2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, EV with Mercedes and Porsche vibe unveiled

The Prophecy Concept has become a reality.

On Tuesday, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan was unveiled with a sleek design, fast-charging electric architecture, and up to 320 hp.

This is just the second act in the future of Hyundai's Ioniq battery-electric vehicle.

Prediction: from concept to reality

What underpins the Ioniq 6 is also important, but its design is the showstopper. The fast roofline, curved front end, and duckbill spoiler combine elements of the Porsche Taikan and the first Mercedes-Benz CLS. The design is a "Look at me ! I'm gorgeous!" it screams. The Prophecy Concept's pixel-style lighting elements have been converted into mass-produced elements that are very attractive, if not futuristic. Even the concept's rear vertical elements on the lower bumper have been carried over to the production car. The base car will be equipped with 18-inch wheels, but 20-inch wheels will also be available.

Its slick design has the same 0.21 drag coefficient as the Tesla Model 3. Hyundai has gone for aerodynamic performance with a low front end, active air shutters in the front end, and a reduced wheel gap. With a wheelbase of 116.1 inches, the Ioniq 6 sits between the longer Kia EV6 at 118.1 inches and the shorter Ioniq 5 at 114.1 inches.

Inside, the concept's joystick controls are gone. The future is here, but not quite so futuristic: the two-spoke steering wheel and the 12.0-inch twin screens on the single-pane glass-covered dashboard appear to have been appropriated from the Ioniq 5.

Fast charging

While the design screams "sexy," the Ioniq 6's suspension is Hyundai's secret sauce The Ioniq 6 is mounted on Hyundai's E-GMP, a skateboard-type platform dedicated to EVs. It is rigid and will provide great driving dynamics for future N models. But more importantly, it is efficient and capable of rapid charging. According to Hyundai, the Ioniq 6, based on an 800-volt architecture, should be able to charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

Like the Ioniq 5, the 6 features bi-directional charging and can provide power to houses and while camping. The power connector allows for a variety of uses for the high capacity battery.

The 58 kwh or 77.4 kwh lithium-ion battery packs found in the Ioniq 5 will likely be available in the Ioniq 6. The rear-wheel drive model should have a maximum output of 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor all-wheel drive model with the larger pack should have a maximum output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The EPA range of the model with rear-wheel drive and a larger battery should exceed 300 miles, but an official evaluation will not be made until closer to launch.

The Waiting Game

The Ioniq 6 will be available in the US in early 2023. Pricing is unknown, but the Ioniq 5 starts at $41,245 including destination; the Ioniq 6 is expected to be more expensive, but aims to undercut the Tesla Model 3 price of $48,440.

On deck is a three-row Hyundai Seven crossover SUV, previewed in November, slated to arrive in 2024, with the Ioniq 6, which is expected to be available in 2024.