2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sells Out In Australia Hours After Launch, Cheaper Variants Considered

Hyundai has fully detailed the 2022 Ioniq 5 for the Australian market and released a full gallery of the local-spec model. It has also confirmed that the initial allocation has sold out.

The new EV will be sold Down Under in one trim level with two available powertrains. Kicking off the range is the 2WD version that’s equipped with a single electric motor powering the rear axle and producing 214 hp (160 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. This variant is priced from AU$71,900 ($52,877).

Topping out the local Ioniq 5 range is the AWD variant, priced from AU$75,900 and complete with a 207 hp (155 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) electric motor at the rear and a 94 hp (70 kW) and 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) motor at the front, combining to produce 302 hp (225 kW) and 446 lb-ft (605 Nm). Like the 2WD model, it features a 72.6 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack from SK Innovation and starts at AU$75,900 ($55,815).

Read More: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Lands In Australia From AU$71,900

Both models are underpinned by Hyundai’s 800-volt architecture meaning they can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 17 minutes and 16 seconds through a 350 kW ultra-fast charger. The 2WD version has a quoted range of 451 km (280 miles) while the AWD can travel 430 km (267 miles) on a charge.

Hyundai Australia opened orders for the Ioniq 5 on Tuesday morning and almost instantly, the website crashed and the 240 examples initially allocated to the local market were sold. The automaker is working on securing a second allocation of 160 cars to meet demand with more than 13,000 locals already expressing their interest in the EV.

While the two models initially available come with the flagship 72.6 kWh battery pack, the general manager of product planning at Hyundai Australia, Andrew Tuitahi, has revealed to Drive that a cheaper variant could hit the market soon. It will likely be the same as entry-level models sold overseas and fitted with a smaller 58 kWh battery and single and dual electric motor configurations offering up 167 hp (125 kW) and 232 hp (173 kW).