Hyundai unveiled the facelifted Ioniq 5 in Korea, exactly three years after the debut of the original. The fully electric crossover benefits from mild exterior and interior updates, a bigger battery pack, and the expansion of its lineup with a sporty N Line trim. Visually, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 remains instantly recognizable, with the visual updates being limited to the redesigned front and rear bumpers. The front air intake has been simplified and is wider than before, with a similar treatment for the cleaner rear fascia. There is also a new aero-friendly design for the alloy wheels, a rear wiper, and a larger rear spoiler that has been extended by 50 mm. Overall, the facelifted EV is 20 mm longer than its predecessor, stretching to 4,655 mm.
As for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Line which is
a new addition to the range, it is distinguished by a version-specific bodykit adorned
with several N Line badges. The front bumper has light-colored flaps inspired
by the Ioniq 5 N, with a similar treatment at the rear. The profile is enhanced
with body-colored fenders, tweaked side skirts, and a new set of 20-inch alloy
wheels.
Inside, the model has a few unique touches
including a different steering wheel, sports seats, metal pedals, a black
headliner, new accents on the dashboard, red stitching, and more N Line badges.
Hyundai also mentioned a “dynamic driving experience” hinting at chassis
upgrades, similar to other N Line models. The Korean automaker improved the
ergonomics of the Ioniq 5 by adding a new physical button on the center console
for controlling features like the heated and ventilated seats, the heated
steering wheel, and the parking assist, most of which used to be inside the
more complex infotainment menus. The wireless charging pad has been relocated
higher next to the vertically-arranged cupholders, the A/C and infotainment
controls have been redesigned for easier operation, and the steering wheel
gained “interactive pixel lights”.
Hyundai’s next-gen infotainment system is
called “connected car Navigation Cockpit” and is compatible with wireless
over-the-air software updates. Hopefully, it will also support wireless Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto, a feature that was notably missing from the outgoing
Ioniq 5. Other useful upgrades include enhanced safety equipment, a remote
folding function of the rear seats, and a built-in dashcam.
The facelifted range of the Ioniq 5 gains
the larger 84 kWh battery pack borrowed from the flagship Ioniq 5 N, which
replaces the 77.4 kWh unit of the outgoing model. The increase in battery
capacity has a positive effect on the electric range, although Hyundai has yet
to announce the official figures. Bear in mind that the existing Ioniq 5 with
the 77.4 kWh battery pack has an EPA range of up to 488 km miles or a
WLTP range of up to 507 km. The company didn’t mention any changes
to the single and dual-motor electric powertrains, which produced anywhere
between 168 hp and 321 hp in the existing
Ioniq 5, excluding the Ioniq 5 N which makes 641 hp.
In terms of the chassis setup, Hyundai
engineers tweaked the shock absorbers for a smoother ride, and increased the
rigidity of the cowl crossbar for reduced vibrations in the steering wheel.
They also doubled the reinforcements at the rear wheels and the underbody,
increased the body stiffness, and improved the sound insulation of the
rear-mounted motor. Finally, reinforcements on the doors and B-pillars are said
to improve side collision protection, in combination with the second-row side airbags
(included in a total of eight airbags). Overall, the facelifted model is
expected to have better NVH credentials and offer a more refined ride compared
to its predecessor, while being safer.
The updated Hyundai Ioniq 5 will be
available in Korea starting March 2024, with global markets set to gradually
follow within the year.
