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Hyundai has copied design elements from other automakers, but the South Korean automaker is innovative in its own way. The Ioniq 6, for example, is one of the quirkiest electric cars we have seen in a while, but it never ceases to impress us with its interesting features. Here are five of the most futuristic features of the Ioniq 6.

1.) The shifter in the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is unlike any we have seen

The shifter in the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Automakers today come up with many different ways to make a car shift into gear. Some cars have buttons, while others have dials or levers. Not the 2023 Hyundai Ionic 6. It has a thick stalk with a knob that twists at the end of it.

The shifter stalk looks futuristic, although it’s made of plastic. Our only gripe is that the “drive” and “reverse” selections are backward, which makes it tough to get used to. Otherwise, it’s definitely unique.

2.) The battery can be charged in less time than it takes to watch your favorite show

A front view of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 plugged into a level 2 charger.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The biggest drawback to owning any electric car is the need to charge it. Fortunately, charging the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is quick and easy with access to a fast charger. According to Hyundai, a 350-kW DC fast charger can replenish the car’s energy from 10 to 80% in only 18 minutes, which is quicker than the average Netflix show episode.

If you can’t find a fast charger, a level 2 charger can add juice to the battery. However, it will take nearly seven hours to get it from 10 to 80%. A 50-kW fast charger provides a happy medium as it only takes 73 minutes for the battery to reach 80% with that charge.

3.) The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a weird-looking front and rear end

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has some interesting exterior styling cues that are very Porsche Taycan-like. We’ll forgive Hyundai for copying that car and applaud it for designing the Ionic 6 in a unique way. The car’s silhouette is exceptionally aerodynamic, and the front and rear fascias are sleek and stand out from anything else on the road.

There are active front splitters in the front bumper area to help with airflow. All of this wind-cheating technology makes the Ioniq 6 the range leader in the brand’s lineup, with its ability to get up to 361 miles on a single charge.

4.) The Ioniq 6’s see-through antenna shares something with the Apple iMac

The translucent rear antenna in the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Most cars today have roof antennas for the satellite radio that are typically painted to match the car’s body color. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has one, too, but instead of being body-colored, it’s a transparent black color.

According to the folks at The Drive, the antenna was designed with the first-generation Apple iMac in mind. If you remember that old computer, it had a colorful transparent case that was really cool at the time. But now, the Ioniq 6 carries on its legacy.

5.) The Ioniq 6 has a handy Vehicle-to-Load charging outlet

Our Hyundai Ioniq 6 test car had a rear-seat Vehicle-to-Load outlet that provides a 120-volt charge for accessories like laptops and other electronics. Not only is the outlet handy, but it also complements the ample rear-seat space and flat floor.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a futuristic EV that gives Tesla a run for its money

Although there are many innovative technologies in the electric vehicle space, there are minor details on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 that put it ahead of its time. These futuristic features may be small, but they can elevate the everyday driving experience in a big way.