be the first model to form part of this newly Ioniq brand. The Ioniq 6 will further grow the lineup in 2022, followed by a bigger Ioniq 7 which is set to arrive in early 2024.
Also worth a look: the Hyundai Creta: Matte Edition Headlines 2024 Refresh and the IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 cost in South Africa?
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts from around R899,900 for the base 58kWh model in South Africa, with the top-spec 72.6kWh AWD variant pushing closer to R1,200,000 depending on specification levels.
Q: How far can the Hyundai Ioniq 5 travel on a single charge?
The Ioniq 5 delivers up to 481km of range on the larger 72.6kWh battery in rear-wheel-drive configuration, whilst the smaller 58kWh battery provides approximately 384km of driving range under ideal conditions.
Q: How fast does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 charge?
The Ioniq 5 charges from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350kW fast charger thanks to its 800V architecture, and can add nearly 100km of range in just five minutes of charging.
Q: Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 worth buying in South Africa?
The Ioniq 5 is worth considering if you've got the budget and charging infrastructure sorted, as it offers cutting-edge tech, rapid charging, and impressive range, though the high price tag and limited charging network in SA might give some buyers pause.
Q: What are the power outputs for the different Ioniq 5 variants?
The 58kWh RWD produces 125kW, the 72.6kWh RWD delivers 160kW, the 58kWh AWD pumps out 173kW, and the range-topping 72.6kWh AWD variant generates 225kW with 605Nm of torque.
Should You Buy It?
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a brilliant piece of electric engineering that'll make you feel like you're driving in 2030, but at R899,900 to R1,200,000, it's not exactly pocket change. If you're after the most advanced electric SUV under R1,500,000 in SA, the Ioniq 5 takes the crown with its lightning-fast 18-minute charging, 481km range, and space-age interior that doubles as a mobile office. However, South Africa's patchy charging infrastructure means this Korean beauty is best suited for early adopters with home charging setups and deep pockets. For most South Africans, waiting another year or two for prices to drop and charging networks to expand makes more sense, but if you've got the cash and want to be first on your block with proper EV tech, the Ioniq 5 won't disappoint.
