Hyundai launches new Ioniq electric car sub-brand

Hyundai has announced plans for a new Ioniq sub-brand, which will specialise in electric cars and introduce three new models in the next four years.

The brand takes its name from Hyundai's Ioniq hatchback, which has been on sale since 2017 and was named Best Electric Family Car at last week's inaugural What Car? Electric Car Awards.

Hyundai will launch a range of numerically named electric vehicles (EVs) under the new brand, with the even numbers used for saloons and the odd numbers for SUVs. 

First to arrive, in 2021, will be the Ioniq 5, a family SUV based on the sleek Hyundai 45 concept, which was shown at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show.

An Ioniq 6 electric executive saloon, which will rival the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3, and take its design inspiration from this year's Prophecy concept (below), will follow in 2022. And there will be an Ioniq 7 large SUV in 2024.

Hyundai is promising that all Ioniq-branded EVs will combine ultra-fast charging with enhanced connectivity features that "integrate in-car and out-of-car experiences for a seamless journey".

The interiors of the cars, meanwhile, will apparently have highly adjustable seats, and unique features such as a glovebox designed as drawers.

By 2025, Hyundai hopes to be selling more than half a million EVs per year – the equivalent of around 12% of its total sales in 2019.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

All the other electric cars coming soon >>