Hyundai Ioniq 5 Project 45

Overview

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Project 45 was the exclusive launch edition, a retro-futuristic stunner marking Hyundai's bold EV charge. It showcased the groundbreaking E-GMP platform and head-turning "Parametric Pixel" design. As a limited-run model produced in 2021 only, it offered early adopters a feature-packed experience, setting a high bar for mainstream EVs. Its 800V architecture was a game-changer for rapid charging. Now discontinued, it’s available on the used market in Europe, with an estimated price around €33,450, reflecting its unique status and desirability.

What's New for 2021?

The year 2021 heralded the arrival of the Ioniq 5 itself, and the Project 45 was its highly anticipated debutante! This wasn't just an update; it was a revolution on wheels, introducing Hyundai's dedicated E-GMP electric platform. This brought incredible interior space, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability allowing you to power devices, and the super-fast 800V charging system previously seen only on high-end EVs. The Project 45 packed these innovations into a distinct, limited-edition package, making it the ultimate way to experience Hyundai's electrifying new era from day one.

Design & Exterior

The Ioniq 5 Project 45 turns heads with its "Parametric Pixel" lights and distinctive, neo-retro SUV silhouette inspired by the Hyundai Pony. It's a proper design statement! This launch edition often featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and unique colour options, enhancing its special status; some even boasted a solar panel roof. Dimensionally, it's substantial, measuring 4635 mm in length, 1890 mm in width (sans mirrors), and 1605 mm in height, giving it a commanding presence. The flush door handles add to its sleek, futuristic vibe.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Project 45 and you're greeted by a spacious, lounge-like cabin, thanks to its flat floor and long 3000 mm wheelbase. Sustainable materials are used throughout, creating a modern, eco-conscious ambiance. A standout feature is the sliding universal island centre console. For your gear, there's a generous 531-litre boot, expanding to 1591 litres with seats down, plus a handy 24-litre frunk. Tech-wise, dual 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, offering seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard on this high-spec launch model.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Project 45 is the all-wheel-drive dual-motor beast, packing 225 kW of power and a punchy 605 Nm of torque from its front and rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors! That means it rockets from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 185 km/h. It’s not just quick; it’s smooth and refined, offering a comfortable ride perfect for cruising. The AWD system ensures excellent grip. You also get adjustable regenerative braking, including an i-Pedal mode for proper one-pedal driving, making city jaunts a breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Project 45 gets a 70 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 366 km. Efficiency is a notable 5.23 km/kWh. Thanks to its cutting-edge 800V architecture, it supports stonkingly fast DC charging at up to 221 kW via its CCS Type 2 port, meaning a 10-80% top-up can take as little as 18 minutes. When connected to a 400V DC charger, it can still accept up to 97 kW. Standard AC charging is at a solid 11 kW. Plus, it features handy Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) tech.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Ioniq 5 Project 45 doesn't skimp on safety, proudly wearing a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. As a launch edition, it came loaded with Hyundai's advanced driver-assistance systems, likely including Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2). This suite typically bundles features like smart adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning detection. These comprehensive features made it a reassuringly safe choice right from its European debut.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Hyundai typically backs the Ioniq 5 Project 45 with a comprehensive 5-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, which is pretty ace. The crucial high-voltage battery usually gets an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, often guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Powertrain components are covered under the main vehicle warranty. Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than petrol cars, focusing on tyres, brakes, and coolant, making ownership relatively fuss-free. Always confirm specifics with a dealer for pre-owned models.