Hyundai’s popular electric crossover, the Ioniq 5, is gearing up for a mid-cycle facelift that’s expected to launch in India by late 2025. Originally introduced as a groundbreaking EV on Hyundai’s dedicated E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 5 captured attention worldwide for its retro-futuristic styling, cutting-edge technology, and fast-charging capabilities.
Now, the facelifted version has been spotted testing on Indian roads multiple times, suggesting an imminent launch. As Hyundai looks to strengthen its position in India’s premium EV market, the Ioniq 5 facelift comes at a perfect time. Let’s take a detailed look at what this refreshed electric vehicle brings to the table.
📸 Spied Testing: A Glimpse of What’s Coming
Recent test mules spotted in Chennai and Tamil Nadu—wearing camouflage and temporary number plates—confirm that Hyundai is actively preparing the Ioniq 5 facelift for India. These sightings align with the model’s global mid-cycle refresh and are a strong indicator that Hyundai intends to bring the updated Ioniq 5 soon, possibly around August or September 2025 to coincide with the festive season.
🖌️ Exterior Design Updates
The 2025 Ioniq 5 facelift features subtle yet meaningful cosmetic changes that enhance its already futuristic look while improving aerodynamics and road presence.
- Front Bumper: The facelift introduces a sharper, redesigned bumper with a V-shaped lower garnish that gives the Ioniq 5 a more dynamic stance.
- Grille Area: A slightly wider intake improves both cooling and visual appeal.
- Alloy Wheels: Newly designed aerodynamic alloys (likely 5-spoke) add a fresh edge to the profile.
- Rear End: Includes a redesigned bumper, better-integrated parking sensors, and, notably, a rear windshield wiper—something the original Ioniq 5 lacked.
- Spoiler & Dimensions: A longer rear spoiler (extended by 50 mm) and a slight increase in overall body length (~20 mm) help refine the car’s aerodynamic performance. The facelifted model measures 4,655 mm long while maintaining the same width (1,890 mm), height (1,605 mm), and wheelbase (3,000 mm).
These tweaks ensure that the Ioniq 5 retains its unique visual identity while enhancing practicality and styling maturity.
🏠 Interior Refinements and Technology
Inside, the Ioniq 5 facelift focuses on making the cabin more user-friendly and premium, improving both comfort and usability.
- Centre Console: The layout has been reworked for better ergonomics, relocating the wireless phone charger to a more convenient spot.
- Physical Controls: Hyundai has responded to user feedback by introducing more tactile controls for key functions such as heated/ventilated seats, steering wheel heat, and parking assist. This reduces dependence on touchscreen menus.
- Infotainment: The facelift continues with the 12.3-inch infotainment display, now updated with a more intuitive UI. It also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—finally eliminating the need for cables.
- Heads-Up Display (HUD): Improved projection and functionality with real-time driving data.
- Safety Suite: Advanced safety features like hands-on detection for the steering wheel, lane-keeping assist, remote smart parking assist (version 2), ESC, VSM, TPMS, and an eight-airbag setup make the Ioniq 5 even more secure.
Overall, the interior upgrades enhance the sense of quality while making daily driving tasks easier and more pleasant.
🔧 Mechanical and Structural Enhancements
Beneath the surface, Hyundai has made significant improvements to the vehicle’s chassis and structure:
- Stronger Frame: A reinforced cross-bar near the firewall helps reduce steering vibrations, while the rear-wheel area and underbody get added rigidity.
- Improved NVH: Better insulation and design updates in the rear motor housing help lower road and wind noise—crucial for highway cruising.
- Enhanced Safety: Reinforcements in the B-pillars and shell contribute to better crash protection, keeping passengers safer in the event of a collision.
These refinements not only improve ride quality but also align with Hyundai’s push toward premium build standards and occupant protection.
🔋 Battery, Powertrains, and Charging
One of the most significant upgrades in the facelifted Ioniq 5 is the expansion of its battery and powertrain options—offering better range and more powerful performance variants:
Battery & Drivetrain Options:
- 63 kWh (RWD)
- Power: ~221 hp
- Torque: 350 Nm
- Estimated Range (WLTP): ~394 km
- 84 kWh (RWD)
- Power: Similar output but higher range
- Estimated Range (WLTP): ~511 km
- 84 kWh (AWD)
- Power: ~315 hp
- Torque: 605 Nm
- Estimated Range (WLTP): ~466 km
These additions mark a significant step up from the currently available 72.6 kWh variant in India, which delivers 631 km ARAI-certified range and 214 hp output.
Charging Capabilities:
- Ultra-Fast DC Charging: Supports up to 250 kW fast charging, enabling 10–80% charge in just around 20 minutes.
- Home Charging: AC charging remains unchanged and supports overnight top-ups via a wall box charger.
While global versions may offer Tesla’s NACS charging port compatibility, it is unlikely that Indian versions will feature this due to infrastructure constraints.
🇮🇳 India-Specific Launch Plans
Hyundai plans to manufacture the facelifted Ioniq 5 at its Sriperumbudur facility near Chennai, continuing the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly route. This helps keep pricing competitive and delivery timelines shorter.
- Expected Launch: Between August and September 2025.
- Expected Price:
- Base 63 kWh RWD: ₹36–46 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Top-end 84 kWh AWD: ₹46–55 lakh (ex-showroom)
These prices position the facelifted Ioniq 5 as a value-packed premium EV, especially considering ongoing discounts of up to ₹4 lakh on outgoing stock.
⚔️ Rivals and Market Positioning
The facelifted Ioniq 5 will compete in the growing premium EV space with the following key rivals:
- Kia EV6: Built on the same E-GMP platform, with a larger 77.4 kWh battery.
- BMW iX1: A more luxurious but smaller offering.
- BYD Seal: A value-oriented Chinese EV loaded with tech.
- Tata Curvv & Harrier EV: Upcoming Indian contenders expected to undercut pricing.
- Future Launches: Tesla and Rivian are also eyeing the Indian market, though timelines remain uncertain.
Despite strong competition, the Ioniq 5 stands out with its futuristic design, robust feature list, and Hyundai’s service network advantage.
🌱 Sustainability & Ownership Experience
Hyundai is also focusing on sustainable practices with the Ioniq 5:
- Battery Recycling: In partnership with global battery companies to recycle lithium responsibly.
- After-Sales Support: Backed by Hyundai’s widespread service network, with special EV-trained teams in metro cities.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelift is more than just a cosmetic refresh. It brings a smarter interior, upgraded batteries, better driving comfort, and enhanced safety—all while retaining the unique appeal that made the Ioniq 5 a global success.
For Indian buyers seeking a stylish, spacious, and fast-charging EV capable of long-distance journeys with zero range anxiety, the 2025 Ioniq 5 facelift is shaping up to be one of the most exciting electric launches of the year.
🔗 Suggested Outbound Links
Hyundai India Official Website