Hyundai’s hot streak continues as it pulls the cover off its upcoming Ioniq 5 N at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. Even though it is a fully electric vehicle, it is designed with racing enthusiasts in mind. Packed full of Hyundai N performance enhancements, the Ioniq 5 N sounds like a blast.
Let’s have a look at what makes the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N special and how it compares to the world’s quickest EVs.
Power and Performance
The most notable thing about the Ioniq 5 N is how much power it packs. According toHyundai, the Ioniq 5 N features dual electric motors (one at the front and one at the rear) and an 84 kWh battery pack. The Ioniq 5 N is amongthe many dual-motor EVs on the market, and it’s also among the most powerful ones. It can throw down an astonishing 602 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque.
That’s enough to push the Ioniq 5 N from zero to 60 mph in approximately 3.4 seconds. Interestingly, even though the Ioniq 5 N is more powerful on paper, it’s the mechanically-related Kia EV6 GT that accelerates to 60 mph quicker, achieving the sprint in 3.2 seconds. This could be weight-related, but Hyundai has yet to confirm the Ioniq 5 N’s curb weight.
For context, some ofthe quickest EVs from zero to 60includethe record-breaking Rimac Nevera electric hypercar, which can complete the run in 1.85 seconds. The McMurtry Spéirling holds the record for the quickest zero-to-60 mph time of 1.4 seconds. The Ioniq 5 N isn’t quite up to that level, but it does offer performance similar to a Porsche Taycan 4S or the Touring version ofthe Lucid Air performance electric sedan.
Track Focus
The track-honed Ioniq 5 N includes several modifications that set it apart from the standard Ioniq 5. You have the option to activate a feature called N Battery Pre-conditioning, which Hyundai says optimizes the battery cells to the most power-efficient temperatures for the Ioniq 5 N’s Drag and Track modes. There’s also an N Grin Boost button that enables instant power maximization, temporarily increasing output to 641 horsepower.
To improve aerodynamics and handling, Hyundai lowered the Ioniq 5 N by 0.79 inches and widened it by nearly two inches to accommodate its wider tires and reworked suspension. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N also gets 21-inch forged aluminum wheels with special Pirelli P-Zero track tires for further handling enhancement.
The Ioniq 5 N includes a feature called N Torque Distribution, which offers fully variable front and rear torque distribution with 11 levels of adjustability. The performance EV also gets a rear electronic limited-slip differential that Hyundai states optimizes cornering performance and control.
Unusual and Unique Features
Creating an EV that traditional automotive enthusiasts will be excited about is no easy feat. However, the care Hyundai has put into prioritizing the driver’s experience with this EV is evident throughout the Ioniq 5 N’s design.
To improve driver feedback and engagement, Hyundai has included two unique features on the Ioniq 5 N: N e-shift and N Active Sound +. The former simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by controlling motor torque output that imitates the blip of a gear change, while the latter adds three different ICE-like engine and exhaust sounds to the Ioniq 5 N to inject some excitement into an otherwise silent vehicle.
Hyundai N Design Touches
From a visual standpoint, it’s hard to even believe the Ioniq 5 N is an EV. The larger dimensions of the Ioniq 5 N come courtesy of an aggressive exterior body kit that includes a wing-like rear spoiler, lower and more aggressive bumpers, and a prominent diffuser in the back.
On the inside, enthusiasts will notice the reinforced and heavily bolstered seats with N-specific badging designed to keep the driver and passenger locked in their seats. The Ioniq 5 N also gets a special three-spoke steering wheel, which features buttons that control vehicle performance and media.
Ioniq 5 N Raises the Bar for Mainstream Performance EVs
EVs are powerful, no question, but traditional enthusiasts love the pomp and circumstance of traditional ICE vehicles. For Hyundai to develop a track-focused EV that could make people forget they’re driving an EV is remarkable, and the automaker has gone to great lengths to make the Ioniq 5 N look and feel exciting.
Hyundai has not released pricing figures for the new Ioniq 5 N, but if you’re looking to bring one home, you should probably consider reserving one as soon as possible. It is expected to debut sometime in 2024, when it will take its rightful place on the list of the best EVs for driving enthusiasts.
