The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is getting a new, bigger battery

We’re 12 months down the line from the arrival of the ultra-stylish Hyundai Ioniq 5, which means it’s time for the electric crossover to be given its first batch of enticing updates.

The headline news is the arrival of a new 77.4kWh battery, marking a small increase over the current offering of a 73kWh unit. Range hasn’t been confirmed yet, but logic dictates that we should expect a small increase over the 298-mile figure achieved last time the Ioniq 5 rocked up for its WLTP exam.

Optional battery conditioning is also being introduced, allowing the car to automatically adjust the temperature of its cells for optimum charging when a charging station is entered into the route planner.

Meanwhile, Hyundai says new Smart Frequency Dampers improve the response of the rear axle, leading to better ride comfort, body control and handling.

The tech has been bolstered too: camera-based rear-view and wing mirrors will soon be available for European customers, having been offered on Korean-spec cars from the very beginning. The usual claims of lower air resistance and ‘an enhanced rear view, even in bad weather’ apply.

“Ioniq 5 has proved to be highly successful in the 12 months since its launch, both in terms of sales and brand building,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe. “The segment is growing increasingly competitive, and we will be offering enhanced features to defend our position as technology leader in the automotive industry.”

Full prices and specs will be confirmed at a later date, with UK order books for the 2023 model year Ioniq 5 due to open in late spring. Be warned though: demand is high and even early bird buyers might not get their cars until the latter stages of 2022.

There’s a chance that higher production will be earmarked for the car to help meet demand. More when we know it. And you could always consider the platform sharing Kia EV6 instead.