Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric car unveiled to take on Tesla Model 3

The Hyundai Prophecy concept morphs into an equally striking looking all-electric sedan called Hyundai Ioniq 6 which has the Tesla Model 3 in its sights.

Hyundai has unveiled the Ioniq 6 electric sedan derived from the Prophecy concept that was showcased back in 2020. It is based on Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP, which is a platform dedicated to EVs and also underpins the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6.

Hyundai is calling the Ioniq 6's form electrified streamliner and the exterior is as slippery as it looks with a drag coefficient of just 0.21. The Ioniq brand's identity can be found in the headlamps and tail lamps and other elements with over 700 Parametric Pixels.

Ioniq 6's dedicated electric vehicle underpinnings have enabled Hyundai to increase interior space, especially in terms of leg room, although the higher floor relative to an ICE is likely to restrict headroom, but we'll know that only once we see the car in person.

The dashboard boasts a dual screen setup with 12-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment purposes. There are displays at both ends of the dashboard that relay feed from cameras acting as rear view mirrors.

"IONIQ 6 connects an emotional convergence of functionality with aesthetics," said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Centre. "The distinctive streamlined design is the result of close cooperation between engineers and designers, with obsessive attention to detail and customer-centric values at the core. We have created the IONIQ 6 as a mindful cocoon that offers personalised place for all."

There is no word on the specifications yet, but it's highly likely that the Ioniq 6 will get the same battery and single and dual motor setups. Expected to go on sale first in the North American and European markets, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is likely to start at around USD 50,000 ( ~ INR 39.50 lakh).

Hyundai India intends to have six EVs in its lineup by 2028. With the Ioniq 5 set to arrive in the second half of 2022, the Ioniq 6 could also be a part of this plan, although it won't be coming to our market any time soon.