Hyundai teases Ioniq 5 electric SUV

Thursday, 14 January 2021

Hyundai has teased its forthcoming electric SUV, called Ioniq 5. Weirdly, it’s not related to the existing Ioniq in pretty much every way, shape and form.

Slated for an official reveal next month, the Ioniq 5 looks to be quite a fresh take on SUV styling, at least in the lighting department. Four squared-off U-shaped daytime running lights line the front end, mimicked by four rectangular taillights. All are based on the pixel, using Hyundai's Parametric Pixels design feature.

A close-up of the wheels reveals a geometric, turbine shape with slashes cut into the arch above.

The sharp, square DRLs at the front should make the Ioniq 5 quite unmistakeable.

The images are computer generated so the real thing may look a bit different in the metal but it should still be a good looking thing.

**READ MORE:

Rumours are linking Hyundai with Apple – perhaps the Ioniq 5 could form the base of the long-awaited Apple car?

* Hyundai to produce Prophecy and 45 concepts

* Taupō District Council buys its first electric vehicle - Hyundai Ioniq

* Kia Niro Ex - the hybrid you might buy when you're not shopping for a hybrid

* 10 days with an electric vehicle: Hyundai Ioniq ticks all the boxes

The 5 is based on the 45 Concept from a year or two back and precedes two more Ioniq models. Hyundai announced the Ioniq family last year, with three members to be launched over four years, all based on Hyundai’s new E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) architecture.

Like other modern electric vehicles, E-GMP mounts the batteries under the vehicle floor to keep the centre of mass low and allow more interior space.

The Korean brand didn’t get into powertrain specifics but said the E-GMP platform will offer “plentiful” driving range, expected to exceed 450km. An 800-volt system will support fast charging at rates up to 350kW.

Expect all-wheel drive to also be part of the Ioniq 5’s package, perhaps alongside a rear-drive entry-level model.

In other Hyundai news, rumours have linked the carmaker to Apple in the latter’s quest to build an electric car.

According to Reuters, production will start around 2024. A separate report claimed Hyundai confirmed it was in early talks with Apple to launch a car, which sent Hyundai’s shares up 20 per cent, although Hyundai would later back away from the statement.

Remember though, none of this is official news from Apple or Hyundai so there’s a chance it may not happen at all. But, given we’re speculating, the Ioniq 5 sure does look like a good base for a potential ‘iSUV’…