Hyundai Ioniq 5 – AutoApp Dev https://www.autoapp.sg/dev Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:33:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 HMGICS Displays Hyundai IONIQ 5 Used by the Late Pope Francis https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283444 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:33:39 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283444 The Hyundai IONIQ 5 that transported the late Pope Francis during his historic September 2024 visit to Singapore is now on public display.


Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) has placed the very car on show, inviting visitors to view the special car up close.

Why this Hyundai Ioniq 5 matters

The Pontiff, known for humility and his stewardship of environmental and social causes, chose to move about in a quiet, all-electric IONIQ 5, built at Singapore’s only EV manufacturing facility.

The visit itself was a milestone: the first papal visit to Singapore and Southeast Asia in nearly a decade, anchored in interfaith dialogue and community outreach.

You’ll find the car on Level 1 of HMGICS, where it will remain on view during regular visiting hours—Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm. The organisers ask for respectful behaviour, a simple courtesy, entirely in the spirit of the man it once ferried.

In its statement, Hyundai Motor Group notes that the IONIQ 5 on display is not only a manufacturing milestone but also “a quiet reminder of a leader who encouraged peace and unity.”


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Pope Francis Used A Hyundai Ioniq 5 During His Singapore Visit https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=277361 Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:45:46 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=277361 Pope Francis touched down in Singapore on Wednesday (Sept 11), marking the final stop of his 12-day whirlwind tour of the Asia-Pacific region.


Welcomed at Changi Airport with a few notable dignitaries (Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong, Singapore’s Catholic leader Cardinal William Goh, and former cabinet minister Lim Boon Heng) Pope Francis’ arrival was a heartwarming affair.

Children performed “Singapore Town” and presented him with flowers, and he made a short visit to Jurassic Mile at Changi, where a crowd of 1,000 Catholics had gathered to greet him.

Interestingly, a white Hyundai Ioniq 5 was prepared for his arrival, and he was seen touring around Singapore in the front passenger seat of this EV.

It’s been almost four decades since a pontiff last visited Singapore (the late Pope John Paul II in 1986), and it seems fitting that the current pope would continue his trend of using mass-market cars instead of luxury sedans, sticking true to his message of humility and environmental responsibility.

For the keen-eyed, you’ll notice that the license plate of the Ioniq 5 has a special ‘SCV 1′ designation. This stands for ‘Status Civitatis Vatican’, a nod to the Vatican City.

So why the Hyundai Ioniq 5?

While we obviously don’t have a direct quote from Pope Francis on his car choice, we suspect that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was chosen due to its significance being made in Singapore. This is further supported as he was seen in Indonesia making his rounds in a white Toyota Innova, a vehicle produced locally there.

The Ioniq 5 would also fit his broader message of caring for the planet. Since taking office, Pope Francis has made tackling climate change one of the central themes of his papacy, so using an electric vehicle aligns with his ethos of sustainability.

Though Hyundai has kept tight-lipped about the specific details of their cars being used by the pope, they did confirm that the vehicles were supplied by the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS).


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Hyundai Ioniq 5 Inspiration AWD Review – Dual Personality https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=272356 Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:53:30 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=272356 Slap an additional motor, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Inspiration adds another personality to its already sensible ensemble – unadulterated fun.


Hyundai’s electric era has taken the world by storm, epitomised by the trailblazing Ioniq 5. The harbinger of Hyundai’s ambitious Ioniq lineup has now spun off into multiple variants, each promising to sprinkle electric magic for every demographic profile out there.

Fans the world over have been raving about the Ioniq 5 N, the bonkers EV that even has ‘gears’ programmed into it. But, before that carries the spotlight away, we should take a closer look at the currently available dual-motor AWD variant.

There are 4 variants of the Ioniq 5 available in Singapore at the time of writing, and this is the top-of-the-line, no compromises Inspiration. If you thought Hyundai was all about playing it safe, think again.

Yes, it costs more than all of its siblings, but this particular Ioniq 5 makes you feel that paying the uprated road tax is worth it. And it does so with a bold stride, and unmistakable Hyundai flair.

Classy Looks

Imagine if the iconic DeLorean from “Back to the Future” decided to bulk up, and you sprinkle a little “Blade Runner” magic. That’s the vibe of the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

No typical ‘fake grille’, and no false air channels. Hyundai instead went with a front light signature that seems to pulse with energy, giving the Ioniq 5 a face not just of function but of form.

Its profile is bold, its angles sharp, and its rear lights are something out of a sci-fi flick, signalling the future.

Understated power is the game here, and the Ioniq 5  is also subtle in its own skin. Apart from the huge rims and the tiny HTRAC badge on the back, you wouldn’t know this was the dual-motor variant… until you get smoked at the lights when this dashes off.

It doesn’t shout about its power, and it doesn’t need to either. Those who know, will know.

Thoughtful Cabin

Stepping inside, you’ll be shocked at just how much space there is. The cabin exudes a sense of spaciousness, courtesy of its light tones and minimalist design, offering an ambience of serenity.

Since they are now built here, Hyundai provides the choice of either a luminous white interior or a more subdued dark option, and either way, the standard-fit sunroof bathes the cabin in natural light, creating the sensation of driving within your personal sun-soaked sanctuary.

The dashboard hosts a pair of 12.3-inch displays that are as visually crisp as they are functional. My only issue with the infotainment is the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; future Hyundai models have this, but the Ioniq 5 is based on older architecture.

The steering wheel may initially overwhelm with its array of buttons. But once acclimatised, these controls are intuitive and handy to use. Volume and media controls are especially easy to use; handy when you want to savour the best tunes on the Bose sound system.

True, physical climate controls would be preferable, but touch-sensitive panels are a marked improvement over the hidden depths of screen sub-menus.

All occupants get loads of room in the cabin, and the rear seats are even tilt-adjustable. Hyundai also introduced the “Universal Island” which enables you to slide the armrest and its charging ports back and forth by 140mm, allowing you to choose between offering your screen-engrossed passengers convenient charging ports or indulging them with extra legroom.

Once this ‘island’ has undergone its tectonic shift towards the rear, the driver can gracefully exit via the passenger door – an invaluable asset when parking in a tight urban setting, without the need for in-cabin parkour shenanigans.

Hyundai astutely leverages the ‘no engine equals more room’ card when it comes to space. The Ioniq 5 Inspiration proudly flaunts a capacious 531-litre boot, accompanied by additional storage for your charging cable, neatly tucked below.

Concerned that your cable might be buried beneath a shopping spree? An ingeniously designed 57-litre storage compartment up front provides a dedicated nook for it.

Sporting a vast wheelbase with three meters of space between the axles, the Ioniq 5 offers more room than a typical BMW 5 Series.

If anyone wants a visual definition of “you get more than what you paid for”, just ask them to step into the Ioniq 5’s cabin. 

More Firepower 

Slap on an additional motor, and step up into a realm where power and elegance coalesce. The exterior and interior differences might require a keen eye to spot, but when you’re in the driver’s seat, the surge in power is as unmistakable as a thunderclap in a silent room.

Hyundai has endowed the Ioniq 5 Inspiration with 321bhp and a hefty 605Nm of torque that’s ready at the drop of a hat. All four wheels spring to life, propelling you from nought to hero in a mere 5.1 seconds.

Wave goodbye to the 9.5 seconds of the Prestige 58kWh as if it’s your neighbour’s cat you’ve never been fond of.

Switch to Sport mode and it’s like igniting a silent rocket – the dashboard turns red, and suddenly you’re gliding on a wave of relentless force, the kind that has you and your passengers melding with the upholstery.

Despite all of that power, cruising on the highway in the Ioniq 5 Inspiration is akin to sailing in the calm of the night sea – serene, untroubled, with the kind of cabin quietness and ride composure that makes you forget the world outside.

And with that extra punch under the hood, weaving through traffic becomes less of a chore and more of an art, elevating the driving experience to new zeniths.

It has got a spirited heart, but don’t be confused; this Ioniq 5 isn’t vying for the title of an electric sports car. Sure, its low centre of gravity and the clingy Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tyres make a valiant effort around the bends, keeping this sizable beast more anchored than you’d anticipate.

Yet, when you’re orchestrating over two tonnes of technology and luxury, you’ll feel the heft; it’s like guiding a well-mannered elephant around a china shop – possible, but you’re aware of every move.

Still, the essence of the Ioniq 5 lies in its rear-biased finesse, maintaining that rear-wheel-drive poise once it hits its stride.

The larger 77kWh battery not only brings more power to the fore but also stretches the journey’s horizon up to 454km, despite the added weight. My media drive encompassed 360km of pedal-pushing fun and 17.6kWh/100km on the clock, and I still had more than enough charge left for a day or two of fun. 

It’s efficient, near-silent, and handles with calm finesse. Plus, you look damm good while doing so.

Willing To Fork Out For Performance?

I hear the badge snobs are already turning up their noses, but one glance at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Inspiration and you’ll understand why Hyundai is swaggering into the ring with the luxury bigwigs.

It’s a blend of functionality and flair that shakes up the old guard’s cautious dance around electric mobility.

Now, the standard Cat A Ioniq 5 is nothing to scoff at, it’s a fine piece of engineering. But the dual-motor variant? That’s where the magic really happens.

It boggles the mind just how fast it really is, and it zips you through time and space with such finesse, that you’ll forget what engine noise is.

But here comes the million-dollar question: Would you skip the more budget-friendly Cat A model for the top-tier Inspiration variant?

Unlikely for most, but for the few who dare to be different, they’ll be rocketing past in serene comfort.

@autoappsingapore

Neck muscles-training 325hp and 605Nm of torque with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 Inspiration 4WD #fyp #fypsingapore fypsingapore🇸🇬@hyundai #hmgics #madeinsingapore #electriccar #electricvehicles #electricvehicle

♬ original sound – Ignition Labs – AutoApp

Technical Specifications

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric

Engine: Dual Electrical Motors
Power: 239kW (321bhp)
Torque: 605Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 5.1 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 185 km/h
Battery Capacity: 77 kWh
Drive Range: 454 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.26 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$2,42,850 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Hyundai Singapore 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)


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Hyundai Unveils Ioniq 5 ‘NPX1’ Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=271530 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:03:11 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=271530 This bonkers EV will be launched this year, and Hyundai is planning to extend the kit for use on other future N products.


If the Ioniq 5 N wasn’t crazy enough for you, the engineers at Hyundai have heard your plea, and have now introduced the Ioniq 5 N NPX1. Debuting at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, it’s a transformation that turns the Ioniq 5 N into a tech marvel straight out of a futuristic movie.

Draped in a sleek matte black with striking dark teal highlights, the Ioniq 5 N NPX1 is extremely striking at first glance. The front end sports a revamped bumper, less cluttered yet more impactful, crowned by a massive front splitter that seems to draw inspiration from a sci-fi titan.

The side profile gets an equally impressive treatment, with redesigned side skirts and hybrid carbon wheels that are lighter and sportier than ever. And then there’s the rear – a grand display of aggression with a colossal four-section rear splitter that’s impossible to miss.

The Ioniq 5 N NPX1 packs a serious punch in performance enhancements too. Think lower springs for a more grounded stance, high-performance brake pads for that extra stopping power, and a cabin lavished in Alcantara, complete with racing bucket seats for that authentic sporty feel.

Hyundai isn’t stopping at physical modifications. Joon Park, the Vice President of N Brand Management, reveals plans for software customisation, including OTA updates for sound and vehicle calibration. It’s a bold step towards a new realm of EV customisation.

While the exact price tag is yet to be revealed, expect a significant jump from the Ioniq 5 N’s initial asking price.

Hyundai is set to roll out these upgrades for customers this year too, with plans to expand across the entire ‘N’ range.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)


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Road Tripping – Hyundai Ioniq 5 Inspiration 77kWh https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=269450 Sat, 04 Nov 2023 13:50:47 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=269450 You may think the dual-motor Hyundai Ioniq 5 Inspiration variant is just a simple affair of adding one more motor, but the true answer goes much deeper than that.


Hyundai has been riding this high-voltage wave for some time now, and its journey through the e-mobility landscape has been nothing short of fascinating.

Remember the original electric Ioniq? Back then, Hyundai played it safe, creating a design that mirrored traditional combustion-engine cars – the result? A car that looked like your typical family sedan, with a cabin design that felt as snug as your favourite old pair of jeans.

But times have changed, and Hyundai’s approach to EVs is bolder than ever. The Ioniq 5 is one great example; where creativity takes the driver’s seat.

I had the pleasure of testing the Ioniq 6 recently, and it left a big positive impression on me. So, it’s now time to swap seats into the Ioniq 5 Inspiration, packing the same dual-motor powertrain as the Ioniq 6. Our destination? The scenic coastal roads of Desaru.

The first thing that surprises you is just how much more potency that extra motor bestows the Ioniq 5. Its dual-motor setup happily laps up the tarmac as you accelerate; give the accelerator a gentle nudge, and you’ll feel the G-forces at play, swiftly propelling you forward.

Despite the speed, silence blankets the cabin, with the only telltale of the brute power is when your head snaps back, kissing the headrests. Built on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 6, the dual-motor Ioniq 5 shares identical power numbers – 321bhp and a solid 605Nm of torque, rocking the century sprint in a mere 5.1 seconds.

On wide, empty stretches of expressway, it’s easy to lose track of your speed. That speed becomes even more apparent when you transition to smaller B-roads, where that instant surge of power shines; overtaking other road users becomes a breeze, and you can effortlessly summon speed at will.

Couple that with a low centre of gravity, a rigid chassis, impeccable damping, quality tyres, and a few other secret herbs and spices, and you have an EV SUV recipe that can take corners like a hot hatchback.

However, its weight does come into play when tackling tighter bends and coming to a halt at high speeds. While it’s generally stable, it’s not the nimblest choice for aggressive corner carving on less-than-ideal surfaces.

But, for the majority that won’t go around a corner fearing for dear life, the Inspiration trim offers a slew of creature comfort features. Among the best has to be the Bose premium audio system that includes a subwoofer for that extra bass kick.

The E-GMP platform maximises cabin space, a godsend for commuting and road-tripping alike. The cabin’s insulation is top-notch, and the interior quality is impressive – every detail feels well-crafted.

It even has a few tricks up its sleeve – the glovebox opens like a drawer, perfect for stashing your odds and ends. Then there’s the ingenious flat floor with a movable central universal island instead of a fixed centre console. This adds a dash of versatility; slide it toward the back, and you have a convenient spot to store your bag.

Oh, you needed to charge something? Forget about USBs (even though the Ioniq 5 has quite a few ports available), use the 3-pin socket under the rear seat instead. This is one of those “you don’t know how useful it can be until you don’t have it” things that came in handy when charging portable devices and equipment while on the go.

For the odd camping trip, there’s even an external V2L adapter to power various devices. Hyundai tested this in Desaru with a pop-up movie theatre; for those of you who is looking for date night ideas, you have one great option now.

One feature I truly enjoyed was the adaptive cruise control system, which works in tandem with lane keeping and lane assist. The ability to drive semi-autonomously lightens the load on longer journeys.

In summary, the Ioniq 5 stands out with its boxy hatchback-crossover hybrid looks and the Inspiration trim takes power and agility to the next level. For those of you who crave the thrill of speed, the choice becomes pretty obvious.


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Road Tripping – Silent Electric Serenity With The Hyundai Ioniq 5 In Desaru https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=268607 Sun, 22 Oct 2023 18:43:12 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=268607 We took Hyundai Singapore’s Ioniq 5 family to Desaru, and savoured the electrical quirks and tranquillity that it delivers.


Malaysia road trips. Ah, what a topic. It’s the evergreen story that keeps on giving, a tale as old as time. And trust me, you’ll see tons more, year after year, decade after decade.

If you’ve been keeping tabs on my AutoApp escapades, you might raise an eyebrow and go, “Hold on a minute! Isn’t this the third pilgrimage to the same Resort in Desaru this year?” Well, yes, you’ve got a good memory. And yes, the same destination, but each journey is like a snowflake—unique, charming, and enchanting in its very own way.

Let’s be honest; these road trips possess an uncanny ability to keep us hooked, to ignite that sense of wonder, to fan the flames of excitement. Why, you ask? Because every experience is a world unto itself.

My trusty steed this time round is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Made-in-Singapore marvel is here to redefine the game, taking the ordinary and injecting it with an elixir of electric charisma.

I could finally push an EV at faster speeds!

No matter how much horsepower you’ve got under the hood, the legal speed limit in Singapore is at best 90km/h. Plus, with the ever-congested roads we face on a daily basis, you will never get to experience the true capabilities of an EV here. Each green light is a swift and short burst of speed, followed by rapid deceleration as you catch up to the car in front.

In Malaysia however, the speed limit on the motorways is 110km/h, and in non-peak midday traffic, travelling to your destination is nothing more than a carefree experience. Of course, we do not encourage speeding, but some bits do beckon you to travel slightly faster, bar the ol’ rozzer every now and then.

Most EVs have one major disadvantage over their ICE counterparts; lower top-end speeds thanks in part to their motor-driven assemblies. By being in Malaysia, it allowed me to achieve higher speeds, thus enabling me to better access just how an EV would fare if subjected to more zooms.

And I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Ioniq 5 handled itself beautifully on Malaysian tarmac. Even at speed, its lower centre of gravity (thanks to the low-slung batteries) helped it maintain a steady cadence as we wafted along. At no point did I feel the car become floaty or unsettled as we cruised; high praise for the Ioniq 5, especially with its SUV-hatchback-esque proportions. 

Miles ticked away as the Ioniq 5 effortlessly devoured the distance. Though I did not get to try out the dual-motor variant, the ‘Cat A’ single motor offerings were more than sufficient in terms of power; 107kW (143bhp) and a generous 350Nm on tap. While lower-powered, this lighter variant still packs enough punch, and is a great companion to coast to our resort at Desaru… coast.

EV charging is not as daunting as you think

Due to the sustained pace I was doing throughout the trip, I did notice that battery consumption was a little on the higher side. It’s no secret that EVs consume more juice when travelling fast, and I was averaging about 24.2kWh/100km on the highway bits.

Not a deal breaker by any stretch, but you do need to factor in sufficient charging locations as you go about your trip.

Which is why, after a serene breakfast at Talula Hill Farm and Resort, the cars made a quick pitstop at Shell Skudai R&R in order to get some much-needed power. There were also charging stations located at the Anantara Resort, which we generously occupied (sorry other EV owners!).

But, as you can clearly see, we didn’t even need to leave the resort in order to get a full battery, all ready for the next day’s festivities.

Yes, depending on battery capacity, you may need to plug in more times than someone else needs to top up fuel, but that doesn’t mean an EV can’t survive the “harsh” Malaysian peninsula.

Plan in advance, and your journey can be as seamless as a relaxing cup of coffee by a hillside.

The Ioniq 5 has a trick up its sleeve too

Hyundai has included a unique feature in the Ioniq 5; external Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. Basically, the car can become your mobile generator.

Plugging the adapter into the car’s charging port is literally all that’s required to get the party started. To demonstrate this, the Hyundai folk have graciously set up a portable movie theatre right on the grounds of a completely deserted carpark, powered solely by the Ioniq 5. 

Enjoying an episode of Brooklyn 99, beer in hand, sitting on a Hyundai field chair (which you can purchase, by the way) right smack in the middle of nowhere is exactly my kind of peace, and it’s more amazing knowing that all this is powered by the Ioniq 5.

Hyundai, if you wish to try out some outdoor al-fresco steamboat ideas, I’m all ears.

The designers even engineered an inflatable bed that fits snugly in the back of the Ioniq 5, so once you’re ready to settle in for the night, you can just crawl in and gaze at the star-filled sky. How? With the Ioniq 5’s standard fit panoramic sunroof, of course.

Electricity can be your friend

I’ve driven up North many, many times. But this was the first time I’ve exclusively used EVs to get around. Even though our journey may only cover the Southern part of Malaysia, getting around was just as easy as any ICE vehicle.

And it was quite the sight to pull up to the petrol stations, waving off the pump attendant, and heading straight in just for a box of good-value ice cream.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 proves that you can have a great time in Malaysia. All you’ve got to do is grab the motivation to pack your passport and head for the land borders.


Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Style and Sense https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=268160 Sat, 07 Oct 2023 13:13:10 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=268160 The Hyundai Ioniq 5 ticks all the grown-up sensible boxes and looks epic on the roads. Who wouldn’t want one?


(article updated 13 November 2023)

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the first of a new family of EVs from Hyundai, which has since been followed by the Ioniq 6. Expect other Ioniq models in the near future. And expect those to be rather excellent machines, if this first effort is anything to go by.

This isn’t Hyundai’s first attempt at an EV either. Nope, the Koreans have been quietly making decent electric city cars for some time now. The previous generation Ioniq was available as a pure EV (although, you would have most likely seen its hybrid sibling), and for a few years now we’ve seen the Kona Electric grace our streets. You might have even driven or sat in one since they’re used for private-hire vehicle services too.

Worthy as those cars are, Hyundai soon realised it wasn’t going to get a bigger slice of the EV pie unless it placed everything that it had into something that could turn a few heads. And that is with the Hyundai badge adorned on it.

And so we arrive at this – the Ioniq 5. An EV you’ll want to own just from clapping eyes on it.

Let’s Talk About Looks

Our journey begins where all eyes converge – the design. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill EV; it’s an art piece on wheels. It’s as though the iconic DeLorean from Back to the Future hit the gym, emerged as a muscular hot hatch, and added a dash of Blade Runner’s futuristic allure.

Say goodbye to the commonplace ‘fake grille’ on EVs; instead, behold a luminous motif that appears to breathe life into the front fascia. The Ioniq 5’s front profile exudes purpose, its chiselled sides exhibit audacity, and the LED-adorned rear end resembles a futuristic autonomous vehicle.

This car is a design marvel, seamlessly meeting all aerodynamic and safety prerequisites while appearing to be a creation from a science fiction reverie.

And this is also where appearances can be deceiving. The Ioniq 5, while seemingly compact in photos, is an SUV with the bulk akin to that of a Range Rover Evoque. But that may not necessarily be a bad thing, and it all becomes clear as soon as you get in.

Spaciousness Redefined

Stepping inside, you’ll be shocked at just how much space there really is. The cabin exudes a sense of spaciousness, courtesy of its light tones and minimalist design, offering an ambience of serenity.

At the heart of the dashboard lies a symphony of screens – a pair of 12.3-inch displays that are as visually crisp as they are captivating. Since they are now built here, Hyundai provides the choice of either a luminous white interior or a more subdued dark option, and either way, the standard-fit sunroof bathes the cabin in natural light, creating the sensation of driving within your own sun-soaked sanctuary.

However, it’s worth noting that the steering wheel may initially overwhelm with its array of buttons. But once tamed, these controls prove to be intuitive, and the interface is a paragon of fluidity. True, physical climate controls would be preferable, but touch-sensitive panels are a marked improvement over the hidden depths of sub-menus.

Hyundai astutely leverages the ‘no engine equals more room’ card when it comes to space. The Ioniq 5 proudly flaunts a capacious 531-litre boot, accompanied by additional storage for your charging cable, neatly tucked below.

Concerned that your cable might be buried beneath a shopping spree? Fear not; an ingeniously designed 57-litre storage compartment up front provides a dedicated nook for it. Sporting a vast wheelbase with three meters of space between the axles, the Ioniq 5 offers more room than a typical BMW 5 Series – and that’s before you engage in rearranging the interior.

The rear seats themselves are adjustable, and Hyundai introduced the concept of the “Universal Island” which enables you to slide the armrest and its charging ports back and forth by 140mm, allowing you to choose between offering your screen-engrossed passengers convenient charging ports or indulging them with extra legroom.

Once this ‘island’ has undergone its tectonic shift towards the rear, the driver can gracefully exit via the passenger door – an invaluable asset when parking in a tight urban setting, without the need for in-cabin parkour shenanigans.

If anyone wants a visual definition of “you get more than what you paid for”, just ask them to step into the Ioniq 5’s cabin. 

Effortless Cruising 

Of course, being a “Cat A” EV, the Ioniq 5 isn’t out to break speed records; instead, it embodies style and comfort, promising a ride that’s both smooth and elegant. This isn’t a sports car by any means; it’s a car designed to make your daily commute feel like a pleasure cruise.

The suspension is tuned for comfort, ensuring that even uneven roads feel like a well-paved boulevard. However, it doesn’t shy away from handling tight turns, providing a sense of confidence to the driver. Sure, it is wide in proportions, but the car doesn’t feel too fat for local streets. A suite of reverse cameras and sensors come to your aid too when backing up into tight lots.

Even with just a single motor setup and 143bhp, the Ioniq 5 feels brisk off the line, and its good cabin insulation means you won’t notice you’re doing 100 until you look down at the instrument cluster. Should you need to overtake and claim territory on the roads, the 350Nm of torque available is more than adequate without inducing whiplash onto your passengers.

In order to classify it under category A of the COE structure, this Ioniq 5 has a 58kWH battery (smaller than the 77kWh Cat B variants). While it might not shatter records, the Ioniq 5 doesn’t disappoint either, promising a respectable 384 kilometres of range. Even with the aircon blasting on hot days, I managed to get close to that figure, meaning you won’t need to panic whenever the car’s charge starts to go below “safe” perimeters.

(update: 13 November 2023)

Plonking resident energy economy tester Vivek into the driver’s seat saw the IONIQ 5 return an average of 13.6kWh/100km or 7.3km/kWh over 461km, which topped Hyundai’s claimed 16.7kWh/100km or 5.99km/kWh average. This was with the aircon blowing nice and cool, and with the driver’s seat chiller going full tilt during the entire drive.

Around 400 kilometres on a single charge is entirely doable, but as usual, your mileage may vary depending on use case and driving style.

clockwise from top left: pure street route, mixed-drive Tour de Singapour, mostly highway driving

(/update)

Like camping? You can even tap into that massive battery using the Ioniq 5’s V2L system, allowing you to power portable electrical devices on the go. Portable steamboat session anybody?

It’s efficient, near-silent, and handles with calm finesse. Plus, you look damm good while doing so.

Stepping Into The Premium Space?

Badge snobs will scorn it, but with such sharp looks, you can clearly see why Hyundai is confident in taking the fight to the premium boys. The Ioniq 5 stands as a testament to Hyundai’s belief that an electric vehicle can be both functional and visually enticing. It challenges the traditional European approach of cautiously embracing electric mobility, proving that practicality can coexist with desirability. 

With its groundbreaking design and innovative features, the Ioniq 5 is a declaration of war in the electric vehicle arena, and it appears to find itself on higher ground.

So, if you’re contemplating the leap into the world of electric vehicles, why not do it with panache – the Hyundai Ioniq 5 kind of panache?

Technical Specifications

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric

Engine: Single Electrical Motor
Power: 107kW (143bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 185 km/h
Battery Capacity: 58 kWh
Drive Range: 384 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.99 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$211,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Hyundai Singapore 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)


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