Hyundai's IONIQ 6 wins accolades for streamlined design

Hyundai Motor Co.’s first all-electric sedan IONIQ 6 has received accolades from foreign media for its streamlined design and low chassis, which reduces air resistance and improves mileage.

The top South Korean carmaker unveiled the design of the IONIQ 6 last week, the second model of its all-electric-vehicle IONIQ lineup, dubbed an “electrified streamliner.”

The positive reviews raise expectations that Hyundai is a step closer to narrowing its gap with Tesla, a dominant leader in the EV market.

Auto Motor und Sport, Germany’s prestigious automobile trade magazine, said that IONIQ 6’s low chassis reduces air resistance and improves mileage. The existing EVs, including Tesla Inc.’s Model 3, feature a higher chassis to make room for the battery pack attached below.

The magazine depicted IONIQ 6 as a vehicle crouching very low.

BBC’s automobile magazine Top Gear acclaimed IONIQ 6’s streamlined shape, saying: “They look great, but they’re difficult to execute.”

The streamlined shape helps the EV move quickly and smoothly, improving its efficiency.

A number of US media gave positive feedback on the IONIQ 6 as well.

“It debuts an all-new design, inheriting much of its looks from the Hyundai Prophecy concept,” online media CarBuzz said. “Hyundai already has a winner on its hands before the race even begins.”

Its article on the IONIQ6 quoted a driver as saying that the IONIQ 6 has all technical aspects needed to satisfy young drivers.  

MotorTrend highlighted the rear end of the IONIQ 6, saying: “The top element of the rear end has a pixel light graphic that rolls over onto its upper surface.”

According to an online US media CNET, Hyundai’s latest EV model is reminiscent of the classic cars of the 1930s.

“Hyundai continues to put out the industry’s most interesting designs,” it said in a recent article.

An anonymous review posted on MotorTrend’s online community board reads that Tesla’s Model 3 has been dwarfed by the IONIQ 6.

Write to Han-Shin Park at psh@hankyung.com
Yeonhee Kim edited this article.