Hyundai has just released its updated IONIQ 6 electric saloon, which includes a larger 84kWh battery, changed exterior styling, and a simplified trim line-up. In the UK however, this car is now looking like the EV bargain of the year, with the entry level model now available for just £33,240 thanks to its qualification for the £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
Facelift IONIQ 6 dramatically undercuts Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric on price
Only two versions of the updated IONIQ 6 qualify for the government’s Electric Car Grant – the Premium RWD and the N Line RWD – and both receive the higher £3,750 discount. The more expensive trims and drivetrains miss out, but the grant means the entry points to the IONIQ 6 range now represent serious value given the size, range, and level of standard equipment and technology on offer.
The Premium RWD is a case in point. At £33,240 with the grant, it’s around £13,500 cheaper than the pre-facelift car which started at over £46,000. For that price, you still get an 84kWh battery with up to 422 miles of range, 229hp for a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds, and support for 350kW ultra-rapid chargers. It’s all wrapped up in a premium saloon body, even if the IONIQ 6’s looks remain divisive. There’s also a generous list of standard kit even on this entry model, including heated front seats and steering wheel, matrix LED headlights, smart cruise control and Apple CarPlay.
That value stands out further against key rivals. In the UK, the Tesla Model 3 starts from £37,990 and offers less range at 332 miles, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric starts from £39,150 with a 330-mile range.
It’s clear that Hyundai deliberately priced its new IONIQ 6 to qualify for the grant, with the pre-grant price standing at £36,990 – just £10 below the £37,000 RRP cap that cars need to undercut as one of the qualifying criteria of the scheme. With rivals like the Model 3, CLA Electric, and Polestar 2 not being eligible for the grant, it puts the facelift IONIQ 6 in a strong position.
