Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric Prestige 53kWh Review

Going from a full-electric SUV to a sedan seems to be an illogical progression, especially when the auto industry seems to side SUVs and shun sedans. Yet, here we are, staring at Hyundai's all new fully electric sedan - the Ioniq 6.

If you think reading about this is vaguely familiar, you aren't wrong. We first drove this car in Seoul, Korea, mid last year and again did a local review of the more powerful single motor variant in the mid of last month.

While that was Category B COE variant, we have the very slightly more affordable Category A variant here today, a variant that's arguably the best, methinks.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a retro-looking silhouette that's hard to ignore

Four variants and this is the best?

Yes, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 hits the market with a few flavours to ensure every potential buyer get what he or she is specifically looking for. It's all well-planned and well thought out, but it isn't without its challenges. For instance, getting the top-of-the-line dual motor all-wheel driven variant that's good for 321bhp and 605Nm of twisting force will set you back some hefty $3,200 for the annual road tax.

In comparison, the car you see here will only cost you $1,500 for the annual payment. Of course, this variant is a less powerful one, with 143bhp and 350Nm of torque sent to the rear wheels. Less powerful, but nonetheless adequate for everyday driving.

Sure, the 9.4-second century sprint timing ain't no boasting rights, and it respectfully shouldn't be, but really - who gives two hoots? This variant here is arguably the best for very good reasons. 

From it's wheels to its dual spoiler, everything about the design of the Ioniq 6 help with aerodynamics

You got my attention

For starters, it's obviously the more affordable variant. At $201,150 (as of 6 September 2024), it's over $50k cheaper than the all-wheel driven model. Secondly, it is the lightest of them all at just over 1.8 tonnes. That's over 260kgs lighter than the heaviest model. 

And it's precisely because of the Cat A Ioniq 6's weight that makes it nimbler on the road. It's no sports car nor is it a rally champion, but neither are capable and fun cars like the Suzuki Swift Sport and the Volkswagen up!. In other words, fast doesn't necessarily equate to fun and having a premium badge doesn't mean it's a better car.

In the case of this specific Hyundai model, everything is a smooth fit. It's quick when you need it to be, it's well-controlled around sweeping streets and tight twists, and it's certainly comfortable for all five occupants over construction-fuelled roads that are plaguing our island. Best of all, I managed 7.7km/kWh during my time with the car - not too far off from the 7.2km/kWh that's mentioned on the spec sheet - with a range of 450km on a full charge, which is more than the stated 429km. Weird.

Cabin feels a tad more sophisticated than the BYD Seal and offers copious amounts of legroom

Form following function

What's not weird, though, is the swooping design that helps with drag coefficient and better efficiency. It does resemble a Porsche's silhouette, comes with pop-out door handles and sports cool front lighting, which Hyundai calls a Parametric Pixel design.

The only feature I can assume won't be to everyone's taste is the twin spoiler, which to me, isn't at all a polarising point. This is one of those cars you need to see in real life. It has all the curves and swoops at the right places. Of course, one of these swoops such as the roofline does impede a tad on the headroom.

Although headroom is reasonable for most adults, it is a cause for concern if you're 1.8m tall and above (which isn't common amongst Singaporeans). But you do get ample leg and shoulder room for three regular Asian adults at the rear. 

Elsewhere, you get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as an adjoining 12.3-inch infotainment that houses everything you need to know about the car. There are also physical buttons for climate and audio controls (thank god!), ample USB-C ports, lots of storage space around the centre console and solid fit and finish that will see through good 10 years of your ownership.

Ah yes... like the Ioniq 5, the 6 is now made in Singapore

Decorate my life

Sure, there are four different variants of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 to choose from. All of which come with different outputs, different driving ranges and different prices. Do they matter? Of course, they do, although what matters to me may not matter to you and vice versa.

My point is... go try the car out. Every car is expensive now in today's market and context, but if it's a proper electric sedan you're looking out for that won't cost you a kidney, lung, leg and arm, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one that should be on your to-buy list.

Just know that the car you see here is a Category A variant, a variant that's arguably the best, methinks.

In the market for an electric sedan? Here are other options you can consider:

The BYD Seal is an entirely different, well-refined beast

The Model 3 110 is a compelling base variant that promises to widen Tesla's brand appeal even further