The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a fully electric crossover built on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), combining distinctive retro-futuristic styling with an exceptionally spacious cabin and an advanced 800-VOLT charging architecture.

The final regular Malaysian line-up comprised three CBU variants – Lite, Plus and Max – with their last official on-the-road prices without insurance standing at RM207,808, RM238,408 and RM270,408 respectively.

The Lite and Plus use a 58 KWH battery and single rear motor producing 125 KW (168 HP) and 350 NM, while the Max uses a 72.6 KWH battery with dual-motor AWD producing 225 KW (302 HP) and 605 NM. WLTP range stands at 384 KM for the Lite and Plus and 430 KM for the Max.

The regular IONIQ 5 is no longer sold new in Malaysia. Hyundai’s current local IONIQ 5 offering is the much more powerful IONIQ 5 N, which is treated as a separate performance model.

The IONIQ 5 features a highly minimalist dashboard centred around two adjacent 12.3-INCH digital displays.

One serves as the fully digital instrument cluster while the other operates as the central infotainment touchscreen.

A slim horizontal dashboard and concealed-looking ventilation system reinforce the spacious, lounge-inspired interior concept.

One of the IONIQ 5’s most distinctive cabin features is its Universal Island sliding centre console.

On suitably equipped variants, the console can move backwards by as much as 140 MM, allowing occupants to alter the layout and improve access between the front seats.

It incorporates cup holders, USB connections, storage and wireless smartphone charging.

A 12.3-INCH fully digital instrument cluster sits directly ahead of the driver.

It displays speed, range, battery state, regenerative braking level, navigation and Hyundai SmartSense information.

The final Malaysian Max specification additionally received a Head-Up Display, replacing the solar roof that had been offered on earlier units.

The Lite uses cloth upholstery and provides an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with a manually adjustable front passenger seat.

The Plus and Max upgrade to leather upholstery with electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats.

The Max additionally features Premium Relaxation front seats, together with heating and ventilation for the front seats and heating and ventilation functions for selected rear-seat areas according to the final Malaysian specification.

The IONIQ 5 accommodates five occupants.

Its 3,000 MM wheelbase and completely flat floor provide exceptional legroom relative to its 4.6-metre exterior length.

The dedicated E-GMP platform places the battery beneath the cabin and eliminates the conventional transmission tunnel, improving rear-centre passenger space.

A distinctive two-spoke multifunction steering wheel provides controls for audio, cruise control and driver assistance.

Both tilt and telescopic adjustment are standard.

Paddles behind the steering wheel are used to control regenerative braking rather than conventional transmission gears.

The completely flat floor and movable centre console create unusually flexible cabin storage.

Storage areas include the glove compartment, large door pockets, centre-console compartments and additional open areas between the front seats.

A separate front luggage compartment is also provided beneath the bonnet.

The IONIQ 5 provides two front and two rear cup holders.

The front pair is integrated into the centre-console area, while the rear pair is incorporated into the folding centre armrest.

The cabin provides five USB connections, comprising four charging ports and one multimedia connectivity port.

A wireless smartphone charger is also standard.

The Max additionally incorporates an internal 230 V V2L power outlet, while external V2L capability is available through the charging port on the Plus and Max.

The IONIQ 5 makes extensive use of environmentally conscious cabin materials.

Depending on variant, these include eco-processed leather, fibres derived from recycled PET bottles and bio-based materials sourced from sugar cane and plant oils.

Its minimalist surfaces and open floor layout create a distinctive lounge-like atmosphere rather than a conventional SUV cockpit.

Rear luggage capacity stands at 527 L.

Folding the 60:40 split rear seats expands maximum capacity to approximately 1,587 L.

A front luggage compartment provides additional storage, with up to 57 L on the RWD Lite and Plus, while the AWD Max has a smaller compartment of approximately 24 L because of its additional front electric motor.

The IONIQ 5 measures 4,635 MM long, 1,890 MM wide and 1,605 MM tall, with an exceptionally long 3,000 MM wheelbase.

Ground clearance stands at 160 MM, while its turning radius is approximately 5.99 M.

Despite its hatchback-like appearance, the three-metre wheelbase is comparable with much larger executive cars and plays a major role in the IONIQ 5’s spacious cabin.

The rear continues the pixel-inspired theme with a broad rectangular tailgate, roof-mounted spoiler and geometric lighting treatment.

Hidden aerodynamic openings within the spoiler help manage airflow over the rear glass without requiring a conventional rear wiper on the original Malaysian model.

The clean surfacing and squared-off rear also contribute to the IONIQ 5’s distinctive concept-car appearance.

The Lite uses LED Multi-MFR reflector headlamps.

The Plus and Max upgrade to dual LED projector headlamps for both low and high beam, giving the higher variants more sophisticated forward illumination.

Automatic headlamps and High Beam Assist are standard throughout the range.

LED headlamps

All variants use distinctive full-LED Parametric Pixel tail lamps.

Numerous square LED elements form the rear lighting signature, reinforcing the pixel theme that defines the exterior design.

A rear LED fog lamp and high-mounted brake lamp are also fitted.

Exterior mirrors feature electric adjustment and powered folding across the range.

Integrated LED direction indicators are provided, while Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist monitors traffic approaching from either side.

The IONIQ 5 uses large 18-INCH ventilated disc brakes at both the front and rear.

Regenerative braking works alongside the physical braking system and can be adjusted through steering-wheel paddles.

The vehicle also incorporates i-Pedal, allowing acceleration, deceleration and complete stopping to be controlled largely through the accelerator pedal.

The Lite and Plus ride on 19-INCH aerodynamic alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 R19 tyres.

The Max receives larger 20-INCH Parametric Pixel alloy wheels fitted with 255/45 R20 tyres.

The distinctive aerodynamic designs help reduce turbulence around the wheel arches.

Active safety equipment includes ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Brake Assist and Traction Control.

Hill Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, regenerative braking and front and rear parking sensors are also standard.

The Plus and Max further gain a 360-degree Surround View camera, while the Lite uses a conventional reversing camera.

The Malaysian IONIQ 5 features seven airbags, including driver and front passenger airbags, front-side airbags, curtain airbags and a centre-side airbag between the front occupants.

Seatbelt reminders are provided for front and rear passengers, together with ISOFIX mounting points for the two outer rear seats.

The high-voltage battery is protected by an ultra-high-strength steel structure integrated into the E-GMP platform.

Four drive modes are provided – Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow.

These alter accelerator response and electric drivetrain behaviour.

Drivers can additionally adjust regenerative braking through several levels using the steering-wheel paddles, including i-Pedal one-pedal driving.

A 12.3-INCH touchscreen infotainment system is standard throughout the range.

It supports Bluetooth, USB, voice recognition and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Navigation can be accessed through compatible smartphone applications such as Google Maps and Waze.

Hyundai SmartSense is fitted throughout the range.

Systems include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.

Also included are High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Occupant Alert and Manual Speed Limit Assist.

The Plus and Max additionally receive Blind-Spot View Monitor and active Safe Exit Assist, while the Lite uses a warning-only Safe Exit function.

The Lite and Plus use the standard audio system, with the Lite featuring six speakers.

The range-topping Max upgrades to a BOSE premium audio system with seven speakers, a subwoofer and amplifier, effectively creating an eight-speaker arrangement.

Being fully electric, the IONIQ 5 uses permanent magnet synchronous electric motors rather than a combustion engine.

The Lite and Plus feature a single rear-mounted motor producing 125 KW (168 HP) and 350 NM.

The Max combines a 70 KW front motor and 155 KW rear motor, generating a combined 225 KW (302 HP) and 605 NM.

All variants use a single-speed automatic electric reduction transmission.

Instant electric torque is delivered without conventional multi-speed gear changes.

The Lite and Plus use rear-wheel drive, with their single electric motor positioned at the rear axle.

The Max adds a front motor to create Hyundai’s HTRAC dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

The Lite and Plus accelerate from 0-100 KM/H in 8.5 seconds.

The more powerful Max completes the same sprint in 5.2 seconds.

Maximum speed is 185 KM/H across all three variants.

As a fully electric vehicle, the IONIQ 5 consumes no petrol or diesel.

The Lite and Plus use a 58 KWH lithium-ion polymer battery and provide 384 KM WLTP range.

The Max uses a larger 72.6 KWH lithium-ion polymer battery, delivering 430 KM WLTP despite its more powerful AWD drivetrain.

All variants support 11 KW AC charging. A 0-100% charge takes approximately five hours for the 58 KWH variants and 6.1 hours for the 72.6 KWH Max.

The E-GMP electrical system supports both 400-VOLT and 800-VOLT DC infrastructure, with compatibility for chargers rated up to 350 KW. Under ideal conditions, 10-80% requires only 18 minutes.

The Plus and Max additionally support external 3.6 KW Vehicle-to-Load functionality.

Standard convenience equipment includes Smart Key with push-button start and remote start, flush automatic door handles, wireless smartphone charging, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

An Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold and auto-dimming interior mirror are also provided.

Higher variants gain additional equipment such as a 360-degree camera and electrically adjustable passenger seating, while the Max adds Premium Relaxation seats and the final-model Head-Up Display.

The IONIQ 5 features dual-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear air-conditioning vents.

The open floor layout also allows air to circulate relatively freely throughout the spacious cabin.

The IONIQ 5 uses MacPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent multi-link arrangement at the rear.

Its long 3,000 MM wheelbase provides a stable and comfortable ride, while the battery’s low placement improves the centre of gravity.

The Max’s larger 20-inch wheels provide sharper response but can transmit slightly more road imperfections than the 19-inch setup used by the Lite and Plus.

The electric drivetrain produces very little mechanical noise or vibration.

Its aerodynamically optimised body, full underbody covering and 0.288 CD drag coefficient help suppress wind disturbance at higher speeds.

Overall cabin refinement is one of the IONIQ 5’s strengths, particularly during relaxed urban and highway driving.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 was one of Malaysia’s earliest dedicated-platform mainstream EVs and remains technologically impressive even several years after its introduction.

The Lite and Plus combine 168 HP, 350 NM, rear-wheel drive and 384 KM WLTP range, with their final prices standing at RM207,808 and RM238,408 respectively.

The RM270,408 Max is the standout performance specification, upgrading to 302 HP, 605 NM, dual-motor AWD and 430 KM WLTP range, while adding equipment such as Premium Relaxation seats, BOSE audio, 20-inch wheels, Blind-Spot View Monitor and Head-Up Display.

Its greatest technical strength remains the 800-VOLT E-GMP architecture, which allows a 10-80% DC recharge in just 18 minutes under ideal conditions – a charging figure that remains competitive with many much newer EVs.

The regular IONIQ 5 is now discontinued from Hyundai Malaysia’s new-car range, leaving the much more specialised IONIQ 5 N as the only current local derivative. Nevertheless, the original model’s spacious 3,000 MM-wheelbase cabin, distinctive styling and ultra-fast charging technology ensure it remains a significant model in Malaysia’s EV market.