Hyundai IONIQ 5 bookings open: Should you order the EV?
What's the story
Hyundai has officially taken the wraps off the IONIQ 5 in the Indian market. Bookings for the electric hatchback are now open and you can pre-book one against a token amount of Rs. 1 lakh.
Unlike Kia's EV6, IONIQ 5 will arrive on our shores via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route and is expected to cost around Rs. 50 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
Context
Why does this story matter?
The IONIQ 5 has bagged the much-coveted "World Car of the Year" award for 2022. It has become one of the most sought-after EVs in the global markets for Hyundai.
With India slowly warming up to electrification, the automaker decided to bring its award-winning electric hatchback to our shores to gain from the growing trend.
But is it worth booking now? Let's find out.
Highlights
A quick look at Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 flaunts an 80s-inspired design with LED headlights, quad LED DRLs, a black band in place of a grille, designer wheels, and pixilated LED taillights.
Inside, the EV has a spacious five-seater cabin with a minimalist dashboard layout, powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, and Level 2 autonomous driving support.
The technical specifications are yet to be disclosed for India.
Features
The hatchback features eco-processed upholstery and Level 2 ADAS functions
The IONIQ 5 features eco-processed upholstery made using bio-components extracted from sugarcane, corn, and flaxseed oil. It also uses eco-friendly materials and recycled plastics.
The EV is equipped with Level 2 ADAS functions such as collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention detection, high-beam assist, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with Level 2 autonomous driving.
It also gets a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse-charging feature.
Information
Which EVs will it rival in India?
When launched, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 will go up against the likes of the BMW i4, Kia EV6, BYD Atto 3, MG ZS EV, and Volvo XC40 Recharge in the Indian market.
Our verdict
Should you pre-book the IONIQ 5 now?
Hyundai is yet to reveal the pricing of the IONIQ 5 in India. The order books are now open and the EV can be booked against a token amount of Rs. 1 lakh.
If you are planning to buy an all-electric hatchback at around Rs. 50 lakh mark (ex-showroom), we would recommend you to pre-book the IONIQ 5 to avoid a long waiting period.