More than an EV, IONIQ 5 merges innovation and soul, offering speed, sustainability, and style—Hyundai’s bold vision for the future of mobility.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 is far more than a car: it’s a declaration of purpose, a rolling embodiment of the brand’s vision for the future of mobility. As the first model of the fully electric IONIQ sub-brand, the IONIQ 5 represents a fundamental shift in automotive design, user experience, and sustainable innovation. It’s Hyundai’s statement that the future is not just electric, it’s human-cantered, intelligent, and emotionally engaging.
The roots of the IONIQ 5 trace back to 1974, when Hyundai, a young and ambitious South Korean automaker, commissioned famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro to create its first mass-market vehicle: the Hyundai Pony. Unveiled at the Turin Motor Show, the Pony marked Korea’s entry onto the global automotive stage. Alongside it, Hyundai also showcased the Pony Coupe Concept – a daring and futuristic prototype that would go on to inspire generations of Hyundai design.
The legacy of that bold concept lives on. In 2019, Hyundai introduced the ’45’ concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a tribute to the Pony Coupe that also pointed toward the electric future. With minimalist lines, intuitive technology, and a focus on space and comfort, ’45’ encapsulated Hyundai’s design philosophy: a fusion of heritage and innovation. Two years later, that concept became reality with the launch of the IONIQ 5.
The IONIQ 5 is built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which enables ultra-fast 800V charging and a flat floor for maximum interior flexibility. Its sharply defined lines, clamshell hood, and signature pixelated lighting give it a unique presence – retro-futuristic yet unmistakably modern. Every design element serves a purpose, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.
Inside, the vehicle breaks away from the conventional cabin layout. The interior becomes a living space: modular, spacious, and eco-conscious, using sustainable and recycled materials. The emphasis on user-centric innovation is evident throughout, from movable centre consoles to reclining lounge-style seats. While it stands as a symbol of elegance and innovation, the IONIQ 5 is also paving new roads in performance. It served as the foundation for Hyundai’s first all-electric high-performance car, the IONIQ 5 N.
This model brings track-worthy dynamics to the electric world, combining exhilarating driveability with daily usability – reaffirming that electric vehicles can be both thrilling and practical. Three years after its initial release, the IONIQ 5 has been updated with refined features, reaffirming its role at the forefront of Hyundai’s electric vision. Enhancements in range, connectivity, and interior comfort ensure it remains a benchmark for EVs globally. But beyond the hardware, what sets IONIQ 5 apart is its soul. It captures Hyundai’s enduring belief that innovation should serve people – not the other way around. It brings together decades of design evolution, from Giugiaro’s original Pony to the digital age, to offer a new way of thinking about what a car can be.
