Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric coupé spotted in Australia ahead of early 2023 launch

A Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been spotted in Australia, having arrived to undergo the carmaker’s local tuning program ahead of an early 2023 launch.

Images of the Ioniq 6 – a sleek four-door coupé that promises more than 610km driving range – were shared to The Driven after a reader spotted them in Sydney.

A spokesperson for Hyundai Australia has confirmed the vehicle in question is a “pre-production vehicle on the road and undergoing our local tuning (suspension & steering) evaluation programme.”

The vehicle’s arrival precedes a first-quarter 2023 launch in Australia. It is expected to be offered in two variants, mirroring the Ioniq 5 SUV which is available in both RWD Dynamiq and AWD Techniq formats.

Official pricing has not yet been released but it is likely to fall in the same range as the Ioniq 5. Currently, the RWD Dynamiq is priced from $69,900 before on-roads and the AWD Techniq is priced from $77,500, also before on-road costs and government charges.

As can be seen from the images, the pre-production vehicle does not have the digital side mirrors that have been shipped to other markets. However, these are expected to be included on production vehicles (whether at an additional cost is yet to be confirmed, although likely.)

The Ioniq 6 will only be the carmaker’s second all-electric vehicle to join the Australian market that is built on the South Korean auto group’s dedicated e-GMP platform that it shares with Kia’s EV6.

It is also set to be the second car on the local market to get Bluelink smartphone connectivity, joining the Palisade with a five year free subscription.

The connectivity package – somewhat similar to Kia Connect that comes with the latest e-Niro – includes various basic vehicle monitoring features such as tyre pressure, brakes and airbags, as well as remote locking, heating and starting, valet mode, find my car and emergency calling.

The Ioniq 6 will be the fourth battery-electric vehicle from Hyundai on the Australia auto market, also joining the Kona EV and the outgoing Ioniq Electric fastback.

How many Ioniq 6s will be secured for the local market however is the big question.

Ioniq 5 set to go on sale again

As with other carmakers, Hyundai Australia has been unable to secure large numbers of the Ioniq 5. It has copped criticism from drivers keen to get their hands on the “space age” vehicle, which has both a futuristic edge as well as oodles of roominess.

It has also been described as “snazzy”, but perhaps the best testament to its success has been the numerous awards it has won worldwide, which along with Australia lack of fuel standards aimed at encouraging more supply of EVs locally, has added to the inability to secure more inventory.

The online ordering process is set to open again tomorrow, with just 135 units available.

Despite the scarcity of Ioniq 5s, Hyundai has in fact managed to mark up second position as a brand on the EV market to date in Australia, having delivered 657 Kona EVs, 454 Ioniq Electrics and 346 Ioniq 5s as of the end of August.

Official Ioniq 6 pricing and specifications will be released closer to launch date.