Hyundai Ioniq 6 revealed as Tesla Model 3 rival 

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Hyundai has taken the wraps off its Ioniq 6 fully electric saloon, which launches in 2023 to bring the fight to the Tesla Model 3.  

Previewed by the 2020 Prophecy concept car, the Ioniq 6 is described as an ‘electrified streamliner with mindful interior design’

It’s the second model in the carmaker’s dedicated Ioniq all-electric brand alongside the Ioniq 5 crossover and part of plans for 11 Hyundai EVs by 2030. 

Full details will be revealed at the world premiere in July but for now Hyundai has announced design features. 

While the Ioniq 5 hatchback/crossover draws on the 70s for its retro, angular design, the 6 delves into the retro streamliners of the 1950s for its inspiration but with futuristic vibes. Previewed by the 2020 Prophecy concept car, it’s described as an ‘electrified streamliner with mindful interior design’. Or to put it more simply, it’s aerodynamically sculpted and uses sustainable materials to meet EV customer values while adhering to Hyundai’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.  

In fact, its aerodynamic profile gives rise to Hyundai’s lowest drag coefficient of 0.21, supported by the use of a low nose, active air flaps at the front, wheel gap reducers and slimline digital side mirrors. 

As with the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 sibling, it’s built on the group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), delivering a flat floor and with a stretched wheelbase to create a larger interior. 

The E-GMP platform also enables 800V rapid charging and vehicle-to-load capability and while technical details will be revealed next week, it’s likely to come with a variety of battery sizes, giving up to around 300 miles in range, and with two- or all-wheel drive.  

The exterior reflects the Ioniq design language, including the use of 700 ‘Parametric Pixels’ in everything from headlamps and rear combination lamps to air vent detailing.  

The interior is very much focused on a “cocoon-like” feel with comfort features and customisable lighting to offer a personalised and spacious approach. Tech highlights include a modular touchscreen dashboard that integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster.  

Users can also enhance the interior with Dual Colour Ambient Lighting, which provides a choice of 64 colours and six dual colour themes. Door buttons have been removed to extend the minimalist feel and the interior is also trimmed in sustainable materials and colours, including eco-process leather or recycled PET fabric for the seats, bio paint derived from vegetable oils for the doors and carpet made from recycled fishing net carpet. 

Full technology details and specifications will be announced at the Ioniq 6’s world premiere in July. 

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.