Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 embodies ‘ethical uniqueness’ design theme

Hyundai has published sketches of the Ioniq 6 – the second model in its Ioniq EV series. The images come just days before the full reveal of the model and show what the company is calling ‘ethical uniqueness’ in design.

“The sketches illustrate Ioniq 6’s design roots and early development process,” Soyeon AN from the Hyundai Design Strategy Team and in charge of CE launch project, tells Car Design News. “First of all, you can see the unique streamliner silhouette which consists of single tensioned curves. These curves are both aesthetically sensuous and aerodynamically functional. We at Hyundai Design Center call this quality ‘Emotional Efficiency’. You also can find the unique proportions with the long wheelbase, which implies optimised spatiality of Ioniq 6’s interior.”

Simple and clean in shape, the sketches would imply that the Ioniq 6 will be close to the Prophecy concept that was first shown at the digital 2020 Geneva Motor Show. Both are characterised by sweeping, curving lines and stretched wheelbases with little overhangs. There is also a large, dome-like greenhouse that would maximise light inside the cabin.

Soyeon AN explains that the team worked towards a new design theme called ‘ethical uniqueness’. “This centres on the care for energy efficiency, customers and the environment, while also keeping and developing uniqueness,” she says. “We believe it will resonate with the cool and righteous modern generation who act for virtuous influence on the world while boldy expressing their unique individuality. Ioniq 6 is a future that meets our customers with the perfect timely relevance and emotional mindset.”

The launch of the 6 follows the extremely successful Ioniq 5, which bagged the coveted Car Design Review Production Car of the Year in 2021. Hyundai also displayed the Seven concept at the 2021 LA Motor Show – a model that, when it enters production, will likely be far larger than both the 5 and 6.

Although the 6 appears to be very different to the 5 and 7 in its shape and form, Soyeon AN reveals that there will be some similarities. “Ioniq 6 is the only close-to-sedan typology among the Ioniq lineup, but it does have Ioniq’s common design pillars: living space, parametric pixel, and sustainability,” AN explains. “In the EV era, a car is no longer only a form of transportation but also a living space. Now, interior design is the key distinction of the brand and is the source of the story. Hyundai designs interiors that are more tailored to the target user of the car.”

In particular, AN flags the importance of the parametric pixel design, which Hyundai says is a bid link the digital and analogue worlds. “Parametric pixel is the Ioniq brand’s signature and keeps evolving to the next level. When you compare the Ioniq 6 to the Ioniq 5, you will find some new expressions of parametric pixel. And finally, the pursuit of sustainability is now an obligation of designers.”

Hyundai plans to reveal a new close-up image of the Ioniq 6 each day before the full reveal of the model takes place on 29 June. So far, teasers have showcased new ‘glass-like’ transparent structures; an innovative new aerodynamic silhouette; new scoops that will allow air to pass through the car, presumably located in the side grille; and almost non-existent gap between body panels to mimic the appearance of a river stone. Updates can be followed here.