Electrifying Journey: Melbourne to Mansfield in the new Hyundai IONIQ 5

Today, we’re heading on a 500-kilometre road trip from Melbourne to Mansfield, a journey that offers the opportunity to explore the stunning Victorian countryside while experiencing the advanced features of the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Before we hit the road, let’s take a moment to get to know the new Hyundai IONIQ 5.

RELATED: Visit Drive's Hyundai IONIQ 5 showroom
RELATED: Learn more about the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

This year’s model comes with significant updates to the design, technology, and drivetrain, making it even more enticing for those considering a switch to electric driving.

A new range of exterior paints and interior finishes freshen the IONIQ 5, with revised styling across the bumpers, badging, and alloy wheel designs. There’s even a rear wiper now too.

The IONIQ 5 range offers a variety of powertrain options, from the efficient Standard Range single-motor models to the more powerful Extended Range in either single or dual-motor configurations.

The Standard Range models, like the one we’re driving today, feature a 63 kilowatt-hour battery (up from 58 kilowatt-hours) powering a 125kW/350Nm motor on the rear axle for a range of up to 440 kilometres (WLTP*).

For those looking for more performance and increased range, the Extended Range models step up to an 84 kilowatt-hour battery (up from 77.4 kilowatt-hours), delivering up to 570 kilometres (WLTP*) on a single charge when configured with rear-wheel drive and the 19-inch alloy wheels.

Single-motor models send a healthy 168kW and 350Nm to the rear wheels, while dual-motor models boost performance to 239kW and 605Nm (combined outputs).

Updates to the Hyundai SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have further enhanced the functionality of these systems, with Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) particular highlights for our journey.

An exciting addition to the 2025 line-up is the introduction of the new N Line option pack for DYNAMIQ and EPIQ models.

The N Line package brings a sportier edge to the IONIQ 5, with unique design elements including distinctive bumpers, a hidden lighting signature, side skirts, an extended rear spoiler, and 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the N Line model impresses with an N Line steering wheel, metal pedals, leather-appointed and Alcantara-trimmed sports seats**, and red contrast stitching. This variant not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the IONIQ 5 but also adds a touch of Hyundai’s performance pedigree, making it an exciting option for those who want both style and substance in their EV.

After a leisurely lunch in Melbourne, we set off on our journey, with 95 per cent charge in the battery and a large flat white in the cupholder.

We’re driving the entry-grade IONIQ 5 Standard Range model, which features a 63-kilowatt-hour battery and rear-wheel drive, with a claimed range of up to 440 kilometres (WLTP*) on a single charge.

The city streets are the perfect place to experience the car’s responsive handling and smooth ride, thanks to the updated chassis that enhances stiffness and body control.

The Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control quickly proves its worth, making the navigation through the afternoon traffic feel effortless.

Hyundai’s updated 12.3-inch Connected Car Next-Generation Cockpit is easy to operate on the move. The wireless Apple CarPlay connection doesn’t miss a beat, keeping the tunes flowing and ensuring the occasional phone call is crystal clear on both ends.

As we leave the city behind, the landscape begins to change. The urban sprawl gives way to the rolling hills of the Victorian countryside. Out on the open road, the sea of tail-lights gives way to the occasional truck or caravan, easily passed thanks to the instant response of the electric motor.

The quietness of the cabin, combined with the luxury of the wool yarn and leather-appointed seats^, creates a serene environment perfect for longer stretches behind the wheel. Thanks to the use of flaxseed oil extract in the dyeing process instead of more traditional methods, it should be more environmentally friendly too.

The IONIQ 5’s Standard Range battery ensures that we have more than enough energy for the 235-kilometre journey to Mansfield, with plenty of buffer when we arrive.

With plenty of energy to spare, we decide to take the Euroa Exit, with the twisting turns of the Maroondah Highway providing an ample chance to enjoy the sharp dynamics of the IONIQ 5, and the rougher surface proving no match for the compliant suspension and comfortable seats.

After our enjoyable drive through the Victorian countryside, we arrive in Mansfield just as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, with just over 40 per cent charge remaining.

It’s time to recharge both the car and ourselves. A few quick taps in the navigation system, and we’re directed to a local 50kW charger located conveniently in the town centre.

With the charger activated, we can conveniently monitor the charging process from Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car app^^.

While the IONIQ 5 is recharging, we take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of Mansfield’s charming local restaurants.

The 50kW charger might be slower than an ultra-fast charger, but is more than adequate for a leisurely dinner stop.

By the time we’ve finished our meal, the IONIQ 5 is fully recharged, ensuring we can comfortably get through the next day’s adventure.

After dinner and charging, we check into a cosy local motel for the evening.

The next morning, we wake up to find that despite the near 0-degree overnight temperatures, the IONIQ 5’s battery has only lost one per cent of its charge.

This impressive thermal management system ensures that the IONIQ 5 is ready to go, even after a cold night, with almost no impact on the battery’s charge level.

A few taps in the Bluelink app, and the IONIQ 5's cabin is beginning to warm to a comfortable 20 degrees, how great is that!

Greeted by the fresh country air and the promise of another beautiful day, we set out to explore more of the surrounding region before heading back to Melbourne, with a special stop for lunch.

As we leave Mansfield, the morning drive takes us through more of Victoria’s stunning scenery.

Our destination for lunch is Delatite Winery, a family-owned vineyard nestled at the base of the Victorian Alps. The IONIQ 5 handles the winding roads with ease, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Arriving at Delatite Winery, we’re greeted with breathtaking views and the promise of a delightful meal. We settle in for a leisurely lunch on the winery’s terrace, savouring locally produced wines paired with delicious seasonal dishes.

With our Mansfield adventure behind us and Melbourne in our sights, we plan one final charging stop just outside the city.

This time, we headed to a charger capable of delivering over 200kW – perfect for a quick top-up before completing our journey.

Thanks to the Bluelink connected services, not only can we see how many chargers there are and what charging speeds they are capable of, but we can see if there is one available, nice!

In less than 20 minutes, the battery is back to more than 80 per cent charge, enough to comfortably get us back home and at least several days of commuting before we need to plug in again.

This ultra-fast charging capability is a game-changer for road trips. It turns a necessary stop into a brief pause rather than a long wait, ensuring that we can get back on the road swiftly.

As we head back to Melbourne, the sun sets behind us, casting long shadows across the road.

The IONIQ 5’s LED projector headlights provide excellent visibility, ensuring that even as the daylight fades, our journey remains safe and comfortable.

The drive back has been just as enjoyable as the trip up, with the car’s advanced driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2, making the long stretches of highway feel effortless.

The serene cabin, coupled with the car’s smooth ride, makes it easy to unwind as we approach the city.

Returning home after two days on the road, we’re struck by how much the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 enhances the road trip experience, blending cutting-edge technology with practical, everyday usability.

Even with the entry-level rear-wheel-drive 63-kilowatt-hour Standard Range model, we never felt limited on our journey, thanks to the car’s impressive range, comfortable cabin, comprehensive suite of technology, and more than enough performance.

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape to the country or simply want a car that can handle your daily routine with style and efficiency, the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a compelling choice.

As we park the IONIQ 5 for the night, we can’t help but look forward to the next adventure. With a car like this, the journey truly is just as enjoyable as the destination.