The Tesla Model 3 debuted in 2017. Over the years, it didn’t see anything major happening to it. It got a few software updates here, and there. We saw some different wheel designs. At a certain point seat cushions were changed, and the suspension received some tweaks. In 2021 the lumbar adjustment from the passenger seat was removed. You see where I’m going here. As groundbreaking as it was when it first launched, the Model 3 should be approaching a point where a new generation will have to be discussed. Tesla deserves accolades for practically creating the EV market alone. But being first, while having lots of benefits, also comes at a cost. That’s where other competitors such as South Korean giant Hyundai come in. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a fierce competitor of the Tesla Model 3 and has the looks and features that could tip the scales against the latter
The Newest Member Of Hyundai's EV Family
The Ioniq 6 is the newest member of Hyundai’s EV lineup. It uses the same electric global modular platform (E-GMP) as its sibling, the award-winning Ioniq 5 SUV. It has a commendable 0.219 drag coefficient, making it the most aerodynamic Hyundai. It’s better than the 0.23 of the Model 3 too. The lower the drag coefficient, the better. And less drag means less power used to maintain speed. It’s a designed range extender if you will. A luxury some big SUVs, and pickup trucks do not have.
Talking about the design, at a first glance, its silhouette resembles that of the Mercedes CLA or CLS coupes. One key difference is the Hyundai has a not-so-discrete, but still, elegant LED-illuminated rear spoiler. Mercedes makes some good-looking cars, but the Ioniq 6 is a show-stopper. It has the proportions of a good-sized saloon as well. Its longer wheelbase is easy to notice and commands a presence not usually seen on a vehicle of this class. It also means more interior space. In the back, the floor is flat, allowing more comfort for the center passenger. Hyundai is calling this exterior design the Streamliner shape.
The Ioniq 6 Long Wheelbase Provides A Spacious Interior
Lightning is all LED, as expected. Interior lights themes included. The driver has up to 64 colors and six themes curated by psychology experts. The top trims, the SEL, and Limited come with standard 20-inch allow wheels. Base model versions come with 18-inch wheels. A lot of potential buyers will be happy to know that Hyundai fitted the Ioniq 6 with a regular steering wheel! Yeah, that’s become a thing now.
The range of the Ioniq 6 matches that of the Model 3 almost to the mile. It has an EPA-est range of 361 miles. 3 more miles than the Model 3. Interesting coincidence. And the Ioniq 6 can use a powerful 350 kW DC to get some juice on those batteries faster. Hyundai claims you can charge it from 10 percent up to 80 percent in 18 minutes. If you need 65 miles of range to make a short drive, you can get that in 5 minutes of charging. As is the case with some EVs, they store a considerable amount of power in those batteries. They can then be used to power small appliances like your laptop, a mini fridge, or a small TV. Some EVs, like the upcoming RAM 1500 REV, are supposed to have so much battery capacity that is being advertised as being able to power your whole house for a while if the energy grid is offline.
The South Korean Brand Plans For The US Market Are Ahead Of Schedule
José Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of the Hyundai Motor Company, as well as President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, is aiming to capitalize on the company’s momentum. Hyundai’s retail share is up 33-percent since 2020. For 2023, Muñoz claims it will hit its 1 million Hyundai and Genesis sales goal. That along with a six-percent combined market share is coming two years ahead of schedule. The South Korean brand is growing fast in the US market. To keep this up, Hyundai is going to be investing $10 billion in its U.S. product line. And, as you can tell, EVs are going to be a major part of this investment. Hyundai seems confident in its EVs. They see Tesla as the one real competitor to beat.
Every trim of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is available in either a single motor, rear-wheel drive, or a dual motor all-wheel drive system. The RWD setup provides 225 horsepower, which is fine for everyday use, but you have to remember EVs have all their torque available from the get-go. The dual-motor, AWD setup has 320 horsepower, and Hyundai says it can go from 0-60 MPH in 5.1 seconds. The car can park itself, and has driving assists to help the driver on the road. The Hyundai Driving Assist 2, for example, is not a self-driving mode. But it does offer comfort, and safety for the driver and passengers, as well as other road users. It has stop-and-go, forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitor, and the works. All that is offered at an estimated starting MSRP of $44,000. That’s in line with Tesla’s Model 3 price. Analyzing the Ioniq 6 objectively, it seems to have a leg up on the Model 3. If you put emotion into the mix, things could get complicated for Tesla.