Updated Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets more power and 315-mile range

Hyundai has revealed a host of upgrades for its all-electric Ioniq 5 - the radically-styled crossover that took Auto Express Car of the Year honours in 2021. The tweaks unlock more power from cars fitted with the larger battery pack, which has now grown to a 77.4kWh unit for longer range. New tech such as Smart Frequency Dampers and optional digital door mirrors have also been added to the line-up.

Performance and range figures for the 168bhp rear-wheel drive model with the smaller 58kWh battery remain unchanged, but stepping up to the 77.4kWh provides a 315-mile range - 17 miles more than before. This version also gets a 10bhp uplift for a 225bhp total output.

Heading the line-up is the 77.4kWh dual motor variant, which now produces 321bhp. This enables a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds, predicts Hyundai, and 298 miles is possible from a single charge.

Hyundai hasn’t detailed whether the car’s charging times have altered with the new battery pack, but for reference, the outgoing version could take on an 80 per cent charge in around 18 minutes, using a 220kW rapid charger. 

The fresh battery pack will be complemented by a new battery conditioning system, which will allow the Ioniq 5 to automatically adjust the temperature of its battery while on the road, ensuring optimum charging conditions once the car reaches a charge point.

The system will automatically activate if the driver enters the location of a charging point on the car’s sat-nav – and Hyundai claims the system will improve real-world charging speeds in both hot and cold temperatures.

Extra equipment options for the updaed Ioniq 5 will include a new Digital Centre Mirror (or DCM for short), which sends a video feed to a monitor in place of the usual rear-view mirror from a camera mounted under the car’s rear spoiler. The addition could be a remedy for the car’s lack of a rear wiper and washer jet, which is a key bugbear amongst buyers.

Buyers will also be offered new Digital Side Mirrors as an optional extra. It’s the first time the technology has ever been made available on a Hyundai Group vehicle in Europe – and they work in the same way as the DCM, with a pair of cameras mounted on the car’s doors sending video feeds to monitors in the cabin.

Hyundai says the system has the added benefit of cutting down on drag, as the cameras have a much smaller surface area than conventional door mirrors. The firm also claims the cameras offer a better rear view than mirrors, even in poor weather conditions.

Another tweak in this bout of updates is a new set of Smart Frequency Dampers. Hyundai hasn’t yet told us how the new suspension works, although the brand claims the system will improve the response of the rear axle, benefit ride comfort and improve the EV’s body control and handling.

Because of the new upgrades, the Ioniq 5’s starting price has been raised to £39,400 for the entry-level SE Connect. For £2,500 more, buyers can opt for the Ioniq 5 Premium, which now offers more equipment such as Vehicle to Load charging capability, part-leather upholstery and an upgraded ‘soft touch’ interior. 

For £48,400, Ultimate spec cars are also better equipped than before, with a surround view monitor and blind view monitor fitted as standard. A Bose stereo, augmented reality head-up display and 20-inch alloy wheels are also included. 

As part of the update, Hyundai has added a new flagship trim level to the Ioniq 5 line-up, called the Namsan Edition. This variant brings the strongest standard kit list, which includes a panoramic sunroof, upgraded seats and digital door mirrors, with prices starting at £52,900

Click here to read our full review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5...