Hyundai has officially unveiled the new Ioniq 5 N, its first high-performance electric model, which promises to deliver an extraordinary driving experience with more than 600 hp and impressive acceleration. The Ioniq 5 N is based on the E-GMP platform, shared with the Kia EV6 GT, but brings a number of improvements and unique features that set it apart from its rivals. Let’s see what this sporty and aerodynamic SUV has to offer.

Exterior and interior design

The Ioniq 5 N retains the retro-futuristic lines of the standard Ioniq 5 model, but adds distinctive elements that accentuate its sporty personality. Thus, we see a larger and more aggressive hexagonal grille with active flaps that optimize aerodynamics, a prominent lower spoiler, side spoilers and a dual exhaust at the rear. The Ioniq 5 N also has 21-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires, which ensure excellent grip on any surface. The blue color specific to the N division is complemented by orange accents on the bodywork and brake calipers.

The interior is spacious and comfortable, with a minimalist design and high quality materials. The sports seats are wrapped in leather and Alcantara with contrasting stitching and the N logo. The steering wheel is new and has buttons for selecting driving modes and activating the N Grin Boost function. The bottom bracket is metal and has a shape inspired by racing. The dashboard is digital and has a 12-inch screen that displays information relevant to the driver, such as speed, range, battery level or G-forces. The center console has another 12-inch touchscreen that controls the multimedia system and climate control.

Performance and technology

The Ioniq 5 N is equipped with two electric motors, one on each axle, which together produce 601 hp (448 kW) and 740 Nm of torque. With the N Grin Boost function activated, power increases to 641 hp (478 kW). This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 260 km/h. These figures place it at the top of the electric SUVs in terms of performance.

The Ioniq 5 N has an 84 kWh battery, which gives it an estimated range of over 400 km. The battery can be quickly charged at 800 V stations, reaching 80% capacity in just 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 N also has a reverse charging function, which allows it to power other devices or electric vehicles.

An innovative aspect of the Ioniq 5 N is that it is the first electric vehicle to simulate an eight-speed automatic gearbox, called N e-shift. This system provides a more realistic and pleasant feeling of changing gears, as well as an artificial sound that imitates a turbo engine. The sound can be customized through the N Active Sound+ function, which offers three sound profiles: Evolution, Supersonic and Ignition. The latter is the most interesting, as it reproduces the sound of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, similar to that of the Elantra N or Kona N models.

The Ioniq 5 N has 12 driving modes, which change parameters such as acceleration response, brake regeneration level, torque distribution between axles or engine sound. The modes are: Eco, Eco+, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Custom, N, N Grin Boost, N Track Sense Shift, Snow, Mud and Sand. N Grin Boost mode offers the most power and best dynamics, but only for 20 seconds. N Track Sense Shift mode automatically detects when the driver is entering a bendy road and adapts the settings to provide the best performance. The Ioniq 5 N also has a drift mode, which allows the car to slide in a controlled manner.

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