Hyundai IONIQ 5 Review

Range

The IONIQ 5 shares much of its architecture with the brilliant Kia EV6, and together they boast some of the best range figures in the business – certainly at relatively normal money. With a choice of two batteries (and power outputs), the Hyundai’s range varies depending on how much you spend. The entry-level 58kWh/168bhp option allows up to 274 miles of driving, while upgrading to the 77.4kWh battery ups this to 354 miles if you’re happy with rear-wheel drive and 214bhp, while the full-fat, 300bhp all-wheel drive IONIQ 5 can travel up to 287 miles on a charge. Those latter two figures dip around five per cent if you go for the 20in alloys of the poshest ‘Ultimate’ spec, though.

Battery

Buyers have a choice of two batteries: a 58kWh pack and a new-for-2023 77.4kWh unit. The smaller battery is only available in the Premium grade with the larger pack commanding an extra £3,500. Add all-wheel drive to the Premium and you'll be looking at an additional £7,000 on the bill. Both battery packs are lithium-ion NMC packs, which will also pre-heat ahead of rapid charging (provided you've put the charger in the car's nav system) and are also water-cooled, all of which helps to improve the life of the batteries, and keep them performing well.

Charging

Like the Kia, its 800V architecture allows seriously quick charging – 350kW if you can find it – which could give you 60 miles of range in just five minutes or top you up from 10 to 80 per cent in a whisker over 17 minutes. Which is still a pretty premium electric car experience. On more regular 50kW chargers, you’ll get up to 80 per cent in 50 minutes, while a complete charge on a wall box at home is an activity for working hours or overnight, at nine hours.