Hyundai is keeping a lot of details about its first electric performance car, the Ioniq 5 N, under wraps. This includes information on price, power, torque, weight, battery size, and even how some of the modes work.
However, after driving the car extensively on both road and track, it’s clear that Hyundai’s N division, known for producing engaging hot hatches, has fully embraced the electric era. The Ioniq 5 N delivers a fun and exciting driving experience like no other electric vehicle I’ve ever encountered.
The Ioniq 5 N is a big and tall crossover that has been reinforced in certain areas, similar to what N did with the i20. It features new suspension subframes and unique kinematics, including enhanced camber, quicker steering, a reinforced steering rack, and four-wheel drive with motors at each end. The car also has the ability to divert power as desired by the driver. Other notable features include 235/35 R21 Pirelli P Zero tires, the largest front brake discs ever fitted by Hyundai (measuring 400mm), and improved battery cooling. N aims to make this car suitable for track driving, with a 20-minute drive and 15-minute charging capability.
In terms of driving modes, the Ioniq 5 N offers a wide range of options. It combines the numerous driving-mode combinations found in the i30 N with all the capabilities of a four-wheel drive electric vehicle, including torque-vectoring and adjustable front-to-rear power distribution. The car even features synthetic engine noises, including one that mimics an internal combustion engine, along with a simulated tachometer and gearshift via steering-mounted paddles. An engineer sitting beside the driver prevented the use of the drift mode during the drive, highlighting that the Ioniq 5 N offers more than just silliness. It provides exceptional dynamic performance. This car represents a significant advancement in the fun and enjoyment of electric vehicles, far exceeding what was possible in the previous year’s big EV handling test. While the Kia EV6 GT finished third in that test, the Ioniq 5 N has raised the bar by delivering genuine performance-car capabilities.
