auto.pub logo
Hyundai IONIQ 5

Pixel-Perfect: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Proves Sharp Angles Can Deliver a Smooth Ride

Author: auto.pub | Published on: 26.06.2025

For years now, electric cars have shaken off their reputation for being bland or uninspiring. Hyundai underscored this shift in 2020 by launching its Ioniq brand, vowing not just to join the EV race but to lead it. The pioneer was the Ioniq 5—a car that brought Porsche Taycan-level charging to the masses, halved the price tag, and stunned the world with its head-turning design.

It all started back in 2019, when Hyundai unveiled the 45 EV concept—a tribute to the '70s Pony and a nod to the space age. Straight lines, boxy proportions, and, most strikingly, those pixels—not just LED lights, but geometric light clusters called "parametric pixels."

The Ioniq 5 made it from concept to production with minimal design compromise. Instead of sanding down the quirks, Hyundai embraced them. The result is a car that looks like it rolled off the Blade Runner storyboard, yet is available at your local dealership. And not just available—it comes standard with more tech than some German premiums that charge an arm and a leg for options.

Most cars with "bold design" have a flashy headlight or a shiny grille that looks good from a distance. The Ioniq 5 is different. It starts with its infamous hood—or rather, its front cover, stretching unbroken across the car’s width like a glossy biscuit. Underneath lies not only storage space but also aerodynamic engineering that lets air flow around the car like a ballerina on stage.

But the real show starts when the lights come on. Parametric pixels: 256 glowing cubes that evoke an '80s game console in the dark. These are more than headlights—they’re light sculptures. The taillights continue the retro-futuristic vibe, like an upgraded pocket calculator ready for a night out.

The wheels are pushed out to the corners, giving the Ioniq 5 a near-three-meter wheelbase—more than some coupes or limos. The Z-shaped door pattern streaks across the body like lightning, and the flush door handles appear only when summoned. Sure, they feel a bit awkward in the hand, but beauty has its price.

From behind, the pixel theme persists. Hyundai’s usual logic even led to trying a rear window without a wiper—until it proved impractical and the wiper returned. Not a masterpiece, but at least it keeps you from backing into posts.

The wheels—19 or 20 inches, depending on the trim—look like a collaboration between a windmill and a space probe. They’re not just stylish but also aerodynamic.

Step inside, and you enter what feels like a business-class lounge shaped by an avant-garde architect. With no combustion engine clutter, the cabin is liberated. A flat floor, three-meter wheelbase, and generous legroom rival even business jets. A six-foot-five passenger can sit in back without knees brushing the seat ahead.

It’s not just about space. The Ioniq 5 thinks, feels, and reacts. The so-called "Universal Island" sliding console moves wherever you need it—phone charger one moment, rear footrest the next. Following the facelift, controls are more tactile: a button for heated seats, no more endless touchscreen taps. Push, and comfort arrives.

Even the steering wheel gets in on the pixel action, with four LED dots in its center spelling out "H" in Morse code—a secret signature instead of a logo. Every gadget in the cabin feels well-considered, if not brilliantly executed.

Hyundai hasn’t left plastic unrefined. Every surface feels like it’s been crafted with care, with eco-materials, recycled plastics, and bioplastics from sugar cane. Conventional plastics suddenly seem out of place.

"Relaxation Seats" aren’t just about reclining a bit. Extend the leg rest, drop the back, and you’re practically floating in a portable power bank. It’s not a luxury limo—it’s a Hyundai, but not the one you remember from the old Elantra days. This is the new era, bringing business-class comfort to the family segment.

Rear passengers get their share of luxury, too. The seats slide and recline electrically. Need more cargo space? Fold everything down Tetris-style for up to 1,370 liters—enough to swallow half a summer’s worth of luggage.

Two 12.3-inch screens run faster after the facelift and now support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—no more cables. Over-the-air updates keep things fresh, and the Bose sound system delivers music better than most living rooms.

When it’s time to park, you don’t have to. The car does it for you with Remote Smart Parking Assist. Stand on the curb, key in hand, and watch your car slip into a space like a Swiss ballerina. Is it necessary? Maybe not. Impressive? Absolutely.

For Europe, the Ioniq 5 typically comes with an 84 kWh battery, but the range starts with a capable 63 kWh model. Rear-wheel drive, 170 hp, and 350 Nm deliver 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, a 185 km/h top speed, and up to 440 km range.

Move up to the 84 kWh battery: RWD gives you 229 hp, the same 350 Nm, and 570 km of range. Add all-wheel drive, double the motors, and you get 325 hp, 605 Nm, and 0-100 km/h in five seconds. It’s smooth, dignified, and quietly quick.

For the true thrill-seeker, look to the Ioniq 5 N: 609 hp, 740 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, and a 260 km/h top speed. Sure, range dips and consumption rises, but if you buy the N, efficiency isn’t your top concern.

All this is possible thanks to Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the crown jewel being its 800V electric system. Most rivals are stuck at 400V, but the Ioniq 5 charges from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes—barely enough time to be disappointed by the gas station snack selection. Top up with 300+ km in 20 minutes, and charging stops become an afterthought. Quicker than a restroom line.

Worried about winter? Post-facelift, battery preconditioning helps: input a charger in the nav, and the car warms the battery ahead of time. Or trigger it manually. Even in subzero temps, full charges are faster than your morning toothbrush warmup.

Across all trims, Hyundai didn’t cut corners. Energy consumption is low, the heat pump is standard, multi-stage regenerative braking adapts to traffic, and you can drive one-pedal style in town. On the highway, all-wheel drive keeps you secure but can disengage the front axle to save power. Towing? Up to 1,600 kg with brakes.

Charging is user-friendly, whether at home, around town, or on the road—11 kW AC, standard plugs, Plug & Charge, CCS2. No need for apps or codes; just plug in and you’re set, though not all locations support this yet.

The Ioniq 5 puts you at the center of the driving experience, not just along for the ride.

Let’s talk suspension. It’s built for challenging roads—potholes and waves in the asphalt barely faze the Ioniq 5. Even in Sport mode, your kidneys stay happy.

That three-meter wheelbase delivers impressive stability. On the highway, the car tracks straight as if glued to a line, without constant steering corrections. German ADAC tests confirm it—this Hyundai holds its course like a laser-guided drone. The steering is light but communicative, especially in AWD trims.

In corners, the Ioniq 5 feels like it’s on rails. The low center of gravity and wide tires keep body roll minimal and handling neutral. Provoke it, and you might sense some rear-drive character, but don’t expect wild drifts—electronics keep things tidy. In emergencies, the Ioniq 5 behaves like a trusty friend: calm, stable, and reassuring. The moose test? Passed with flying colors, calmly and confidently.

The cabin is as quiet as a library. Wind noise only appears at speeds that would make police nervous. Even with 20-inch wheels, tire noise is subdued—quiet tires help. The motor is silent unless you opt for artificial sounds, but true luxury is enjoying the silence.

Acceleration isn’t explosive, but refined. Power is always there when you need it, making everyday driving smooth and stress-free. Braking blends regenerative and friction stops seamlessly—you’ll barely notice the transition. Regeneration can be adjusted or left to the car, making city driving smooth and natural.

Rear-wheel drive means confident starts, even on damp roads. If things get slippery, smart traction or AWD steps in. If you want a bit of tail-out fun, partial ESC deactivation lets you play—briefly.

No surprise, the Ioniq 5 earned five stars in Euro NCAP tests. Adult and child protection, pedestrian detection, and electronic aids all scored well. Seven airbags, including a center airbag to prevent head clashes—once exclusive to German luxury models—are now standard.

The suite of driver assists, SmartSense, is robust. Standard is autonomous emergency braking that detects pedestrians, cyclists, and even the occasional bear. Version 2.0 can brake in tricky situations, like left turns across traffic. Blind spot monitoring not only lights up an icon but shows a live camera feed when signaling. No surprises, no invisibility.

RCCA and PCA assist with parking, front and rear; if an unsuspecting scooter crosses your path, the brakes engage automatically. If someone approaches while your child tries to open a rear door, the car keeps it locked.

Lane-keeping systems work elegantly. Drift out of your lane mid-conversation, and the car gently steers you back. LFA keeps you centered, even through light curves. For longer drives, HDA2 is your autopilot assistant—navigating, adjusting speed, and even changing lanes with a signal.

Crowning it all are Matrix LED headlights—illuminating the road like a stage while keeping oncoming drivers in the dark. And all the basics are covered: 360-degree camera, eCall emergency assist, traffic sign recognition, auto high beams, and sensors everywhere.

If you had to name one electric car from the past decade that impresses most, the Ioniq 5 is a top contender—loaded with design awards and tech that even stirs envy in German premium circles. But even stars have their blemishes.

What to watch for:

Design. The Ioniq 5 looks like an '80s sci-fi movie come to life, parked outside your home. Its angular looks divide opinion—some love it, some are baffled—but even critics admit it’s boldly different.

Cabin. Spacious as a hall, smart as a smartphone. Ample room, premium finishes, and materials that feel pricier than the sticker suggests.

Tech and charging. 18 minutes from 10 to 80 percent charge—barely enough time for a vegan burger. The big battery goes almost 500 km. Bonus: power your gadgets or even a grill at a picnic.

Driving experience. Chassis is solid, steering intuitive, corners predictable, suspension comfortable but not soft. The cabin is library-quiet. Whether cruising or pushing harder, the car stays poised.

Safety. Seven airbags. Electronics that rival a fighter jet’s display. SmartSense offers near-total awareness and will step in if you daydream. The Ioniq 5 is half-robot, guiding, braking, steering, and even changing lanes. It’s not just driver assistance—it’s a digital co-pilot.

And what to be aware of:

Infotainment screen distance. The roomy cabin means the screen feels a bit far away—sometimes you’ll need to lean forward to reach it.

Software and navigation. The nav system is a bit slow and plans routes with overcautious charging stops. Experienced drivers may need to override it. Over-the-air updates help, but some rivals are smoother.

Menus and complexity. Tech enthusiasts will love the functions, but average users may want a guide—or Google Translate and a flashlight. Some features, like battery preconditioning, are buried deep in menus.

Door handles. Cool pop-out handles look great but feel odd and take getting used to.

Beeping. The car has an opinion on everything you do—and you’ll hear about it. Disabling all the chimes and warnings is tricky, so you may eventually give in and become the safe, if slightly dulled, driver Hyundai envisions.

The Ioniq 5 isn’t perfect, but it’s charming—bold, innovative, practical, and everyday usable without range anxiety. Its minor flaws are quirks rather than faults, like the talkative friend who always brings good wine. The Ioniq 5 could easily be the car that finally makes electric driving irresistible, even for skeptics.