Exceptional demand for Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 electric SUV

It looks like you'll need to hurry if you want to order a Hyundai IONIQ 5 – with 400 allocated for Australia, Hyundai has 11,000 expressions of interest.

The general public can order Hyundai's newest model, the IONIQ 5 SUV starting in October, from $71,900 MLP. Just 400 of Hyundai's much-awaited latest electric SUV, the IONIQ 5, have been allocated for Australia.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 specs

• Initially, the IONIQ 5 is available to order online only.

• Many of the materials used for the interior are produced from recycled plastic bottles. Other eco-conscious materials used include plant-derived yarn, paint that contains "plant extracts" and wool yarns. Apparently, some of the upholstery features 100% biodegradable and recyclable inserts.

• The cabin boasts a flat floor, thanks to the electric powertrain. There's a sliding "centre island" and 12-way power-adjustable front seats (these, Hyundai says, are 30% thinner than typical chairs). The rear seats are 2-way power adjustable. Other features include one-pedal driving mode (as seen on other electric vehicles), acoustic laminated window and side door glass, a glass roof, bio-plastic carpet, zero-gravity front seats with heating and ventilation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display (with a matching 12.3-inch infotainment screen), dual-zone A/C and an 8-speaker sound system from BOSE.
• The IONIQ 5 is sold as an RWD or AWD. The RWD model has a single 160kW motor, which produces up to 350Nm of torque. It boasts the longest range, with 451km (WLTP). The AWD model has more power, but the range suffers, thanks to dual motors. A rear motor outputs 155kW and 350Nm, while a front module generates 70kW and a further 255Nm, making a system total of 225kW and 605Nm! The range for this model dips to 430km.
• The AWD model, with more power and torque, can go from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, where the RWD will do the same sprint in 7.4 seconds.
• The battery capacity for both IONIQ 5 variants is 72.6kWh. It supports up to 350kW ultra-fast charging. Charge times on a standard AC plug are 6 hours, 6 minutes (from 10-80% charge). A 50kW DC fast charger takes only 56 minutes and 30 seconds (10-80%) on the RWD, while the AWD needs 61 minutes and 42 seconds. On a 350kW ultra-fast charger, the time drops to 17 minutes and 16 seconds – that's an impressive recharge time! On that high-power charger, Hyundai claims you can juice up your IONIQ 5 with 100km of range in a mere 5 minutes.

• The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. Drivers are able to plug in electric devices, such as e-bikes, scooters or other powered items to the IONIQ 5's charge port. The system outputs up to 3.6kW.

• Both models have the Hyundai SmartSense safety package. Proudly, Hyundai points out that the car features some firsts for the Korean carmaker too, including junction turning & crossing, lane change oncoming & side, and evasive steering assist (all part of the forward collision-avoidance assist system). The active safety suite includes other functions like blind-spot collision avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention warning, intelligent speed limit assist, lane keeping assist, parking collision-avoidance assist and smart cruise control with stop & go – plus more!
• The smart cruise control includes a machine-learning function (which is another first for Hyundai).
• The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has 7 airbags, including a front centre side airbag, protecting passengers from injuring each other during a road accident.

• The IONIQ 5's exterior was designed as an homage to Hyundai's first production car, the Pony. It features power door handles that default to a flush state for improved aerodynamics.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 pricing and availability

There are only 400 Hyundai IONIQ 5 models allocated to Australia for now.

Those who put down deposits will be given first dibs on the IONIQ 5 from 27 September, followed by those who registered their interest on 12 October. The next day, 13 October, the general public can place orders. Buyers need to put a $2,000 deposit down.

Hyundai will add more models to the IONIQ 5 range, but the dates have not been nailed down.

Prices start from $71,900 (manufacturer's list price – so there are no delivery or on-road costs included in the cost) for the 160kW RWD IONIQ 5. The 225kW AWD starts from $75,900 MLP. Matte paint is a $1,000 option for the IONIQ 5.

Picture: Supplied