Hyundai introduces new entry-level Ioniq 6

HYUNDAI has announced an upgrade to its Ioniq 6 a short time after upgrading the similar Ioniq 5 electric SUV.

Though it only arrived Down Under recently, Hyundai has taken a second swing at the Ioniq 6 to keep it current and as with the Ioniq 5, have added a cheaper model at $65,500 excluding on road costs to the line-up with tax benefits.

Competitors in the Medium Passenger segment include the Polestar 2 from $67,400, the BMW i4 Coupe from $85,900 and the Tesla Model 3 from $61,900 all excluding on road costs.

Key Ioniq 6 changes focus on two areas: the battery and the cabin heater while the more “accessible” model added to the line-up is a 111kW/350Nm, single engine RWD variant with a “Standard Range” 53kWh battery and Ioniq 6 in Dynamiq and Epiq grades are now available with a choice of RWD and AWD.

Hyundai says the additional model is to let more customers enjoy the Ioniq 6’s dynamic and futuristic all-electric experience but a side benefit of the revamped model line-up is improved eligibility to various government subsidies and stamp duty exemptions for buyers available in selected states and territories across Australia.

In an effort to improve both range and speed up recharging, the MY24 Ioniq 6 now has a standard battery conditioning system that can activate in cold climate conditions to heat the battery for improved DC charging and driving performance.

Battery conditioning can also pre-heat the battery in preparation for fast charging when a DC charger is set as a destination in the navigation.

A heat pump that scavenges “waste” heat is used to improve cabin heating and passenger comfort the high-efficiency heat pump system replacing a conventional electric heater.

The waste heat energy comes from various systems in the vehicle as well as energy from the atmosphere and is used to warm the cabin in an advanced reverse cycle air-conditioning system. A further benefit of the heat pump is energy saved serves to extend driving range.

For 2024, Ioniq 6’s standard range battery option maintains the ultra-fast charging benefits of the 800V E-GMP architecture, to allow a charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes when connected to a 350kW charger.

The range-opening Ioniq 6 variant’s Standard Range 53.0kWh battery delivers a 429km range, while the continuing Extended Range 77.4kWh battery can power 2024 Ioniq6 for up to 614km on a full charge (WLTP).

The base model Ioniq 6 in RWD is available with a choice of Standard Range or Extended Range battery while Dynamiq, now with 20-inch alloys, and Epiq models are available with a choice of 168kW RWD or 239kW AWD powertrain, with Extended Range battery.

Digital exterior mirrors are now optional for Epiq grade rather than standard as a result of customer feedback and 2024 Ioniq 6 also sees the Vehicle to Load (V2L) Outside adapter offered as an accessory, with V2L Inside continuing as standard across the range.

“The revised and upgraded line-up for 2024 Ioniq 6 enhances the accessibility and value of our reigning World Car of the Year, while bringing our vision for clean mobility ever closer,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer, Ted Lee.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 pricing*:

*All prices exclude on road costs.