Already when the Hyundai group presented its new electric car platform last autumn, it was understood that the Korean manufacturer had tightened its grip considerably. Instead of “just” being one in the crowd, with performance like everyone else, they have gone a step further.

The platform supports both 400 and 800 volts, so-called “Vehicle-2-load” and 220 kW fast charging – something that no one else offers. Sure, the Porsche Taycan / Audi E-tron GT has 800 volts and can withstand a fast charge of 270 kW, but does not have a V2L.

E-GMP as the basic architecture is called can be adapted to a large extent. But in Ioniq 5, two different battery sizes are offered, 72.6 and 58 kWh. In both cases, it is possible to combine them with either rear or four-wheel drive.

In the top version, Ioniq has 5 twin engines, four-wheel drive with 305 horsepower and can handle 0-100 km / h in 5.2 seconds. At the other end of the spectrum, the model has an engine at the rear, a 58 kWh battery and the corresponding sprint then takes 8.5 seconds.

How far the car will go in the different versions is not really clear yet. Hyundai only states that the car at its best (with large battery and rear-wheel drive) can handle 480 km on a single charge.

The fact that Ioniq 5 has a V2L makes it really stand out. The function means that the car can drive both laptops and electrical systems in caravans when you are out on a roll. The Hyundai owner can also act as a rescuer in an emergency and “refuel” over energy in other electric cars. Another alternative use is to have the car as an energy buffer and let the battery power the house when the electricity is expensive – and then charge it when it is cheap again.

If you look at the look, Hyundai has been true to its concept “45”. It looks retro-futuristic and really sets the car apart from the rest of the Korean manufacturer’s palette. The square headlights and sharp body lines and the new bonnet go all the way from wheel guard to wheel guard. The car can also be equipped with digital rear-view mirrors.

And if you are to believe Hyundai’s creative director, Luc Donckerwolk – this will be a conscious way forward.

From now on, the manufacturer will invest in each model having a unique design aimed at its target group.

In terms of size, the car is 4635 mm long and 1,605 mm in height. This means that it is a few cm shorter and five cm lower than a Volvo XC60 and VW ID.4. But the wheelbase and thus the interior spaces are really much larger. In fact, in this regard, Hyundai beats cars from larger classes.

The space-efficient packaging of the electric car architecture is also noticeable when it comes to the luggage compartment. 531 liters can be accommodated before it is time to fold down the seat, whereby the whole is expanded to 1,591 liters. In addition to this, there is a front space that has 24 or 57 liters of space depending on the configuration. And as an option, you can get a towbar to hang at a maximum of 1,600 kg (applies to the four-wheel drive variants)

The interior is really modular. The rear seats can be slid and angled, the center console can be moved (140 mm) and the front seats can be folded down to a largely wave plane. Add that you also get a legrest that folds out and it feels very luxurious.

When it comes to cabin technology, the Ioniq5 has dual 12-inch screens for driver instrumentation and infotainment. In addition, as a driver you also have a head up display available – and just like Mercedes and the VW group, this is gifted with so-called augmented reality technology. This means that you get to see symbols that seem to float in front of the car.

One thing we have to wait for – the price. Ioniq 5 will be launched later this year and the brand will try to take a position in the increasingly competitive segment with Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E and the upcoming Nissan Ariya.