Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD

Overview

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD is a cracking electric SUV that turned heads with its bold, retro-futuristic design and super-spacious interior. This particular rear-wheel-drive variant focuses on maximising range from its 70 kWh battery, offering a great balance for daily driving and longer trips. As a discontinued model (2021-2022), it's now a tempting proposition on the used market, with European prices around €25,950. Its 800V architecture was, and still is, a standout feature, allowing for seriously rapid charging speeds, making it a tech-forward choice even today. It's a proper game-changer!

What's New for 2022?

For its 2022 model year, this Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD, equipped with the 72.6 kWh nominal battery, saw some neat refinements before this specific battery version was phased out. Key among these for European models was the introduction of a clever battery pre-conditioning system. This feature automatically preps the battery temperature en route to a charger, ensuring you hit those top DC charging speeds, especially handy in colder weather. Some markets also saw the option of sleek digital side mirrors, adding to its futuristic appeal, though availability varied.

Design & Exterior

The Ioniq 5’s design is pure sci-fi chic, a real showstopper! Its "Parametric Pixel" LED lights front and rear are instantly iconic, giving it a unique signature. The Long Range RWD trim shares this daring look, with clean surfaces and sharp creases. Flush door handles pop out to greet you, adding to the sleekness. It's a sizeable machine, measuring 4635 mm in length, 1890 mm wide (mirrors folded!), and 1605 mm tall, giving it a commanding presence on the road. It’s less an SUV, more a super-cool, super-sized hatchback that looks like nothing else.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD, and you're greeted by a minimalist, airy cabin – it’s like a lounge on wheels! Thanks to its massive 3000 mm wheelbase and flat floor, passenger space is immense, front and back. Many trims feature eco-friendly materials. Up front, twin 12.3-inch screens dominate the dash, handling infotainment and driver displays, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For your luggage, there’s a generous 531-litre boot, expanding to a van-like 1591 litres with seats down, plus a handy 57-litre frunk under the bonnet.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Long Range RWD Ioniq 5 isn't just about looks; it’s got the go to match! Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) sends a healthy 160 kW (around 217 bhp) and 350 Nm of instant torque to the rear wheels. This translates to a brisk 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. The driving experience is super smooth and refined, with a comfortable ride. Adjustable regenerative braking, including a clever i-Pedal for one-pedal driving, makes town driving a doddle. It’s surprisingly nimble for its size!

Range, Battery & Charging

The Long Range RWD uses a 70 kWh usable battery (72.6 kWh nominal), delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 409 km – plenty for most journeys. Its efficiency is rated at a decent 5.84 km/kWh. Thanks to its 800V architecture, DC fast charging is blisteringly quick, hitting up to 221 kW on a compatible charger (or 97 kW on a 400V unit), meaning 10-80% in about 18 minutes! At home, the standard 11 kW AC on-board charger replenishes it fully in around 6-7 hours via its CCS Type 2 port. Plus, it boasts Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Hyundai packed the Ioniq 5 with safety kit, and this Long Range RWD is no exception, proudly wearing a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. You get a comprehensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense driver aids, often as standard. This typically includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Many models will also feature Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Highway Driving Assist for relaxed motorway cruising, plus Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, keeping you well protected on the move.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Hyundai typically backs the Ioniq 5 with a solid 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty for the vehicle itself, which is pretty comprehensive. The crucial high-voltage battery is usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, often including a guarantee against excessive degradation (e.g., to maintain at least 70% capacity). Powertrain components are generally included within the main vehicle warranty. While complimentary maintenance plans vary by country, reliability for Hyundai’s electric vehicles has generally been strong, making for reassuring ownership.