In Brief
The Hyundai Ioniq V is a large, 4.90-meter electric sedan launched in China at a notably attractive price starting at around $16,500. Three trims are offered, of which the top-spec version delivers up to 650 km of range in the CLTC cycle with a 66.8 kWh battery. Equipped with a rear-mounted motor delivering 188 to 225 horsepower and a premium interior, the Ioniq V targets a young, tech-savvy audience. This positioning disrupts conventional norms for the segment and underscores China’s lead in democratizing spacious, well-equipped electric vehicles.
Paying under $18,000 for a well-equipped full-size electric sedan? From Europe’s vantage point, the idea almost looks like a pricing label error. In China, this price is very real. Behind this push is the new Hyundai Ioniq V, a 100% electric fastback sedan developed by the joint venture Beijing Hyundai for the Chinese market.
Hyundai Ioniq V: a large electric sedan designed for China
The Ioniq V is no city car. At 4,900 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, 1,470 mm tall, and with a 2,900 mm wheelbase, it sits in the same league as a Hyundai Sonata or a Toyota Camry. It’s therefore a true family-sized electric sedan, with elongated fastback proportions, a long hood that leads to a steeply raked windshield, and a tapering rear end.
The styling aims to be spectacular, bordering on “cyberpunk,” with frameless doors, flush door handles, and sharp lines that stand out from Europe’s more conventional sedans. The color palette also wanders off the beaten path. In addition to more traditional tones, Hyundai offers Cyber Gold, Gamma Green, and an eye-catching Dimensional Purple. All of which signals that the model is also targeting a young, highly connected Chinese audience.
Sharp pricing for a sedan of this size
The core of the story remains the price. In pre-sales, the Hyundai Ioniq V is listed in three trims in China. The Standard starts at 119,900 yuan, about $16,500. The Smart Driving climbs to 129,900 yuan, around $17,800. While the Long Range tops out at 139,900 yuan, roughly $19,200. These figures, viewed from Europe or the United States, resemble the price of an entry-level gasoline car more than a 4.9-meter electric sedan.
For perspective, this entry price is nearly $3,000 (about €2,700) less than Hyundai Venue, currently the cheapest new car in the U.S. market, even though the Venue is a much smaller gasoline-powered SUV. The Long Range version, with a 66.8 kWh CATL battery and an advertised range up to 650 km in CLTC, stays under $21,000 in China.
Even after factoring in roughly a 20% reduction in range to approximate WLTP, the size/range/price proposition remains aggressively tuned compared with Western standards.
What’s under the hood?
Technically, the Ioniq V rides on Hyundai’s E-GMP electric platform with an 800-volt architecture, already used by the Ioniq 5 and 6. It uses a single rear-wheel-drive motor, delivering 188 hp (140 kW) or 225 hp (168 kW) depending on configuration. The LFP batteries of 53.5 kWh and 66.8 kWh, supplied by CATL, enable ranges of roughly 520 to 650 km in CLTC, depending on the setup. It’s worth noting that a CLTC figure around 600 km typically translates to about 480 km in WLTP, which remains comfortable for a family EV.
The interior also doesn’t feel like a budget model. It features a massive 27-inch 4K panoramic display paired with a head-up display, running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip. The system includes local AI models from Baidu and ByteDance, while the advanced driver-assistance system relies on Momenta technology. Hyundai also highlights nine airbags and a full suite of active safety assists.
For now, the brand plans to offer the Ioniq V only in China, under an “In China, For China, To Global” strategy with 20 electrified models planned over five years and significant local investment. Still, the price/performance positioning gives a clear idea of the pressure upcoming Chinese electric sedans could exert on Western markets.
Comparison Table
| Version | Price (yuan) | Price (€) | Battery (kWh) | Range (km, CLTC) | Power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 119 900 | 16 500 | 53,5 (LFP) | ~520 | 188 |
| Smart Driving | 129 900 | 17 800 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Long Range | 139 900 | 19 200 | 66,8 (LFP) | 650 | 225 |
Key Takeaways
- The Hyundai Ioniq V is a 4.90-meter electric sedan starting at about €16,500 (price in China).
- Three trims are offered, with batteries ranging from 53.5 to 66.8 kWh and a maximum CLTC range of 650 km.
- The motor develops 188 to 225 hp depending on configuration.
- Premium interior features: a 27-inch 4K display, built-in AI, a head-up display, and nine airbags.
- Currently, this model is intended only for the Chinese market.
- Its pricing and performance positioning could influence European automakers’ strategies.
FAQ
What is the price of the Hyundai Ioniq V in China?
The Ioniq V starts at 119,900 yuan, about €16,500 for the Standard version.
What is the maximum announced range for the Ioniq V?
According to the Long Range version, the range can reach up to 650 km in CLTC.
What are the major features of the Ioniq V?
The car includes a 27-inch 4K panoramic display, built-in AI, a head-up display, and nine airbags.
What motor powers the Ioniq V?
The Ioniq V uses a single rear-mounted motor, available in 188 hp or 225 hp depending on configuration.
Will the Ioniq V be sold in Europe?
For now, Hyundai is reserving the Ioniq V for the Chinese market and has not announced a European launch.
