Hyundai Ioniq 6: More Cost Effective Than 660cc – A Review

• Roshaan Ali


• 8 Jan 2025

Electric vehicles are redefining the automotive industry, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is making waves as a sleek, feature-packed option in Pakistan. With a claimed range exceeding 500 kilometers per charge, it offers a smooth ride and modern design. Let’s explore its performance, features, and practicality based on extensive real-world testing.

Highway Efficiency

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 performs reliably on highways but requires careful planning for long-distance drives.

Key Highlights:

• Consumption on highways: 18–20 kWh per 100 kilometers.
• Tested on Lahore-Islamabad route: Covered 376 kilometers with 100 kilometers of range left.
• Performance slightly decreases on inclines, i.e., Salt Range.

Pro Tip:

• Do a quick recharge during your journey to ensure a stress-free journey, especially for family trips.

City Performance

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 excels in city driving, offering a smooth and eco-friendly experience.

Performance Highlights:

• Energy consumption: 15.1–16 kWh per 100 kilometers in city traffic.
• Regenerative braking: Three adjustable levels help recover energy during stop-and-go traffic.
• Initial torque: Ensures quick acceleration, making it easy to navigate through congested areas.

Comfort Factor:

• Superior cabin insulation compared to Chinese EVs, though not as refined as German cars.
• Smooth suspension, even with 20-inch alloy wheels, ensures a comfortable ride.

Charging Time

Hyundai Ioniq 6 provides flexible charging options to suit different needs.

Charging Options:

• Standard 3 kWh charger: It takes approximately 24 hours for a full charge.
• Industrial DC fast charger: Charges from 0% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Note:

• Charging from 80% to 100% takes longer due to battery cell balancing, which is standard for all EVs worldwide.

Battery & Range

The Hyundai Ioniq 6’s 77.4 kWh battery sets a new standard for electric cars.

Key Features:

• Company-claimed range: 519 kilometers on a full charge.
• Real-world range: Between 480–500+ kilometers, depending on driving style and conditions.
• Top-of-the-line variant: Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 320 horsepower and 605 Nm of torque.

Comparison:

• Outperforms most Chinese and Korean EVs in range and power.
• It is slightly behind German EVs in refinement but remains an excellent choice for its price.

Interior Features

The interior of the Ioniq 6 is both futuristic and practical, but there are some areas for improvement.

Features:

• Dual 12.3-inch screens: One for infotainment and one for driver information.
• Heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way adjustability, including lumbar support.
• Tilt-and-slide sunroof for a more open feel.
• Customizable ambient lighting and a heated steering wheel.
• Rear seats provide ample legroom, though thigh support could be better for long drives.

Missing Features:

• 360-degree camera: A major drawback at this price point.
• Gear knob placement: Located on the right side, where it often clashes with the knee. Drivers may also find it confusing to determine which gear is engaged.
• Unlit buttons: The lack of backlighting on buttons makes nighttime operation difficult.

Comparison:

• It offers more comfort and features than Chinese EVs, but German EVs provide a more premium cabin experience.

Exterior Design of Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6’s design turns heads with its sleek and futuristic appeal.

Key Features:

• LED parametric pixel headlamps and full LED tail lamps.
• Concealed door handles that blend seamlessly into the body.
• 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with noise-reducing tires designed for EVs.

Design Inspiration:

• The rear design draws inspiration from the classic Porsche 911, adding a touch of nostalgia to its modern aesthetics.

Missing Elements:

• No radar system or ADAS features in the Pakistani variant are available in global models.
• Digital side-view mirrors with cameras are missing and have been replaced by standard heated mirrors.

Comparison:

• It is more dynamic and futuristic than most Chinese EVs. However, German competitors offer more advanced exterior tech.

Cost Efficiency

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the most cost-effective electric cars in its category.

Detailed Breakdown for 500 Kilometers:

1. Battery Size: 77.4 kWh.
2. Electricity Cost: PKR 75 per kWh (5,775 ÷ 77.4).
3. Total Charging Cost: 77.4 × 75 = PKR 5,775.
4. Cost per KM: PKR 5,775 ÷ 500 km = PKR 11.55 per km.

Comparison with Petrol Cars:

• A 660cc petrol car, averaging 20 km per liter with fuel at PKR 250 per liter, costs approximately PKR 12.5 per kilometer, making the Ioniq 6 significantly cheaper.

Additional Benefits:

• Minimal maintenance costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
• Regenerative braking reduces wear on brake components, further lowering maintenance expenses.

Price

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes at a premium price, reflecting its cutting-edge technology and features.

Pricing Details:

• Base variant: PKR 23 million (Rs. 2.3 crore).
• ADAS-equipped variant: PKR 24 million (Rs. 2.4 crore).

Warranty:

• Vehicle warranty: 4 years or 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
• Battery warranty: 4 years, ensuring peace of mind for EV buyers.

Final Verdict

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a remarkable choice for city driving with its exceptional range, low running costs, and futuristic features. For highway journeys, a quick recharge ensures a hassle-free experience. While it lacks some advanced features found in global models, its competitive pricing and eco-friendliness make it a strong contender in Pakistan’s EV market.

What are your thoughts on the Ioniq 6? Is it worth the investment? Share your views in the comments below!