New Hyundai Ioniq 6 promises Tesla-killing range

A futuristic-looking new model will reach Australia next year and promises to put an end to one of the biggest misgivings about electric vehicles.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a unique silhouette.

Hyundai’s new Ioniq 6 electric car could offer best-in-class range when the model arrives in Australia next year.

Eye-catching low-drag bodywork on the new sedan returns the slipperiest shape on sale, helping deliver claimed range of more than 610 kilometres.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 goes into production in late 2022.

That’s more than the longest-range Tesla Model 3 (602km), Polestar 2 (551km), or Kia EV6, (528km).

Based on the boxy Ioniq 5 hatchback – News Corp Australia’s reigning car of the year – the Ioniq 6 exceeds the existing model’s claimed range by more than 100 kilometres.

Low-drag bodywork is key to the car’s success – and claimed energy consumption that could slip below 14kWh per 100 kilometres of driving, returning impressive range from its 77.4kWh battery.

The Ioniq 6’s shape is key to its success.

The Ioniq 6 even uses cameras in place of rear vision mirrors to keep aerodynamic disturbance to a minimum.

Likely to be offered locally with a choice of rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive traction, the Ioniq 6 should start from less than $80,000 drive-away.

The entry-level model in Australia will drive the rear wheels with an electric motor expected to produce more than 160kW.

Sustainable materials and practical power outlets meet in the cabin.

Drivers who want more grunt can trade range for power with an all-wheel-drive model boasting 239kW and 605Nm of combined output. That’s enough to reach 100km/h in 5.1 seconds.

It should also be fast to charge, as its 800-volt electrical hardware is capable of topping up the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent charge in a claimed 18 minutes.

There’s a touch of Porsche 911 to its rear end style.

As with the Ioniq 5, it has a vehicle-to-load capability allowing owners to plug appliances into its charging port with a special adaptor.

A revised interior has twin 12-inch displays, a Bose stereo, smartphone mirroring and the promise of over-the-air updates.

Mood lighting and touchscreens are part of the package.

But it won’t match Tesla touches including Netflix, YouTube and video games – at least for now.

Expect Australian models to be loaded with features including a surround-view camera, advanced driver assistance and luxury touches such as 64-colour ambient lighting.

It will enter production in late 2022 and is likely to reach Australia in early 2023.

Full prices and specifications will be confirmed closer to its official debut.