2023 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 EPIQ PRESS CAR LOAN AUSTRALIA TEST DRIVE REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq variant, on loan for a week, presents a compelling alternative to Tesla's Model 3 and Y, particularly for those prioritizing interior design, storage, and features like V2L and digital cameras. The reviewer highlights the spacious interior, the convenience of the sliding center console, and the practicality of the privacy shades and ample storage. The digital side mirrors, while futuristic, require an adjustment period. The highway range test yielded a surprising 400.9 km with 2% charge remaining, exceeding expectations and outperforming mixed urban use in this instance, possibly due to favorable warm weather. Charging capabilities are strong, with 11kW AC and up to 233kW DC thanks to its 800V architecture. However, the Ioniq 5 Epiq falls short against the Tesla benchmarks in efficiency, acceleration, and price, despite its larger battery. The lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in Teslas is a key differentiator for the Ioniq 5. Ultimately, the choice hinges on subjective preferences: the Ioniq 5 offers a more feature-rich, conventionally designed interior, while Tesla excels in charging network access and overall efficiency.