Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has rapidly established itself as one of the most compelling electric saloons available in Ireland. With its striking, wind-cheating design inspired by the streamliner era of the 1930s, it turns heads wherever it goes — and backs up the looks with genuine substance.

Design & First Impressions

The Ioniq 6 is unlike anything else on Irish roads. Its ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.21 makes it one of the most aerodynamic production cars ever built. The flowing roofline, pixel LED light bar spanning the rear, and flush door handles give it a futuristic presence that photographs don't quite capture. In person, it's a genuinely beautiful car.

Inside, the cabin is refreshingly uncluttered. Twin 12.3-inch screens sit behind a slim dashboard, and the flat floor (thanks to the E-GMP skateboard platform) creates a genuinely spacious rear compartment. Irish buyers will appreciate the heated seats front and rear — standard on most trims — and the excellent build quality throughout.

Performance & Range

The entry-level rear-wheel-drive model with the 77.4 kWh battery delivers a WLTP range of up to 614 km, making it one of the longest-range EVs in its class. In real-world Irish driving — a mix of motorway, national road, and town — expect around 450-500 km, which is more than enough for even the longest cross-country trips without stopping.

The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant produces 325 PS and reaches 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. It's rapid, smooth, and refined at speed. The regenerative braking system offers i-Pedal one-pedal driving, which quickly becomes second nature on Irish roads.

Charging is where the Ioniq 6 truly excels. Its 800V architecture supports charging speeds up to 350 kW, meaning a 10-80% charge takes just 18 minutes at a compatible fast charger. Even on Ireland's more common 50 kW chargers, it charges efficiently.

Driving Experience

On Irish roads, the Ioniq 6 is remarkably comfortable. The suspension absorbs our less-than-perfect road surfaces with ease, and wind noise is virtually non-existent even at motorway speeds. The steering is precise without being overly heavy, making it confidence-inspiring on narrow country roads.

The low centre of gravity means it handles far better than you'd expect from a family saloon, though it's clearly tuned more for comfort than outright sportiness — which suits the Irish market perfectly.

Running Costs

With electricity costs in Ireland averaging around 35c per kWh, a full charge costs approximately €27 for the 77.4 kWh battery. That's roughly €4-5 per 100 km — a fraction of what a comparable diesel saloon would cost. Road tax is just €120 per year, and VRT savings make it competitively priced against premium German alternatives.

Verdict

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a remarkable achievement. It offers Tesla Model 3-rivalling range, faster charging than most competitors, a unique design, and the reassurance of Hyundai's five-year unlimited-mileage warranty. For Irish buyers looking for a premium electric saloon that doesn't compromise on practicality, it's hard to beat.

Rating: 9/10

Best for: Long-distance commuters, families wanting a premium EV, anyone tired of the SUV default.

Price range in Ireland: €47,000 - €62,000