[Tabolleo] Ioniq 6 Rightfully Boasts 'Longest Driving Range in Korea'

Long-range Model Achieves 562 km on a Single Charge
Extended Range with 4th-Generation Battery and Aerodynamic Upgrades
"Smooth Mode" Introduced to Reduce EV Motion Sickness
Actual Purchase Price in Seoul Just Over 40 Million Won with Subsi

The Ioniq 6 is the electric vehicle with the longest single-charge driving range in South Korea. The long-range model can travel up to 562 km on a single charge, making it possible to drive from Seoul to Busan one way without recharging. For consumers who have hesitated to buy an electric vehicle due to charging concerns, this car could be an attractive alternative.

Hyundai Motor Company first launched the Ioniq 6, its first electric sedan, in July 2022. After annual updates, a facelifted model was introduced last month, three years after the original release. The most notable features of this facelift are the use of a fourth-generation battery to extend the driving range, and improvements to the design and aerodynamics that significantly enhance aerodynamic performance. As a result, Hyundai has created a car that can drive farther and perform better than the previous model.

I had the chance to test drive the newly facelifted Ioniq 6, equipped with a new battery and redesigned exterior, on August 27. The test drive route covered a round trip of 70 km from Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang to a cafe in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province.

Driving photo of Ioniq 6. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company.

First, the design has changed significantly at both the front and rear. While the previous model featured cat-eye-shaped headlamps, the new model separates the slim, sleek daytime running lights (DRL) from the main headlamps, emphasizing a more futuristic look.

The rear spoiler has also been modified. The large spoiler attached to the rear window of the previous model has been replaced with a smaller one. By optimizing the angle and size of the spoiler, aerodynamic drag has been further reduced. As a result, the Ioniq 6 maintains the best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.21 among Hyundai Motor Group’s mass-produced vehicles.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, I was impressed by the tidy interior design. The buttons for various functions, such as climate control and window operation, were neatly arranged. This car is equipped with digital side mirrors, which took some getting used to at first, but became more intuitive once on the road. The side mirror display even shows the area where lane changes are possible, so once you get accustomed to it, it seems quite convenient.

Ioniq 6 Interior. Photo by Woo Suyeon

On the road, both acceleration and handling performance exceeded expectations. The main strength of this car is its extended driving range, achieved by applying a fourth-generation battery with higher energy density and improving aerodynamic performance. The long-range model features an 84 kWh battery, achieving the longest single-charge range among electric vehicles at 562 km. The standard model is also equipped with a 63 kWh fourth-generation battery, providing a driving range of 437 km, which is 70 km longer than the previous version.

Ride comfort and quietness were also impressive. Hyundai Motor Company has equipped this car with new low rolling resistance tires and an improved frequency-sensitive shock absorber, enhancing driving performance. The frequency-sensitive shock absorber automatically adjusts damping force according to the frequency of vibrations from the road surface. While driving, I barely noticed any road noise, and speed bumps were handled smoothly.

The Ioniq 6 also features various new technologies introduced by Hyundai Motor Company for the first time. One of the standout features is the "Smooth Mode" driving mode, which helps reduce motion sickness for passengers. Electric vehicles with high torque often cause frequent rapid starts and stops, which can make passengers, especially those in the back seat, feel nauseous. To address this, Hyundai added the "Smooth Mode" function, which adjusts torque intensity and responsiveness to prevent sudden acceleration even if the accelerator pedal is pressed hard. In practice, it may feel a bit sluggish for the driver, but it greatly improves ride comfort for passengers.

Another new technology is the climate seat occupancy detection feature. In simple terms, the car detects which seats are occupied and automatically adjusts the air conditioning or heating accordingly. For example, if only the driver’s seat is occupied, the system will turn on the air conditioning only for the driver. If someone sits in the back seat, the rear air conditioning will automatically be activated.

So, what about the price? With the addition of detailed new features and the new battery, a price increase was to be expected. For the standard model, the entry-level E-Value+ trim starts at 48.56 million won, while the long-range 2WD E-Lite trim starts at 50.64 million won. With the national subsidy, the expected purchase price in Seoul will be in the low 40 million won range.

Driving photo of Ioniq 6. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.