· Hyundai’s high-tech all-electric IONIQ 6 collects top accolade at GQ Car Awards in association with Michelin
· Judges praise sleek Streamliner styling and futuristic, high-tech feel
· IONIQ 6 is available to order now, with prices from £46,745
Leatherhead, 21 February 2023 – Hyundai has picked up another prestigious honour for its ever-growing trophy cabinet as the new, all-electric IONIQ 6 was crowned ‘Saloon of the Year’ at the 2023 GQ Car Awards in association with Michelin.
The annual awards seek to identify the world’s finest vehicles, and this year the changing landscape of the car industry was reflected as British GQ decided that all the winners should feature some form of electrification. The expert team of judges said their aim was to recognise models that are “inspiring, have integrity and get pulses racing.”
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 emerged as the number one choice in the hotly contested ‘Saloon of the Year’ category, with the judges particularly impressed by the model’s unique Streamliner design.
British GQ said: “From hotter-than-the-sun hatches and sensational SUVs to elegant EVs and killer concepts, everyone knows Hyundai's ambitious design team are having a moment, and the IONIQ 6 continues the brand’s remarkable run. Their latest offering is a four-door ‘Streamliner’ saloon, inspired by the late Art Deco exploration into functional efficiency that showcases the South Koreans’ sleek statement styling, offering distinctive and daring architecture with a futuristic, high-tech, pure-electric twist.”
SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design, said: “On behalf of the Global Design team at Hyundai, I would like to thank British GQ for honouring the IONIQ 6 with the award for Saloon of the Year. We always want to connect with customers on an emotional level and with the design of the IONIQ 6 we have created truly one of a kind. The daring streamliner styling combines strong emotional appeal with aerodynamic efficiency helping to give exceptional range. Inside, we set-out to create a personal studio which offers mindful space and calm functionality which, we believe, elevates EV design.”
The IONIQ 6 is based on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as the 2022 World Car of the Year, the IONIQ 5, and has attracted a hugely positive response since it was unveiled last year. Orders for the IONIQ 6 opened in November, with prices starting at £46,475 and first deliveries due to begin shortly.
Customers have a choice of either a rear-wheel drive powertrain offering 228PS and 350Nm or an all-wheel drive powertrain with 325PS and 605Nm. All models feature the long range 77.4 kWh battery, with the E-GMP platform’s standard 800v charging system providing 350kW ultra-fast charger compatibility, and generously equipped Premium and Ultimate trim lines are available. The IONIQ 6 also has impeccable safety credentials, with the European New Car Assessment Programme awarding it ‘Best in Class’ in the ‘Large Family Car’ category.
The recognition from British GQ continues an impressive start to 2023 by Hyundai. In January, the IONIQ 5 was named Large Electric Car of the Year by SME fleet specialist Company Car & Van, while the i20 N was named ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’ and the SANTA FE SUV ‘Seven-seater of the Year’ and ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid for Big Families’ at the What Car? Awards.
Ashley Andrew, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “Everyone at Hyundai UK is delighted with this award for the IONIQ 6 from one of the world’s leading luxury and style publications. The car offers a unique combination of sophisticated Streamliner styling and long-distance EV performance and has been very well received by both the media and customers alike. We are extremely confident that it will build on the fantastic success of the ground-breaking IONIQ 5 and contribute to another outstanding year for Hyundai in the UK.”
A full feature on all the winners of the 2023 GQ Car Awards in association with Michelin will appear in the March issue of British GQ.
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