Ever since Hyundai introduced the Ioniq 5 about three weeks ago, people have been wondering how the electric midsize SUV looks in real life. Thankfully, a pre-production prototype has now been caught in South Korea without any camouflage whatsoever. It’s safe to say there’s nothing quite like it on the road, and this video showing the EV getting stalked from behind paints an accurate picture about the design in a way the official images couldn’t.
The press photos released by Hyundai gave the sensation of a large hatchback, but in reality, the Ioniq 5 is more along the lines of a low-slung SUV. The prototype had the 20-inch wheels seen in the official images provided by the Korean automaker, a special set of alloys optimized aerodynamically to boost the vehicle’s efficiency.
Those pixel-like headlights and taillights make the Ioniq 5 stand out furthermore, while the fairly large Hyundai badge on the tailgate makes it clear which company is behind the avant-garde EV. When the camera captures the vehicle’s side profile, you can easily observe the impressively short overhangs, typical of a car engineered on a bespoke platform exclusive to electric cars.
Other noteworthy features include the recessed door handles that remain flush with the bodywork to boost efficiency and only pop out when you need them. The placement of the cap for the charging port is a bit unusual, but we’re certain people will get used to it with time. Overall, the Ioniq 5 spotted in traffic looks like it traveled from the future to 2021 as it sends out a strong concept car vibe, mirroring the 2019 Concept 45 that previewed it.
While the spy video sadly doesn’t capture the interior, we know from the official images the cabin is quite special in a number of ways. For example, the center console between the front seats slides fore and aft while the wheelbase stretches at a full 3,000 millimeters (118.1 inches), meaning there’s plenty of legroom in the back. The dual 12-inch screen setup is reminiscent of luxury cars, which is the same we could say about the head-up display as it’s also something you’d normally expect in a premium model.
The Ioniq 5 has a lot going for it, from design to technical specifications, so it doesn’t come as a surprise its arrival is already the most successful new product launch for Hyundai in Europe.
Source: CarSceneKorea / YouTube
