Six weeks have come and gone, and my time with the Hyundai IONIQ 6 has drawn to a close. It’s been an eye-opening experience—one that has challenged my expectations of what an EV saloon can be. Looking back, this car has sparked a mix of emotions, conversations, and even a few internal debates.
At the start, I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it. The design was the first thing to stir mixed reactions—not just from me, but from almost everyone I met. Some saw it as a futuristic masterpiece, while others couldn’t quite get on board with its curvy, streamlined form. Even now, I find myself caught in between. Some angles look sleek and sculpted, while others still make me pause. But one thing is certain: it doesn’t blend in. And in a world where most cars play it safe, that’s something worth appreciating.
Beyond aesthetics, what stood out most over these six weeks was just how easy it is to live with an EV like this in Singapore. Once I got used to the charging routine—bouncing between overnight 7kW chargers near my block and the fast chargers at MacPherson—it became second nature. Yes, it requires a bit of planning, especially without a dedicated charger at home, but it wasn’t nearly as inconvenient as I had expected. In fact, I started to appreciate those charging stops as little moments of pause in my otherwise hectic schedule.
Then there’s the driving experience. The IONIQ 6 is one of those cars that quietly wins you over the more you drive it. It’s smooth, refined, and effortless—qualities that make the daily grind feel a little less like a grind. The aerodynamic shape helps it glide efficiently, and the instant torque makes every acceleration feel light and easy. The more I got used to it, the more I realised how much I’d miss that feeling when I eventually switch back to an ICE car.
Then there are the little details—the kind that remind you Hyundai put a lot of thought into this car. The pedals, for instance, have a “+” and “-” symbol instead of the usual rubber grip pattern. It’s a fun little nod to the regenerative braking system—press down for more power, lift off to slow down and regain energy. It’s one of those quirky touches that add character, the kind of thing that makes you smile when you notice it.
Another neat trick? The V2D (Vehicle-to-Device) 3-pin plug that lets you power household appliances straight from the car. Need to charge a laptop while working remotely? Plug it in. Want to power a mini fridge for a picnic? No problem. It’s a feature that adds an extra layer of versatility—one that makes you rethink what an EV can do beyond just driving.
Speaking of practicality, I was surprised at just how much IONIQ 6 could swallow up when needed. Case in point: I managed to fit a Christmas tree in the boot with the seats folded down. It’s not the kind of thing you expect a sleek, streamlined EV to be able to handle, but there it was—proof that this car isn’t just about style, but genuine usability too.
One lingering thought is what an IONIQ 6 N would feel like. Hyundai has already nailed the formula with the IONIQ 5 N, proving that EVs can be just as exhilarating as their petrol-powered counterparts. I can’t help but imagine the IONIQ 6 with sharper handling, a bit more aggression, and that playful edge that makes performance cars so engaging. My renderings of a lowered IONIQ 6 with bigger wheels only fuelled that curiosity. If Hyundai brings an N version of this car to life, it might just be the version that fully wins over the sceptics.
As I wrap up this six-week experience, I find myself understanding why the IONIQ 6 was named our AutoApp Car of the Year 2025. It’s not just about affordability, though its price point is undoubtedly compelling. It’s about versatility, innovation, and that X-Factor that makes an EV more than just an alternative to petrol cars.
It may not be perfect, and it may not win everyone over, but the IONIQ 6 isn’t trying to be universally liked—it’s trying to be different. In a world where most cars fade into the background, that’s something worth celebrating.
Would I have liked to spend more time with it? Probably. Would I go back to driving an ICE car the same way after this? Hard to say. But one thing’s for sure—this car has left an impression, and that’s not something every car can do.
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Long-Term Review:
Week One – Our long-term test drive kicks off
Week Two – Range anxiety – is it really an issue?
Week Three – Charging downtime has its perks
Week Four – What if I modified the IONIQ 6?
Week Five – More reasons why it really won our ACOTY
