Hyundai boosts 2023 Ioniq 5 battery and range

Hyundai has presented some changes for the 2023 model year of the Ioniq 5. The most striking new feature is the larger battery, which will come to 77.4 kWh from the second half of 2022, as in the Kia EV6. In addition, the battery can be preconditioned in the future.

++ This article has been updated. Kindly continue reading below. ++

By increasing the capacity of the large battery option to 77.4 kWh, Hyundai now confirms an earlier rumour. At the time, Hyundai did not want to comment on a South Korean media report in early November 2021, but the information has now proven to be accurate. The increase from 72.6 to 77.4 kWh corresponds to two additional battery modules that will be installed in the pack in future. The smaller battery option remains at 58 kWh energy content.

While the larger battery will only be installed in vehicles from the 2023 model year onwards, another change frequently requested by current customers will be applied to existing vehicles via a software update: the preconditioning of the battery. So far, Hyundai has not officially announced this update in a press release, but rather in a mailing to customers. In this respect, it is only logical that the 2023 model year will also have this function. As soon as a route to a fast-charging station is planned in Hyundai’s own navigation system, the battery will in future be heated or cooled in order to be in the optimum temperature window at the start of charging. “This guarantees improved real-world charging performance in cold ambient conditions,” Hyundai writes.

In terms of chassis design, the Ioniq 5 is designed to be rather comfortable, but not a sedan. Short, quick jolts in particular have so far been passed on to the interior by the non-adjustable suspension. So far, the public debate has mainly focused on the fuel consumption and charging behaviour of the Ioniq 5. However, Hyundai is now also taking the chassis up a notch: “Smart Frequency Dampers” are supposed to improve the response of the front and rear axle suspensions “in order to increase driving comfort”. There are no further details about the new suspension beyond this one set – for example, whether the smart dampers regulate everything automatically or can also be adjusted by the driver.

There are also two other new features for the 2023 model year: Firstly, the Ioniq 5 will be offered with optional camera exterior mirrors, which Hyundai calls ‘Digital Side Mirrors’. This feature is already offered in South Korea, and the camera mirrors will also be available in Europe from the second half of 2022. The current announcement does not say how expensive the feature will be. The DSM is supposed to reduce air resistance and improve rear visibility even in bad weather.

In addition, there is a new combination option for the design: from model year 2023, unpainted black bumpers with black trim can also be ordered in combination with projection LED lighting. Hyundai has not released an image of this design option, however.

“Ioniq 5 has proved to be highly successful in the 12 months since its launch, both in terms of sales and brand building,” said Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, vice president of marketing and product at Hyundai Motor Europe. “The segment is growing increasingly competitive, and we will be offering enhanced features to defend our position as technology leader in the automotive industry.”

Update 26 April 2022

Hyundai is now launching the revised Ioniq 5, which was unveiled with a larger battery in February, in the UK. Along with the new 77.4 kWh battery, the manufacturer explains that the updated IONIQ 5 will be available with video-based digital interior and exterior mirrors. A new thermal management system has also been installed as a standard feature.

Prices start with the SE Connect 58 kWh available from £39,400. It features a range of up to 238 miles and a 16.7 kWh/100km efficiency, according to WLTP standards. The premium IONIQ 5 models start from £41,900 and include new standard equipment such as the Vehicle to Load (V2L) system, as well as a number of interior comforts. Premium models are available with both the 58 kWh and new 77.4 kWh pack that delivers an increased range of up to 315 miles and a power increase of 11PS over the previous 72.6 kWh battery.

Next up is the Ultimate trim, which includes all of the above features, as well as a Remote Smart Park Assist system and Parking Collision Avoidance, starting at £48,400. Finally, the range is topped out by the Namsan Edition, which is available for £52,900. The new range-topping specification includes Digital Side Mirrors that replace traditional door mirrors with externally mounted cameras that project their image onto OLED monitors for added safety, according to Hyundai.

“IONIQ 5 has set the benchmark for both design and real-world electric vehicle usability and these range enhancements for model year 23 will ensure that this remains the case for some time to come,” said Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK.

hyundai.news, hyundai.news (update)