Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric car: What do we know so far

KUALA LUMPUR: Good news for electric car buyers and fans in Malaysia as the all-new and much-talked-about IONIQ 5 electric car is coming to Malaysia very soon.

Local distributor and brand guardian, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is very optimistic about the arrival of this latest electric car after seeing some success with the launch of their Hyundai Kona electric crossover.

Yes, the electric car numbers sold in Malaysia are not huge in comparison with petrol-powered versions. However, looking at the slow roll-out of charging stations in the country, and the high selling price due to currency exchange rates and cost of development of battery-powered vehicles, the possible success of the IONIQ5 for this year, 2022 will be good. Also, there are enough (small) fans that will take up the initial stock that will arrive from Hyundai’s all-new electric vehicle factory in Indonesia.

The IONIQ5 will arrive in Malaysia with a range of power electric configurations to fit the mobility needs of every customer. There will be two battery packs offered, a 58 kWh and a 72.6 kWh. Prices will be shared next week at its launch.

Customers can select one of the two electric motor layouts, either one with a rear motor only or one with both front and rear motors. All variations provide outstanding range and deliver a possible top speed of 185 km/h.

The IONIQ 5 is built on Hyundai’s dedicated BEV architecture which is an Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), enabling unique proportions on an elongated wheelbase.

The much-talked-about cabin space in this IONIQ5 is impressive because of its long 3,000 mm wheelbase which allowed Hyundai designers to apply a 'Living Space' theme to the interior, rather than a conventional car design theme. This includes the Universal Island, a moveable center console that can slide back as much as 140 mm, allowing more freedom of movement inside the vehicle.

The IONIQ 5 is also equipped with electrically adjustable front seats which can recline to the occupant's optimum angle to offer a weightless feeling and support for the lower leg. In addition, the model's electrically adjustable rear seats can slide up to 135 mm forward and backward.

Many of the interior touch-points like the seats, headliner, door trim, floor, and armrest all use eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials. These include recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns, natural wool yarns, eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts, and bio paint with plant extracts.

Aero-optimized wheels further echo the Parametric Pixel design theme of the IONIQ 5 and are offered in a super-sized 20-inch diameter, the largest rims ever fitted to a Hyundai EV. These complete IONIQ 5’s perfected proportions, optimized for Hyundai’s E-GMP.

Booking of the IONIQ 5 can be done online via Hyundai’s online shopping platform, Cl!ck to Buy (www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/) or visit any of Hyundai’s authorized showrooms. Customers can also call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1300-13-2000 or log on to www.hyundai.com.my. for more information and inquiries.

Also Read: Hyundai plans to unveil 6 new EVs in India by 2028