Let’s start with those looks, because many prospective buyers will do just that. Whether or not Hyundai designers taped Giorgetto Guigiaro’s works to their studio walls — not his early curvy Ferraris, BMW’s and Iso’s, but faceted stuff like the Lancia Delta, Saab 9000 and VW Scirocco — the inspiration shines through. From its Audiesque clamshell hood and rectangular headlamps to its origami door folds and pixellated lighting signatures, the Ioniq 5 makes the “Hello, Future” statement that’s been garbled by so many EV makers. You know a car looks good when it basically silences Internet loudmouths. The Ioniq accomplishes all this without the painful whimsy or sci-fi obviousness that mars some EVs. As a clean-sheet basis for future EVs on this dedicated BEV platform, including Kia’s audacious EV6 and the Genesis GV60, Hyundai’s Parametric Pixel design theme is off to one felicitous start.

The IONIQ5 is the first EV from Hyundai under its new all-electric IONIQ sub-brand, and the first to debut on the Group’s new E-GMP Platform. Electrek has had a couple of chances to experience this new CUV close-up, and it’s one we’re definitely excited about.

Part of the appeal of the IONIQ5 is its wide body and long wheelbase, making for one of the largest interior volumes in its class, besting the Mach-E and VW ID.4.

It’s also full of cool technology such as an AR Heads Up Display, advanced ADAS, and V2L capabilities – meaning it can power your devices while camping or tailgating, or even charge other EVs. Not to mention some of the fastest charge speeds in the game right now.

What might be the largest selling point for this electric crossover vehicle in 2022 however, could be its pricing. Hyundai shared surprisingly affordable MSRPs of the IONIQ5 starting with a surprise Standard Range RWD version for under $40,000, up to the AWD Limited Trim with HUD for just under $55k.

The IONIQ5 has been on sale in Europe for a good chunk of 2021, but is just starting to roll out in North America for 2022. Check out Electrek‘s first drive to see more of the available features.