IONIQ 6

Overview

The updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a low, four-door saloon in a market that has mostly moved to SUVs. It arrives with a larger 84kWh battery and a far lower entry price. The line-up now includes Premium, N Line and N Line Evo, with orders open and deliveries due in early 2027. It suits long-distance drivers, company-car users and anyone who wants an aerodynamic car rather than a tall one. It is a weaker fit if you regularly load bulky items or want a conventional saloon driving position. The main rivals are the Tesla Model 3 and, higher up the price ladder, the Mercedes CLA Electric. With the car only just on sale, independent coverage so far just includes first drives and launch reports rather than full road tests.

Design

Hyundai calls the look an evolved electrified streamliner. Up front, slim daytime running lights now have their own housings, and the main headlamps sit low in a gloss-black bumper, with active aero shutters behind a contrasting lip. At the rear, a single ducktail above the light bar replaces the spoiler that some called controversial on the old model. Hyundai adds black lower-body garnish that now runs into the doors. Premium gets 18-inch wheels and N Line adds 20-inch wheels, gloss-black bumpers. Premium buyers can pick from all 12 colours, while N Line and N Line Evo only get 7. Ultimate Red Metallic is free, pearl and metallic cost £750, and matte finishes are an extra £1,250.

Interior

The twin 12.3-inch screens carry over with updated software, along with physical climate controls. Intrestingly, the new Pleos software found in the new IONIQ 3 isn't used here. Highlights include a new bridge-style centre console with a wireless charger and buttons, plus a two-tone leather steering wheel. Every UK trim gets black upholstery, with no lighter option. Premium already has an electrically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. N Line adds passenger lumbar support, heated outer rear seats, red stitching and metal pedals. N Line Evo adds ventilated front relaxation seats, driver memory, a suede headliner, a head-up display and a Bose sound system. Autocar's first drive says the CLA and Model 3 give a more authentic saloon driving position, which suggests the IONIQ 6 sits less like a traditional saloon. Official headroom is 1,022mm in the front and 937mm in the rear, so taller rear passengers should try the back seat before ordering.

Performance & Powertrains

Every version uses the same 84kWh battery on an 800V architecture. The Premium RWD car has 168kW, a claimed 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and Hyundai's claimed maximum range of 422 miles at 4.6 miles/kWh. The N Line and Evo RWD cars share that motor and battery. Their claimed range falls to 364 miles at 4.2 miles/kWh, which shows how much range the larger 20-inch wheels cost. The 239kW AWD version claims 5.1 seconds 0-62mph, and 354 miles at 4.0 miles/kWh. Charging capabilities include up to 350kW DC, with 10-80% in 18 minutes. On independent evidence, Autocar found good body control and faithful steering, with the RWD car able to step out gently on a wet road. The coverage we found does not yet give a clear verdict on ride comfort or road noise, so we'll have to wait for that one.

Practicality

Hyundai quotes 401 litres in the boot and 45 litres in the frunk, with 60/40 split rear seats. As a saloon, the boot opening is narrow. This makes tall items awkward to load, so the car works better for luggage than for furniture. The storage also includes a large glovebox, a cut-out under the floating console, a deep armrest bin and wide door pockets. Payload is 433-495 kg on RWD cars, and braked towing is rated at up to 1,500kg. Every trim has an interior vehicle-to-load socket, but the exterior adaptor is N Line Evo only. N Line Evo is also the only trim offering digital door mirrors, which cut the car's width from 2,144mm to 2,073mm.

Buying

Hyundai's OTR prices are just £33,240 for the Premium and £36,240 for the N Line, both including the £3,750 Electric Car Grant. The N Line AWD is £43,490, the N Line Evo is £43,270 and the Evo AWD is £46,770. All models over £40,000 don't get the grant. This puts the Model 3 Standard almost £5,000 above the Premium. The CLA 200 Electric starts at £39,150 with a smaller battery and a claimed 328 miles. Every car comes with a 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty and an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.

The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Premium RWD. It is £3,000 cheaper than the N Line, keeps the heat pump, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and wheel, and Highway Drive Assist 2, and claims 58 more miles of WLTP range (422 against 364). The N Line's extra money buys styling, wheels and rear-seat heating, which is hard to justify against that range and price.