Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Connect vs Premium: Which One Should You Opt for?

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has completely changed the terms of the electric vehicle discussion, combining space-age styling, an impressively airy interior, and the latest technology with the potential for you to travel farther, quicker on the road than ever before. This is a car that demands attention, not only because of its one-off, mid-century modern appearance, but because of what’s inside that unique sheetmetal. Among an armada of competing EVs, the Ioniq 5 differentiates itself with a compelling all-around package that punches above its weight, challenging premium makes, but at a more accessible price. It’s a leap ahead in all-electric driving practicality, desirability and exhilaration.” .

For buyers considering one of these models, the question isn’t whether the Ioniq 5 is a good fit for you so much as which one is the best fit for your budget and lifestyle. The decision between the comprehensive SE Connect and the well-equipped Premium is an important one. Two different experiences for mankind: Each model offers a different kind of ownership experience designed for different priorities. Whether you are a city commuter looking for the best efficiency and value or a long-distance traveller wanting the best possible range and luxury, both of these vehicles have a nonlinear cost function of the number of trims that you need to pick through, and what the differences are between those options. You should know if you want to make a confident, informed decision.

In this article, we hope will provide you with all the information you need to make an educated decision between the two Benz variants and more on the SE Connect and Premium.” We’ll pit their driving experiences, interior amenities, practicality and running costs against each other to bring you a clear, balanced view. When comparing trims, our goal is to make it easier for you to find the Hyundai Ioniq 5 that best suits your specific needs so that your switch to electric driving is as straightforward and you can really get the most out of it. Here’s how to decide which of these two spectacular electric SUVs is your pick.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Recap

• Driving Dynamics Deep Dive: Breaking down the performance contrasts between the SE Connect and the adaptable Premium powertrains.
• Interior & Practicality Reviewed: We compare the space, comfort and practicality on a daily basis of both spec levels.
• Technology and Features Breakdown: A guide to the technology standard with the SE Connect, as well as the premium additions available with the Premium variant.
• Running Costs and Ownership: Reviewing the practical costs across the board, including charging and insuring, to Hyundai’s exceptional warranty.
• Final Verdict: We help you choose which Ioniq 5 is the one for your driving requirements and your wallet.

Unpacking the Ioniq 5’s Unique Appeal

Before detailing the SE Connect and Premium, it’s helpful to take a brief detour to see what really makes the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a game-changing EV. Its debut was defining, fundamentally altering expectations of what an electric car was. The Ioniq 5 combines a daring, unique design with outstanding practicality and cutting-edge technology in a way that makes it difficult to choose between your head and your heart. It’s not just a way to get around, it’s a well-designed space that makes driving better, whether you’re weaving through tight city streets or crossing the country. The beauty of it is in this ingenious combination of style, space, and substance;  there’s a lot of sense as well as plenty of style and pizzazz, and it holds the front-runner position in the class.

The first thing that grabs your attention is its retro-futuristic aesthetic. Inspired by Hyundai’s 1974 Pony concept, the Ioniq 5 sports clean lines, sharp angles and a unique clamshell bonnet that sets it apart in the crowd. Its parametric pixel LED headlights and taillights reinforce its futuristic style, trimming that makes the AV line stand out from the supermarket car park to the motorway. This striking exterior is paired with a similarly extraordinary cabin. Utilising its all-electric vehicle platform, the Ioniq 5 offers a fully flat floor, providing an unbelievable amount of interior space. That’s part of what makes it feel so spacious inside, and yes, it’s stunningly airy, lounge-like, and relaxing for front and rear passengers alike, a degree of comfort usually reserved for higher-class vehicles.

More than just good looks and spacious, the Ioniq 5 is built for everyday practicality and real performance. With its high-tech 800V battery design, the EQA is a real game changer here, capable of charging from 10 to 80% in only 18 minutes at a compatible charger. This goes a long way in reducing sit-time on lengthy trips and easing range anxiety. Speaking of range, the bigger-battery-equipped models can travel as far as 315 miles on a single charge, making road trips completely viable. The ride is just as polished, relaxed and responsive, so you can glide through traffic and feel like a pro behind the wheel. Featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, the digital cockpit and infotainment system form a unified, high-tech centre for navigation, entertainment and vehicle functions with smooth smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Retro-futuristic exterior design attracts attention and delivers a distinctive presence on any road.
• Dedicated electric vehicle platform provides an exceptionally roomy and comfortable cabin for all passengers.
• 800V ultra-fast charging capability minimises wait times and makes longer journeys seamless.
• Extended range options allow you to confidently cover long distances without constant recharging.
• Smooth and quiet driving characteristics enhance comfort and relaxation on every trip.
• Dual 12.3-inch digital displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure effortless connectivity, entertainment, and navigation.

Ioniq 5 Driving Dynamics: SE Connect vs Premium Performance

The on-road clarity between the SE Connect and Premium trim levels is how the Ioniq 5 responds in various driving conditions. Although both cars offer the smooth, silent, and responsive acceleration expected of a premium electric, their powertrain layouts are engineered for different priorities. Knowing These Differences Is the Secret To Picking the Model That Best Suits Your Driving Style, Whether You’re Mostly Navigating City Streets or Taking the Highway for Long Hauls (Where You Could Always Use More Power and Range).

The SE Connect trim has a 58 kWh battery with a single rear motor and, rear-wheel drive configuration. This set-up delivers 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque, which results in a brisk 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds. During our test drives around town, this proved to be more than adequate. The instant torque makes darting away from stoplights and weaving through packed roundabouts a cinch. The car is agile and stable, its sophisticated suspension soaking up most of the road ripples to deliver a comfortable and tranquil cabin ambience. Whether you’re commuting, running the school run, or having the same old weekly shop, the SE Connect makes for a drive that’s thoroughly pleasant and efficient. And it’s ready for confident city driving, cosily fitting into the needs of drivers who mostly drive within the city and its metropolitan area.

 Stepping up to the Premium trim opens up a whole new level of versatility and capability. While it is offered with the same 58 kWh rear-wheel-drive powertrain as the SE Connect, the real benefits are the optional upgrades. 

Choosing the larger 77.4 kWh battery in a rear-wheel drive configuration increases the power output to 228 PS, tightens the 0-62 mph time to a lively 7.3 seconds and also extends the range potential significantly beyond 300 “unit” miles. This version seemed a lot stronger, especially on country roads and highways, making passing genuinely quick and easy.

 And if you want maximum performance, the dual-motor (all-wheel drive) version, also available with the 77.4 kWh battery, is the way to go. And with a gutsy 325 PS, it sprints from 0-62 mph in just 5.1 seconds. This option turns the Ioniq 5 into a truly quick and engaging car – providing great grip and stability in every weather situation, perfect for those who want breathtaking performance, or who simply need a bit more confidence on rural roads.

• 58 kWh rear-wheel-drive setup ensures strong city performance and responsive acceleration, making daily commutes hassle-free.
• Immediate torque delivery provides quick, confident movement in stop-start traffic.
• Well-tuned suspension affords impressive comfort and composure over uneven urban surfaces.
• The optional 77.4 kWh battery in Premium extends range for long-distance journeys, removing anxiety on extended trips.
• More powerful rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants boost performance, ideal for motorway overtaking and spirited driving.
• All-wheel-drive stability inspires confidence on rural roads and in adverse weather, perfect for drivers who encounter varied conditions.

Cabin Comfort and Practicality: A Look Inside the Ioniq 5

Climb inside the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and it is immediately clear this car was built around the occupants. This is a car with an interior! It’s probably the most compelling thing about the car in terms of the space and flexibility it offers, which really pulls the rug out from under other electric family cars. Due to the purpose-built E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) platform, Ioniq 5 has a long wheelbase and a completely flat floor, which provides an unexpected amount of space. This clever setup turns the cabin from a simple passenger compartment into a mobile living space, a trait shared by the SE Connect and Premium trims. It’s a calm, airy, open and welcoming space that makes every journey better.

The feeling of space is overwhelming for the occupants. Up front, the clean-lined dashboard and expansive footwells impart an airy vibe, while out back, the cabin provides enough legroom and headroom to make a pair of midsize sedans jealous. From behind the wheel, the view is breathtaking. Two people of above average height sitting behind two above average height front seat holders can do so comfortably, and the car goes miles in making long trips so much more enjoyable. With both trims, this spacious, generous passenger room is a given, so your comfort is guaranteed. The standard boot offers a generous 527litre capacity, which is more than sufficient for a family’s weekly shop, some suitcases for a holiday or bulky items such as a golf bag. The decent boot aperture and flat loading floor ensure loading and unloading is a breeze.

Everyday practicality is further highlighted by inspired designs and ingenious storage solutions throughout the cabin. The Premium is differentiated by its power-sliding rear seats, which let you adjust your seating/ storage configuration in just a matter of seconds. That’s especially helpful when you’re carrying a combination of people and luggage (or) on a journey where you unexpectedly need more boot space.” The sliding centre console feature, which is exclusive to the Premium, is yet another intuitive addition, as front or rear passengers can now equally easily access storage and charging ports, enhancing a feeling of “flexibility” that so many family SUVs aim to deliver, but rarely do. Each trim also comes with a small front trunk, or “frunk,” for storing charging cables or smaller valuables without getting in the way of keeping the main boot perfectly organised for the day-to-day traffic of life or the chaos of the weekend adventure.

• Completely flat floor and long wheelbase: Provides an exceptionally spacious, lounge-like interior perfect for families or long journeys.
• Minimalist dashboard and wide-open design: Ensures an uncluttered, open feel that adds to comfort on every drive.
• 527-litre standard boot: Accommodates weekly shopping, holiday luggage, or oversized recreational gear with ease.
• Electrically sliding rear seats (Premium): Allows flexible adjustment for extra boot space or rear legroom, adapting the cabin to changing needs.
• Sliding centre console (Premium): Enhances versatility and accessibility for both front and rear occupants.
• Integrated “frunk”: Keeps charging cables organised and the main boot tidy, making day-to-day use even more convenient.

Tech and Features: SE Connect vs. Premium Upgrades

The Ioniq 5 is a technology beast, and the SE Connect and Premium trims feature a modern, clean digital interface. The rest of the cabin is highlighted by the stunning dual-screen configuration consisting of two 12.3-inch displays housed in a single, unified panel. One is the digital instrument cluster, which contains crisp and clear driving information, and the other is a responsive touchscreen for infotainment. This typical equipment makes even the lower SE Connect appear extremely current. There’s also full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, meaning you can get to your favourite nav, music and messaging apps right from the car’s big central screen. The integration is so tight that you can plan a route on Waze or a podcast for the ride to work.

Complementing the SE Connect’s appeal is a wide array of standard comfort and safety features. It’s small wonder that standard rear parking sensors and a high-res rear camera make it easy to negotiate tight places and back into parking spots. Bright, efficient LED headlights also provide excellent night visibility. Hyundai also offers a robust set of safety features, such as lane-keep assist and forward collision-avoidance assist (emergency braking), that quietly work behind the scenes to help provide an extra layer of protection. For many users, the SE Connect bundled systems will be sufficient, as they include all the essentials to deliver a connected, safe and convenient driving experience.

• Dual 12.3-inch screens: Clear and intuitive layout keeps key information easy to read, enhancing driver confidence.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless connection for music, navigation, and calls makes every journey productive and enjoyable.
• Rear parking sensors and reversing camera: Simple parking in narrow spaces saves time and reduces the chance of bumps.
• LED headlights: Brighter visibility for safe night-time driving.
• Lane-keep assist and emergency braking: Proactive safety technology that offers peace of mind in busy traffic.

The Premium package is another matter, boasting several wonderful amenities that increase the sense of luxury and convenience. The full-projection LED headlights from outside are upgraded and enhanced with a stronger and wider beam to better illuminate dark country roads. You can also manoeuvre more safely, thanks to front parking sensors, along with the rear sensors will make sure you park with confidence in those tight city spaces. The Premium model also features power-folding heated and auto-dimming door mirrors, a practical and handy option for shielding your vehicle on confined streets or in a bustling car park.

Enhancing driver comfort and cabin adaptability, the Premium edition has a more intently emphasis on these aspects of the vehicle. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and has lumbar support, allowing you to easily find the ideal driving position for long journeys. It’s a small change, but it does a great deal to relieve fatigue on highway travels. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel add extra warmth on chilly mornings. Coupled with the sliding second-row seats and movable centre console (as mentioned above), the features and technology available in the Premium trim enable you to create an even more adaptable, comfortable and luxurious space, perhaps providing that extra bit of incentive for those who simply have to have those premium features to make their daily commute more than just that.

• Upgraded full-projection LED headlights: Better illumination for increased safety and comfort during night drives or on unlit roads.
• Front and rear parking sensors: Complete awareness in all parking scenarios, minimising stress in urban environments.
• Power-folding mirrors: Protection from knocks and scrapes in tight spaces, ideal for city dwellers.
• Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support: Customisable comfort for long journeys, helping to prevent driver fatigue.
• Heated steering wheel and seats: Immediate comfort during cold UK mornings.
• Sliding rear seats and centre console: Flexible space management tailored to specific passenger or storage needs.

Analysing the Ioniq 5’s Running Costs and Ownership

In addition to the purchase price, the long-term running costs and experience of ownership are just as should in your new car. For the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it is one of the areas where both the SE Connect and Premium trims prevail, delivering substantial savings and peace of mind over traditional petrol or diesel cars. The switch to electric power brings a fundamental change to day-to-day costs, with the cost to charge offering massive savings over bills for fuel. Combined with manageable insurance and one of the best warranty packages in the business, this financial bonus makes the Ioniq 5 an incredibly clever and comforting long-term buy.

One of the biggest immediate money savers made possible by owning an Ioniq 5 is the cost to charge, particularly at home. Just plug in overnight and take advantage of off-peak electricity rates to “refuel” your car for a lot less than the price of a gallon of gas. This is an expense that you can count on for a steady source of low costs in your daily travels.” For longer road trips, the Ioniq 5’s advanced 800V architecture will also play a role in helping save money. This is what enables ultra-fast charge, which means less time at public rapid chargers. Fewer minutes plugged in means you can hit the road sooner, and it also typically leads to smaller overall charging fees, helping to keep cross-country travel as practical as it is affordable. 

Once you factor in the other running expenses, such as insurance, the differences between the trims become more apparent. The SE Connect, with its slightly less power and purchase price, will generally be a lower insurance group than the more powerful Premium variants, especially the high-performance all-wheel-drive one. 

This sometimes translates into slightly reduced premiums and contributes to the SE Connect being the more cost-conscious choice when you look at insurance. Still, the most important part of Ioniq 5 ownership is the fantastic warranty that Hyundai backs it with.

 The full package includes a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty on the vehicle and, importantly, an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the high-voltage battery. This exceptional cover allows you to have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected, and you can look forward to a long, worry-free experience with your electric vehicle, regardless of which trim line you go with.

• Home charging capability reduces day-to-day running costs, saving money compared to petrol or diesel vehicles
• 800V fast-charging technology minimises charging times on long trips, giving you more time on the road and less at charging stops
• Lower insurance premiums likely for SE Connect, helping control ownership costs for budget-focused buyers
• An extensive manufacturer warranty ensures years of worry-free driving, supporting strong resale values and peace of mind
• Predictable charging and servicing expenses simplify budgeting and enhance the overall ownership experience

Discover Why the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Could Be Your Next Electric Adventure

Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Connect and Premium trim: Which should you go for? Our take: Your choice between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Connect and the Premium trim should ultimately be based on your specific driving requirements, lifestyle, and financial situation. Both are truly exceptional EVs with the same radical design, spacious interior, and technology that make the Ioniq 5 a class leader. Either way, you’re assured of a sleek, comfortable, and extremely capable electric SUV. So it’s not about finding a “better” car, but about finding the combination of features, performance, and range that best suits how you plan to use it.

The SE Connect offers a very tempting package for the contemporary city dweller. All the fundamentals of the Ioniq 5 experience the avant-garde exterior design, the roomy interior, and the strong standard tech are there, but it’s more efficient and affordable. The 58 kWh battery and 170 PS motor are more than enough to take you through the day-to-day city commutes, school runs, and weekly errands while providing a smooth and responsive drive. For your driving, pretty much if it were all town driving, with a couple of shorter trips on the motorway, and you’re looking for value for money, and a car that won’t cost much to run, but you still want something that looks good and is reasonably equipped, the SE Connect is a clever and satisfying option.

• A 58 kWh battery and single rear-wheel-drive motor deliver smooth power ideal for city driving and everyday errands.
• Competitive price point keeps initial outlay and running costs manageable for cost-conscious buyers.
• Spacious, lounge-like interior enhances comfort on commutes and family journeys.
• Comprehensive tech, including dual 12.3-inch screens and standard safety features, ensures a connected and secure drive.
• Streamlined insurance group helps keep annual premiums accessible.
• Fast charging capability reduces downtime, supporting a busy routine.

On the other hand, the Premium trim is designed for those who expect more from their vehicle, whether that be range, performance, or luxury. Having the option to upgrade to the larger 77.4 kWh battery is a tremendous bonus for anyone who frequently takes long trips, because it effectively abolishes range anxiety and offers more freedom. The release of the powerful all-wheel-drive system will be welcomed by those wanting extra grip in more testing conditions or performance enthusiasts. On top of that, the added luxuries of the Premium model, which include sliding rear seats, upgraded headlights and an electric driver seat, bring a level of comfort and convenience to the ownership experience that makes every day behind the wheel just a little better. If you drive long distances a lot, want a bit more oomph, or just like having some of these extra practical niceties, the step up to the Premium trim is a good buy.

• 77.4 kWh battery upgrade offers extended range, making long-distance adventures and frequent motorway trips stress-free.
• Powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant ensures confident performance in all weather conditions and rapid acceleration when needed.
• Electrically sliding rear seats and a movable centre console add cabin flexibility, adapting space to suit every trip.
• Enhanced lighting and additional parking sensors improve safety and convenience in all environments.
• Luxury touches such as the electric driver’s seat and heated features turn every drive into a comfortable, relaxing journey.
• Premium pack options cater to buyers who expect more customisation and advanced technology from their vehicle.

Ready to Experience the Ioniq 5?

At the end of the day, the best way to know for sure which Ioniq 5 is right for you is to drive it. Take a test drive. Feel the quiet power, spacious cabin and state-of-the-art technology for yourself. Book to arrange your free test drive today. You may find the efficient SE Connect to be your ideal match or realise that the versatile Premium is more your style, but either way, you will be behind the wheel of one of the most innovative and fun electric cars on the road today.

Book your test drive now and find out at The.Car