Top 5 Funky Features Of Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Vehicle

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has arrived in India and will soon go on sale, occupying the same segment as the Kia EV6 and Volvo XC40 Recharge. But the Ioniq 5 feels like an oddball model between the fairly conventional Mini and Volvo EVs. Even though EVs are known for their modern designs and unconventional interiors, the Ioniq 5 takes that to another level. 

Here are five quirky features and aspects of the Ioniq 5 EV: 

Retro styling: Hatchback or SUV?

On the outside, the Ioniq 5 has a retro-inspired aesthetic with a boxy shape, sharp shoulder line crease and a long, straight bonnet. It has ‘Parametric Pixel LED’ square headlights and multi-LED taillights for added retro appeal. In some ways, such as in the rear three-quarters, the design seems inspired by traditional 1980s hatchbacks such as the Lancia Delta Integrale. 

It may look like a hatchback in photos, but in real life, it’s longer and wider than the Hyundai Tucson! It also has a longer 3,000mm wheelbase, 24cm more than the mid-size ICE SUV. 

Sliding centre console 

Inside, the Ioniq 5 has an airy cabin with light coloured materials and a minimalistic design. The centre console slides forward and back for flexibility, allowing you to move the entire unit with its cupholders, armrest and storage cubbies to make more room for a rear centre passenger, for example. In addition, the rear bench seat has a power sliding function and can be adjusted to maximise legroom at the back without compromising on front knee room. 

Magnetic pad that looks like a speaker 

The Ioniq 5 has a floating panel with dual displays for driver’s instrumentation and infotainment. Next to the driver’s screen there’s a flat fabric-covered trim piece that looks like a speaker, but actually is a magnetic pad. It can be used to stick magnetic notes as reminders, or as a place to mount your phone. 

Relaxation seats

The Ioniq 5 has ‘Relaxation front seats’ that can be reclined using powered controls. Also, weirdly, the front seats in the Ioniq 5 have calf support, a feature we usually find in the rear seats, for added comfort. Both the front seats can be reclined far backwards and even have extendable calf supports to cradle your lower legs while resting. The seats are also heated and ventilated and might come in handy when waiting for your car to charge at a charging station. The rear bench seat also offers a smaller degree of reclining capability with a manual lever and all seats have a memory function. 

Ability to power external appliances 

V2L, or vehicle-to-load, is a cool feature that allows you to power appliances and even charge your laptop or other EVs, such as electric bikes, using the car. The Ioniq 5 comes with an adapter that can plug into the two-way external charging port for powering devices outside the car. For more precious items such as a computer, there’s a three-pin socket under the rear seat. 

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We expect the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV’s prices to be announced at Auto Expo 2023. Being a locally assembled model, it’s likely to be priced at around Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom).