Overview

If you dare to be different, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 could be the electric car for you. Despite curvaceous looks that might suggest a hatchback, the Ioniq 6 is a four-door saloon with a conventional bootlid. At nearly 4.9-metres from nose to tail, it’s a lengthy thing with a choice of single motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor four-wheel drive versions.

If you’re admiring the sleek bodywork, you should know that Hyundai has styled the new Ioniq 6 in the vein of the 1950s ‘streamliners’ – cars, trains and planes inspired by the nascent aerodynamic movement that created stylish, wind-cheating vehicles.

It’s all quite different from the straight-edged cubism of the Ioniq 5 hatchback, but there are numerous details that are common between the two: the 1980s-effect pixel lighting for instance, that has shades of a classic arcade game, and the interior shares many parts. As for rivals, ittoughest challengers are the BMW i4, Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3.

With only one battery available, it’s a simple choice between two- and all-wheel drive. The more powerful AWD models aren’t that much more expensive and offer lashings additional performance. As for specs, pick from Premium trim or the Ultimate level. The step-up is also relatively modest and will secure niceties such as uprated electric memory seats with ventilated leather upholstery, an electric sunroof, head-up display, parking cameras and improved Bose stereo.

Keep your eyes peeled for quicker versions in the future. Hyundai has already confirmed a high-performance N version of its Ioniq 5 electric hatchback. We wouldn’t be at all surprised if they add a supersaloon version to the Ioniq 6 in the fullness of time.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Hyundai Ioniq 6, including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.