Imagine charging your electric car from 10% to 80% in only 18 minutes. That is what it takes to charge your smartphone! Imagine that battery power can give you a whopping range of up to 361 miles. Well, that is what I experienced last week in Savannah, GA, where I went for a ride & drive in the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai’s electric vehicle flagship.
Hyundai invited me to test drive its 2023 IONIQ 6 in Savannah. GA.
I’m the type of driver that uses a car for transportation purposes. That’s it. But I have to say the IONIQ 6 is simply jaw-dropping and unique in so many ways. And the name IONIQ combines two words: ion and unique. Isn’t it cool?
And if you ask me to define it in one sentence, I would say IONIQ 6 is the electric vehicle where design and engineering find a sweet spot.
When flying to Georgia, I wondered why Hyundai had chosen Savannah for the Southern Region debut of its IONIQ 6. After all, charming Savannah is known for its well-preserved architecture and rich history. And to my understanding, the IONIQ 6 represents the future of the automotive industry.
Savannah: Home of the first American Hyundai Metaplant
My question was answered at the media presentation of the IONIQ 6. It took place at the Perry Lane Hotel in Downtown Savannah, where we stayed. The South Korean corporation, the third largest automotive group worldwide, is building a massive plant outside Savannah.
And when I say massive, I mean it. It’s humongous! With a US$5.5+ billion investment by Hyundai, plus US$1.9 billion in investment from nonaffiliated suppliers, the Hyundai Metaplant will generate 8.1K direct jobs plus 4.1K supplier job opportunities.
This 2.9K+ acres facility will be Hyundai’s first fully dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in the US.
What is a Metaplant, you would ask? It’s a flexible, efficient, cutting-edge, eco-friendly, user-centered production plant design where intelligent automation and sustainability are flawlessly met.
Testing the IONIQ 6: The future is today
I was so impressed with the magnitude of this project and its impact on Georgia’s economy that I couldn’t avoid telling you about it. Now back to the IONIQ 6.
When I got the invite to drive it, just by looking at the picture, I thought this was the car of the future. Now I can tell you, with the IONIQ 6, the future is NOW!
Hyundai’s new baby is a trendsetter and a game-changer, seamlessly blending exceptional performance with a remarkable selection of cutting-edge technology while providing an impressive driving range of up to 361 miles.
The IONIQ 6 is designed to take you further than ever before. It boasts faster charging capabilities and a sleek, stylish appearance. It’s the most aerodynamic Hyundai car. As aerodynamic as it can be, with a curvacious design inspired by the aerospace era.
I have always preferred European automakers, mostly for their impeccable designs. Well, I have to say my first impression when I saw the IONIQ 6 parked in front of the Perry Lane Hotel was: the elegance of a Porsche but for less than half the price!
And when I drove it, I felt this was the type of vehicle James Bond would drive. This car is so cool that it may make other sedans look old-fashioned. Period.
IONIQ 6: 2023 Best Car, Electric Vehicle & Design of the Year
No wonder the IONIQ 6 won the three major industry awards in 2023: World Car of The Year, World Electric Vehicle, and World Car Design of The Year. These prizes were awarded by a jury of 100 of the most respected automotive journalists from 34 countries who voted anonymously.
A car for the Millennials?
According to Hyundai, the new IONIQ 6 targets Millennial professionals, confident in their choices and looking to transition to electric.
But I’m pretty sure we late boomers will love the advanced technology (safety & connectivity) that doesn’t limit (through charging and range) our active lifestyle.
9 Facts about the IONIQ 6 You will love
Are you looking for a sleek, comfortable car packed with all the latest tech? The new Hyundai IONIQ 6 might be what you’re looking for. Here are 10 things you need to remember about this car:
- Aerodynamic design: The IONIQ 6 is futuristic, which will turn heads on the road. Its long hood and fastback-like roofline give it a sporty look, while the clean lines and smooth curves give it an elegant touch.
- No need for keys: With the IONIQ 6, you can forget about digging through your purse or pockets for keys. The car has a digital key that allows you to lock, unlock, and start the car with just your smartphone. No worries, you will have a key too.
- Spacious interior: The IONIQ 6’s cabin is as roomy and comfortable as possible, with plenty of legroom and headroom for all passengers. The seats are made of eco-friendly materials and are ergonomically designed for maximum comfort.
- Advanced safety features: The car includes forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Smooth ride: The IONIQ 6’s electric powertrain provides a smooth and quiet ride with instant torque that makes accelerating a breeze. When I drove it, I immediately shared an Instagram story with a line: the sounds of silence.
- Eco-friendly: The car has a lithium-ion battery that can take up to 300 miles on a single charge. Plus, it emits zero emissions, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
- Intuitive infotainment system: The car’s infotainment system is easy to use and intuitive, with a large touchscreen display and voice recognition technology.
- Personalized settings: You can customize the car’s settings to fit your preferences, such as adjusting the seat position, setting your favorite radio station, or changing the ambient lighting.
- Fast charging: The IONIQ 6 supports fast charging, allowing you to charge the battery up to 80% in only 18 minutes. This is perfect for those who are always on the go and need a quick charge to get to their next destination.
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