make it a friendlier route into EV ownership? Possibly, if you still have one foot in the petrol or diesel pond. We’re testing it with the larger of the two batteries available , but, as with the Model 3, you have to opt for entry-level trim to match the Ioniq 5’s price.
Its rivals have rear-wheel drive too, but neither packs as much punch. The Ioniq 5 has 214bhp and the ID.4 201bhp – and both are quite a bit heavier than the Model 3. The result is a 0-60mph time of 6.9sec for the Ioniq and 7.8sec for the ID.4. In reality, though, both feel more than quick enough for any type of driving.
These figures should be taken with a pinch of salt, though. In our tests, conducted on a private test track designed to simulate real roads, the Model 3 proved most efficient, averaging 4.2 miles on every kilowatt hour of electricity. The Ioniq 5 managed 3.4 miles per kWh and the ID.4 just 3.0 miles. The Model 3 does have a relatively small battery, though, so its theoretical maximum range in 22deg C conditions works out to 214 miles. The ID.
The ID.4 is far from fractious, but you’re jostled around more at all speeds – the optional 20in wheels probably not helping matters. It’s still a smoother choice than the Model 3, though; the latter’s relatively firm suspension means you feel sharper hits over potholes and speed bumps and are shimmied around a bit over smaller imperfections.
Good to have EV choice. I went with the Ioniq 5