To be released in 2021, there will be 3 distinct E-GMP based electric vehicles from the Hyundai group. What are the similarities and the differences? Find out in this ultimate comparison.
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The Hyundai motor group is about to take the automotive industry by storm with its state-of-the-art E-GMP dedicated electric car platform. The skateboard-like structure of the E-GMP or Electric Global Modular Platform, as the name suggests is a versatile electric vehicle chassis that can be used for a variety of different use from coupes, sedans to SUVs. With the flat bottom structure and the front and rear motor independently driving all four wheels, there is no need for a driveshaft, allowing the vehicles to maximize the interior space. In fact, the compact-sized E-GMP-based car can have a wheelbase as long and the interior volume as large as full-size 3-row SUVs.
“ It features the new paradigm of the car interior design that Hyundai calls “Living Space”. The flat bottom design and the minimalistic dash design that employs a Shift-By-Wire (SBW) steering wheel column-mounted shifter that negates the necessity of the center console, allows for a living room-like space.”
The first of the E-GMP-based vehicles to come out will be the compact SUV trio representing 3-brands of the Hyundai motor group, namely newly formed dedicated-E-V-brand, Ioniq’s first car the Ioniq 5, the Kia CV (EV5), and the Genesis GV60. So, what are the similarities and the differences between the three new electric cars all due to be launched around the same time?
IONIQ 5 is the Practical One, CV the Sporty, GV60 the luxurious
In large part, 3 cars are very similar as they are based on the same platform developed from the same technology pool. However, that doesn’t mean that these 3 SUVs will be identical, simply badge-engineered.
In fact, Hyundai aims to give each product distinct characters at different prices, fitting different target markets. So how would Hyundai differentiate 3 vehicles?
The first is by exterior styling. Each of the 3 vehicles features a very unique and distinctive design that is clearly differentiated. Based on the modern-retro Hyundai 45 concept based on the original Hyundai Pony of the 70s, the Ioniq 5 offers a boxy and the most utilitarian shape, which should be agreeable to most of the population. The sheet metal is clean and straightforward without any polarizing features that may turn off some people with more conservative tastes. However, the design that incorporates the all-new Elantra styling cues is still very contemporary and reflects the modern trend of a clean, minimalistic look that can appeal to those who are looking for a stylish vehicle.
Kia CV, on the other hand, offers a more aggressive and futuristic look that may appeal more to younger buyers. Based on the combination of Imagine and Futuron SUV concepts, the CV offers a complex yet stylish front end that features the brand's trademark tiger-nose that’s in line with the design of the upcoming Kia Sportage SUV. The fenders also bulge out and give it a very sporting look that’s consistent with the “youthful” theme.
Finally, the most expensive of the group, Genesis GV60, is clearly going for a very modern city look that’s smart and fun at the same time. The Mint concept-based body lines are curved and graceful to render a more mature and expensive look compared to the other 2 cars.
The interiors styling and features are quite distinctive as well. Although all 3 vehicles share the same supersized twin-LCD driver information and infotainment cluster that appears more at home in a jetfighter than entry-level electric cars, 3 cars each exhibits an interior that’s appropriate for their respective target market.
As recently revealed by a teaser image, the Ioniq 5’s interior is the most provocative and innovative. It features the new paradigm of the car interior design that Hyundai calls “Living Space”. The flat bottom design and the minimalistic dash design that employs a Shift-By-Wire (SBW) steering wheel column-mounted shifter that negates the necessity of the center console, allows for a living room-like space. It features moveable and reclining lounge-chair-like seats with thigh support, and the moving “Universal Island” center console, turning the IONIQ 5 into a waiting lounge while your vehicle is being recharged.
Recharge your body while your vehicle is Recharging, as Hyundai put it.
The general ambiance of the Ioniq 5’s interior is modern and practical without clutter and complexity just like the exterior. And it features eco-friendly touches like plant-derived materials in the interior. The seats are clad in eco-processed leather that is dyed and treated with plant oil extractions from flaxseed. Other soft furnishings throughout the cabin consist of textiles derived from sustainable fibers such as sugar cane bio components, wool, and poly yarns, as well as material woven from fibers made from recycled P-E-T plastic bottles. Surfaces such as the dashboard, switches, steering wheel, and door panels are coated in a polyurethane bio paint composed of oils from rapeseed flowers and corn. For more information on the Ioniq 5’s unique interior, please check out our Ioniq 5 feature by clicking the link on top of the screen.
Ioniq 5 Interior
The sports car of the group, the Kia CV offers an interior that’s very futuristic. It features a steering wheel that seems like it’s from an SF movie and fancier interior appointments that include rotary shift control on the permanent center console.
As a luxury car, the Genesis GV60 features a ritzier interior with supple leather and optional contrast piping. We even witnessed Genesis’ iconic split headlamp and rear lamp treatment being extended to the interior as well, as ambient lighting. This is the first time we’ve seen such treatment and may not be the last time that this design feature will be seen in Genesis vehicles.
Now to the exciting part - the performance. Although all 3 vehicles will be offered with the standard 313 hp motor capable of 0-60 mph in just 5.2-seconds, it appears that the more potent motor that’s capable of the same run in just 3-seconds flat, which rivals such a beast as Porsche Tay-can Turbo, would be available for Kia CV and Genesis GV60. Astonishingly, the expected horsepower is upwards of 600 for the high-performance versions.
On to the similarities, all three cars will support 350 kW DC fast charging via an 800-volt system that can recharge the battery in 18 minutes. The maximum range of the vehicles will be 500 km or 310 miles on a single charge. Also, they are able to add around 60 miles or 100 km to the range with a quick 5-minute charge. All 3 cars will also have a solar panel roof to help keep the battery topped up and feature camera-based side mirrors similar to that of the Audi E-Tron.
The next similarity will be the vehicle's self-driving autonomy. All three vehicles will initially be available with the level-2 Highway Driving Assist 2 autonomy, which is on par with Tesla’s current self-driving Autopilot system. However, the self-driving capability will increase to level-3, Highway Driving Pilot autonomy, which is considered virtually self-driving.
The update to level-3 from the initial level-2 is expected to be done through the Hyundai group’s advanced O-T-A or Over-The-Air software update system once the technology is ready in 2023. Other advanced connectivity features of the E-GMP vehicles are F-o-D or Feature on Demand system, which is like an app store for your car that you can selectively purchase features that you want to add above and beyond the standard features, and also AVNT or Audio Video Navigation Telematics that’s controlled through handwriting recognition.
Finally, all 3 E-GMP vehicles will have similar dimensions as the Ioniq 5’s 182.3 inches in length, which is 18-inches longer than that of the Hyundai Kona but 14-inch shorter than that of Hyundai Palisade. However, the wheelbase is actually longer at 118-inches, which is 4-inches longer! The width is 74 inches, which is similar to that of Hyundai Santa Fe and 3-inch narrower than that of the Palisade. In contrast, the height is relatively low at 63 inches which is roughly the same as that of the Kona’s.
Hyundai has announced the official unveil date of the first E-GMP vehicle, the Ioniq 5 to be February 23rd, 2021. To expedite the release of the Ioniq 5 to coincide with the release of the Tesla Model Y in the domestic Korean market, Hyundai has temporarily stopped the production of all Genesis models to prepare the factory for the Ioniq 5’s inaugural production.
This may explain why the release of the all-new GV70 is being delayed for the rest of the world. The Kia CV will soon follow with the launch planned for some time in March. The Genesis GV60 luxury SUV’s launch will be postponed from the original expectation of June and be pushed back to August of 2021. The estimated price range of the 3 vehicles should be between $45,000 for the Ioniq 5 and up to $60,000 for the Genesis GV60.
So, to sum up, Ioniq 5 will be the eco-friendly and the most fundamental car of the three with the lowest price, while the Kia CV will be the sporty one with the sportier interior and the powerful optional motor capable of 0-60 time in just 3.0 seconds. The GV60 will be the luxury version with a similar high-end performance as the Kia CV. Think of it as Kia Stinger and Genesis G70's relationship.
TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ApHi7FfkLkE