Hyundai IONIQ 6 Now Includes Lite And Plus Variants

Following the launch of the Hyundai IONIQ 6 in July 2023, where the Max RWD and Max AWD variants were introduced, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now included the Lite and Plus variants to the IONIQ 6 range.

The IONIQ 6 Lite and Plus variants share much of the Max variants’ list of equipment, including 7 airbags (including a front-centre airbag), Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) ability, 2 12.3″ screens, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 64-colour ambient lighting, wireless phone charger, powered tailgate, etc, evoking the same levels of modern luxury, advanced technology and futuristic sophistication.

The key difference is in capacity. The IONIQ 6 Lite and Plus variants have a 53 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery to power a single motor with 111 kW and 350 Nm, which turns the rear wheels. In comparison, the Max variants have a larger 77 kWh LiPo battery. Furthermore, the Max RWD has a higher output of 168 kW although torque is the same as the Lite and Plus. On the other hand, the Max AWD has 2 motors to give it 239 kW and 605 Nm. This is also reflected in the century sprint times i.e. 8.8 seconds for Lite and Plus, 7.4 seconds for Max RWD and 5.1 seconds for Max AWD.

The smaller capacity battery for the Lite and Plus also results in a lower driving range of 429 km (according to WLTP cycle) compared with 614 km and 519 km of the Max RWD and AWD respectively. However, the Lite and Plus share the same 800-volt architecture with the Max variants. As such, the IONIQ 6 Lite and Plus can also go from 10% to 80% SoC (state of charge) in 18 minutes, if given the maximum of 350 kW via DC (direct current). Even when plugged in to less powerful chargers, the Lite and Plus have shorter charging times than the Max variants i.e. 58 minutes from 10% to 80% SoC via 50 kW DC, and 5.5 hours from 0% to 100% SoC at 11 kW AC, due to the smaller battery.

“Public response to the Hyundai IONIQ 6 has been very encouraging, with many impressed by the Electrified Streamliner’s advanced technology, striking silhouette, aerodynamic efficiency and performance. Now, we’re making the triple-2023 World Car Awards winner available to a broader spectrum of Malaysian buyers,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Retail and Distribution of Sime Darby Motors Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau.

The IONIQ 6 is holder of 3 prestigious global awards i.e. 2023 World Car of the Year, 2023 World Electric Vehicle of the Year and 2023 World Car Design of the Year. It is also the second recipient of the 3 aforementioned World Car Awards following the IONIQ 5 in 2022.

“In introducing the new Lite and Plus variants of the IONIQ 6, HSDM is bringing the current pinnacle of Hyundai’s electric vehicle line-up, and a truly globally-acclaimed EV, within reach of more Malaysian buyers, thereby increasing the choices that suit their lifestyles. The IONIQ 6 range in Malaysia now begins at RM219,888 for the Lite RWD before moving on to RM249,888 for the Plus RWD, complementing the existing Max variants,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.

All prices are on-the-road before insurance, and are inclusive of an 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty. For an additional RM10,000, the standard vehicle warranty is upgradable to 5 years / 100,000 km, and attached to this is 3 years / 50,000 km of free service. The first 30 owners who receive their vehicle are also entitled to the free 1-year Shell Recharge Gold membership.

The same 5 body colours offered with the Max variants i.e. Abyss Black Pearl, Nocturne Grey Matte, Biophilic Blue Pearl, Dive Blue Solid and Gravity Gold Matte, are available for the Lite and Plus variants. Deliveries of the IONIQ 6 Lite and Plus are expected to be in the 4th quarter of 2023.

Bookings for the IONIQ 6 can be made at any authorised Hyundai sales outlet nationwide as well as on the online booking platform Cl!cktoBuy (https://www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/).