Hyundai has been making waves in the performance car scene with its N sub-brand, which stands for Namyang, the company's global R&D center, and N眉rburgring, the legendary racetrack where the N models are tested and honed. The N badge signifies a car that is fun to drive, engaging to handle, and capable of delivering exhilarating thrills on the road and on the track. So far, Hyundai has given us the Hyundai Veloster N, the Hyundai i30 N, and the Hyundai Kona N, all of which have won rave reviews from critics and fans alike. But Hyundai is not resting on its laurels. It is also pushing the boundaries of electric mobility with its Ioniq brand, which is dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable electric vehicles that offer cutting-edge features and high-performance 800-volt technology.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5, which debuted earlier this year, is the first model under this brand, and it has already impressed us with its striking design, spacious interior, advanced battery technology, and smart tech. But what if you could combine the best of both worlds? What if you could have a car that offers the excitement of an N model and the efficiency and innovation of an electric vehicle? You can because Hyundai has just unveiled the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the first electric N model and a potential game-changer for the hot hatch market.
A Sporty and Futuristic Design
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is based on the regular Ioniq 5, but it has been given a makeover to reflect its sporty and dynamic character. The Ioniq 5 is already a futuristic-looking car, with its angular lines, pixel-like LED lights, clamshell hood, flush door handles, and parametric pixel design theme. It also boasts a spacious and minimalist interior, with a flat floor, a sliding center console, a dual-screen dashboard, and a lounge-like atmosphere. But the Ioniq 5 N takes things up a notch with a more aggressive and sporty design that sets it apart from its sibling.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N features a unique front bumper with larger air intakes, a red accent line, and an N logo. It also has a rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, dual exhaust tips (which are purely cosmetic), and 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers. The car is available in six exterior colors, including Performance Blue, which is exclusive to the N models. Inside, the Ioniq 5 N has sport seats with N logos, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters (which are also purely cosmetic), metal pedals, and blue stitching and accents. The electric car also has a dedicated N mode button on the steering wheel, which activates the most dynamic driving settings.
A Serious Performance Machine
But the Ioniq 5 N is not just about looks. It also has some serious performance credentials under its skin. The car uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 302 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque in normal mode. That's enough to propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and to reach a top speed of 155 mph. But that's not all. The car also has an N Grin Boost mode that increases the output to 641 horsepower for 10 seconds at a time. With this mode activated, the car can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 161 mph.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N also has an electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) that distributes torque between the rear wheels for optimal traction and stability. The electric hot hatch also has a variable suspension system that adjusts the damping force according to the driving mode and road conditions. The electric car also has four driving modes: Eco+, Eco, Normal, Sport+, and Custom.
The Ioniq 5 N also benefits from the advanced battery technology of the Ioniq 5. The electric car uses a 72.6 kWh battery pack that can provide up to 280 miles of range on a single charge in normal mode. The battery also supports ultra-fast charging, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350 kW charger. The car also has a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that allows it to supply power to external devices or even other vehicles.
A Smart and Safe Companion
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is not only fast and fun but also smart and safe. The car comes with a host of driver assistance and connectivity features that make driving easier and more enjoyable. Some of these features include:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function
- Lane-keeping assist with the lane-centering function
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
- Surround-view camera with parking assist
- Head-up display with augmented reality
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Hyundai's Bluelink system allows remote access and control of the car via a smartphone app
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N also has some unique features that enhance the driving experience. One of these is the N Active Sound+, which allows the driver to choose from three different sound profiles that simulate the engine noise of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, a fighter jet, or a futuristic vehicle. The sound is played through eight internal and two external speakers, and its volume can be adjusted from low to high. Another feature is the N e-shift, which simulates the feel and sound of an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, even though the car has a single-speed gearbox. The driver can use the paddle shifters to change gears, which also affects the acceleration and deceleration of the car.
A Bold and Exciting Addition
The Ioniq 5 N is a bold and exciting addition to Hyundai's growing lineup of electric vehicles and N models. It shows that Hyundai is not afraid to experiment and innovate in both fields and that it can deliver a car that appeals to both eco-conscious and performance-oriented customers. The Ioniq 5 N is the electric hot hatch we've been waiting for, and we can't wait to get behind the wheel.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is expected to go on sale in early 2024 in select markets around the world. Pricing has not been announced yet, but it will likely be higher than the regular Ioniq 5, which starts at $41,000 in the US. The Ioniq 5 N will compete with other electric hot hatches such as the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and the upcoming Tesla Model 3 Performance hatchback.
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