To scrutinize their position in the growing EV market Hyundai is working hard to grow their EV lineup. In this row a new off-road version of brand’s top selling model IONIQ 5 is officially out for testing. Renamed as IONIQ 5 XRT the new EV version was spotted with rugged new design elements and features.
There is buzz in the market the Hyundai was panning to launch a rugged XRT IONIQ 5 variant in March that is designed for the North American market. As North America is the largest sales market of the brand.
In the U.S. Hyundai Motor Group including Kia and Genesis are accounted for 10% of EV sales in the second quarter revealed by Motor Intelligence. This impressive performance shows enough the the brand is ahead of Ford )7.4% and GM (6.3%) in the American automaker market.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 XRT was spotted in Korea. Revealing that the new EV will have several new features and updated design elements from it’s gasoline cousin.
You can seen that Hyundai 5 XRT’s bumper is completely redesigned. Although the prototype has big red front tow hooks and parking sensors on the bumper. Also the lower section appears to be modified while rugged wheels have been added.
As images shows the interior of the IONIQ 5 XRT is completely covered but it is expected that there is a major change in design of EV. In this row one of the biggest new developments is the sticker on the side of the vehicle that is revealing the EV will feature Hyundai’s E-Terrain mode.
The driving mode distributes the EV force based on the road conditions. But by controlling the ESC, Hyundai’s E-Terrain mode boosts the traction and control in slippery condition such as snow, sand and mud. The great thing is that depending on the situation, the front and rear driving force can be distributed form 100:0 to 0:100, enabling off-road handling.
With new IONIQ 5 XRT Hyundai is arming to compete with Ford’s Mustang Mach-E Rally, Ford’s off-road EV in the market. The EV will also one of the thought competitor for Rivian’s upcoming tri-motor R3X, which CEO RJ Scaringe promises is one-of-a-kind.
