If you are looking for the best electric car comparison between Kia EV6 and IONIQ 5, this is it! With the first two dedicated electric vehicles based on Hyundai’s innovative E-GMP electric car platform now released, you now need help in deciding which car is right for you
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Now that Kia’s version of the spectacular IONIQ 5, the EV6 is unveiled, many people are more troubled than ever before. people that had their eyes set on the IONIQ 5 are now struggling to figure out which car would be better for them. This is a result of the absolutely breathtaking design of the EV6 that people really didn’t expect from Kia, which always seemed to have played a second fiddle to Hyundai. Kia has always been the more affordable brand, catering to younger buyers that wanted great styling above anything else. And it’s no different this time either, as they clearly delivered another banger of a car in terms of the styling.
However, this time it appears that styling is not the only thing that Kia is delivering. In fact, Kia is promising to offer better packaging overall over the Hyundai counterpart. So, is Kia trying to break away from Hyundai’s shadow and create an entirely new persona for the brand to go with the newly designed Logo?
There is no denying that both IONIQ 5 and EV6 are spectacular in their respective designs. IONIQ 5 adapts Hyundai’s vision for the digital future, evident from the design details such as the Parametric Pixel lights, with their pixel-like clusters, which are an artful acknowledgment of the Ioniq 5's digital origins. Simultaneously, the clamshell hood and flush door handles are old-school tricks to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. The aero-optimized wheels will be available in sizes up to 20 inches and carry on the Parametric Pixel design theme, along with the unique light clusters that are arguably the coolest aspect of the car.
The High-tech 800V E-GMP Dedicated EV Platform Underpins Both IONIQ 5 and EV6
Recently, released through Korean news media was Hyundai motor group’s battery-pack procurement schedule for the upcoming E-GMP-based electric vehicles, which will form the core of the Hyundai cars in the future under the brands IONIQ, Kia, and Genesis.
According to the released information, this procurement involves battery packs for 2.5 million vehicles accounting for 150 giga-watt-hour in total, which will be broken down into 4 phases starting in 2021. For the first phase, Hyundai is to receive 10-trillion Korean Won or 9-billion US dollars worth of battery-packs from a Korean battery-maker SK Innovation in 2021 for the production of the first wave of E-GMP vehicles such as IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60. For the 2nd phase, 6-billion Korean Won or 5.3-billion US dollars’ worth of battery-packs from another Korean battery maker LG, as well as from CATL, an upstart Chinese battery maker, is to be delivered to Hyundai in 2022. This second phase procurement allotment is to be used for none other than IONIQ 6, and Kia’s version of the IONIQ 6 sedan.
Seeing that Kia offers the supercar-like performance of the GT, those of you who are loyal to Hyundai don’t need to despair. As a high-performance version, IONIQ 5 N is also being considered according to Albert Biermann...
EXTERIOR
The IONIQ 5’s design might be very forward-thinking in terms of philosophy but the overall presentation evokes some of Europe’s great hot hatches of the ’70s and ’80s. Like the iconic Lancia Delta Integrale HF, with its stereotypical edgy shape and powerful character lines that run across the hatchback body. Evidently, this is no surprise because the very car that the IONIQ 5 is paying homage to, Hyundai Pony from the ’70s, is designed by the very same designer that also designed the Lancia hatchback. This of course is the prolific Italian designer Jiorgetto Jiujiaro of Italdesign.
This might be the reason why IONIQ 5’s design is very futuristic, yet is a very familiar and comfortable-looking design that’s pleasing to the eyes. It’s a design that may not take one’s breath away but it’s a kind of design that you can live with for a long time without getting tired of it.
On the Other hand, the design of the EV6 is simply breathtaking with its sleek, powerful yet attractive profile. Based on the 2019 Imagine by Kia concept, particularly noteworthy features of the design are the tension created by the EV6’s bulging hood lines, upswept window line, and that rising character line emanating from below the doors to meet with the vehicle’s wraparound taillights, giving it a somewhat Lexus-like vibe. Unlike car-based crossovers with exaggerated curvy rooflines, the Kia EV6 has a rakish rear window to meet the angular roof.
Hyundai IONIQ (left) 5 & Kia EV6 (right)
The EV6’s sophisticated and even upscale design is a kind that can take the overall image of the brand to the next level. Sure, Stinger was beautiful and so was the Telluride, but this, It’s groundbreaking. Some people might say that the EV6’s design is derivative with a hint of your typical electric vehicles, like Tesla model 3 here and there, but the fascia highlighted by headlights with unique LED markers, along with the striking rear lamp signature up is truly attractive and expected to remain as iconic features that define all EV series cars from Kia.
The EV6’s design is a perfect balance of smoothness and boldness, which is the representation of the design philosophy called the “Opposites United”. This design approach is based on design pillars of “Bold for Nature, Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life, and Tension for Serenity.” The idea is to blend “positive forces and natural energy” with contrasting sharp elements and sculptural shapes, and the car features a new version of Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille for electrified vehicles called “digital tiger face”.
No doubt, it’s a difficult task to decide between the two designs as both cars are spectacular in their own ways. Choose the sleek and stylish EV6 if you are looking for something contemporary. Choose the IONIQ 5 if you are looking for something futuristic, yet evokes familiarity at the same time. You can’t go wrong either way.
INTERIOR
As for the inside, the two cars are similar in principle but very different in execution. Both the EV6 and the IONIQ 5 clearly have their sight on the future by setting benchmarks to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle with sustainable and innovative features. This includes crafting the interior by usages of eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials, such as recycled PET bottles, plant-based, and natural wool yarns, eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts, and bio paint with plant extracts.
Also, the flat bottom and dual motor architecture of the dedicated electric platform renders innovation in the design of the interior that features a super long wheelbase, which is 4-inches longer than that of the Hyundai Palisade’s at 118 inches, featuring completely flat floors.
IONIQ 5 with Lounge-Style Comfort Seats
This gave Hyundai room to apply what it calls a 'Living Space' theme to the interior of IONIQ 5. This means plenty of room to stretch out and relax, as well as lots of headroom and large amounts of useable storage space, including storage for a purse. The seats recline, complete with first-class-cabin-style lower leg support on the front seats. There is even a single-pane glass ceiling so you can lay back and look at the stars. Lastly, and importantly, you can store all your stuff in 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Compared to the EV6, the innovative interior design carries a little farther in the IONQ 5 with the simple inline dash that incorporates all controls in minimalistic layout and the twin touch screen that measures 12 inches each with the instrument cluster that can be customized and features an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display. Steering column mount gear selectors also allows for the innovative moveable center console that provides even greater flexibility in space usage.
If you happen to find the interior of the IONIQ 5 too minimalistic, don’t despair, you have the EV6 that would solve your problem.
Kia EV6 GT Interior Featuring Floating Fixed-Console
The EV6's interior design and layout may not be as daring as the outside, but the configuration and features look more attractive yet futuristic than any other electric vehicle in the industry. Although the center console doesn't slide back and forth and there are no front-seat footrests like there are on the Ioniq 5, the EV6 mixes high-tech content such as a digitized dashboard with practical elements such as a floating center console with copious storage solutions and a large bin underneath it.
Unlike the IONIQ 5’s straight and flat combination screen, the EV6 uses a curved high-definition audio-visual-navigation (AVN) screen, which includes an instrument cluster in front of the driver that can also be configured to include an augmented reality head-up display, and a central infotainment system that measures 12-inches each, and with “a minimal number of physical buttons” to reduce clutter.
Under the screen, climate functions are accessed with haptic controls. Other touches that stand out are the two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel, the prominent start button on the center console, and the gold accents that are tastefully placed throughout the cockpit.
The interior comparison is just as tough, since the IONIQ 5’s unique living room-like space usage that includes features like a moveable center console and the lounge chair is very innovative and attractive, yet the EV6’s stylish and contemporary ambiance is very hard to resist at the same time.
TECHNOLOGY
In terms of the technology, both vehicles are expected to draw from the identical parts bin. These include the innovative V2L function, which can be used to charge any electric devices, such as electric bicycles, scooters, or camping equipment, serving as a charger on wheels. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kW of power that can charge high-power electric equipment even when the vehicle is turned off.
Both the EV6 and IONIQ 5 will be equipped with the next level of advanced driver assistance system that includes Highway Driving Assist 2 or HDA 2, which is level-2 self-driving autonomy similar to that of Tesla’s current Autopilot. Furthermore, when the full self-driving level-3 autonomy is available by 2023, it can be updated via OTA or Over-The-Air software update system.
Both E-GMP-based cars also feature Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist.
PERFORMANCE
As for the performance, it’s made clear that Hyundai has dialed down the full performance potential of the IONIQ 5 for the actual production model. This is due to the fact that IONIQ 5 is the very first E-GMP or Electric Global Modular Platform based dedicated electric car and that cautious measures must be taken. Therefore, Hyundai reduced the performance figures like the maximum range, recharge speed, and the total output for the initial version as a precautionary measure. Also, due to special domestic market circumstances in Korea, namely the introduction of the highly anticipated Tesla Model Y in February 2021, Hyundai was somewhat forced to bring out the IONIQ 5 at the same time, earlier than they would have hoped. Just like the platform sharing Kia EV6 and the Genesis GV60, Hyundai originally considered releasing the IONIQ 5 in the summer of 2021 to give them more time to finalize the vehicle.
So, at the end of the day, Hyundai has dropped the total output of the dual-motor version to 302-horsepower from the originally planned 311-horsepower for their initial release models. Also, the maximum range was reduced substantially from the original plan of exceeding 310 miles or 500 km to more humble 290 to 300 miles or 470 to 480 km on WLTP standard on 77.4 kW high capacity battery and rear-wheel drive. FYI, all E-GMP-based electric vehicles can be configured as a rear motor rear-wheel-drive car or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive car. In addition, the charging time has taken a bit of sacrifice as well, as the IONIQ 5’s state of the art 800V architecture would have permitted ultra-fast charging of attaining 100 km or 62 miles in just 4 minutes using a 350kW charger, but in the initial production model, that would take a bit longer at 5 minutes. However, the overall full charge time would remain at 18 minutes.
Kia EV6 Features The Signature Character Line That Kinks Up
The EV6 on the other hand aims to correct all the deficiencies of the initial production IONIQ 5 by the time that Kia’s version is released in the summer of 2021. At Kia’s investor day presentation in February 2021, the Korean company made clear that its first dedicated EV will achieve key figures such as 100 km attained by 4 minutes of charging, the maximum range of 500 km, and 0-100 km acceleration in 3-seconds.
Yes, you heard that correctly, Kia’s version of the E-GMP-based crossover will not only have the looks but a supercar-like performance to complement it. Approximately 3-second 0-100 km/h or 0-62 mph acceleration is similar to the likes of Tesla Model-S Plaid and Porsche Taycan 4S that cost twice as much as the EV6.
Sure, Kia will also release the more basic version of the sleek crossover that’s in line with the IONIQ 5 at around 300 hp and 5.2-second 0-60 mph time, but it’s certain that Kia is planning for a high-performance version as evident from the teaser image that the company has released prior to the full unveiling. As you can clearly see, the EV6 in the teaser image has a different, more aggressive front bumper and façade.
Seeing that Kia offers the supercar-like performance, those of you who are loyal to Hyundai don’t need to despair. As a high-performance version, IONIQ 5 N is also being considered as Albert Biermann, the Executive Vice President and Head of Vehicle Test & High-Performance Development at Hyundai has professed to in his interview in regards to the N sub-brands future in the electric age. You can see a sample of this technology at work through Hyundai’s pure E-TCR racing effort that features 670-hp Veloster N E-TCR good for 0-60 mph in just 3.0-seconds using an 800V 65kWh battery.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Featuring Parametric Pixel Light Signature
IONIQ 5 was arguably the hottest model in the automotive world when it was released back on February 23 at the starting price of approximately $47,000. It surprised the world with its innovative design inside and out. And along with the state of the art 800V architecture and 350 kW ultra-fast charging capability, it was convincing enough to break sales record in the Korean market by taking in close to 24,000 units of preorder in the first day and 35,000 units in just 1 week, grossly exceeding Hyundai’s annual sales target of 26,500 units! Also, in Europe, the initial allotment of 3,000 units was completely sold out on the first day of the release with over 236,000 people inquiring to become the first ones to receive the brand-new electric vehicle from Hyundai.
However, the spotlight didn’t stay too long on IONIQ 5 as just a few weeks later, Kia EV6 was unveiled and surprised everyone ahead of the world premiere planned for March 30, 2021. The sleek and stylish crossover was an instant hit, especially with the younger buyers, and even diehard I-C-E car fans who were still skeptical about electric cars. With the prospect of the EV6 attracting buyers even from the population that hadn’t thought about purchasing an EV, the competition for the new Kia EV is expected to be even more fierce when the vehicles will launch in July of 2021 with the estimated starting price of $50,000.
Having said that, there is still the question of the actual delivery dates for the IONIQ 5 as Hyundai has not made clear the exact delivery schedule for Korea and Europe, and we are still in the dark with the release dates for the rest of the world. Apparently, this delay is caused by a dispute with the labor union as dedicated electric cars need less man-hour to produce, and a compensatory measure is sought by the auto union.
On top of that, the Hyundai motor group as a whole is experiencing a near-catastrophic production pinch with the success of the waves of the new models such as the Genesis GV80 and the GV70, as well as various new models being introduced throughout the world. In 2021 alone, high-profile products such as the Hyundai Kona N, Elantra N, the Staria minivan, the all-new Kia Sportage, Niro, K8 sedan, the all-new Carnival minivan, and the new Genesis G80e electric sedan, as well as the G80 Sport, and the all-new G90 large sedan are all awaiting production.
Furthermore, with the automotive semiconductor supply crisis that the entire auto industry is currently facing, and the general hindrances caused by the pandemic, the timely delivery of the new IONIQ 5’s expected delivery before the summer is very skeptical.
One thing that’s clear is that no matter which car you are deciding on, it may be in your best interest to be in close contact with your dealer, if your wish is to be one of the first to own the piece of the automotive history as the IONIQ 5, the EV6, and the Genesis’ counterpart GV60, which is launching in August 2021, is the very first E-GMP based dedicated electric cars that’s opening up the new era of the electric mobility age for Hyundai.
However, in looking at the overall situation, waiting for the right timing when all initial batch problems have been worked out, and the flow of the supply becomes more stable, would seem like the prudent way to go.
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