Hyundai’s N division has been making waves in the performance car scene with its hot versions of the Elantra, Kona, and Veloster. But now, the Korean brand is taking things to a whole new level with the Ioniq 5 N, the first electric vehicle to wear the N badge. The Ioniq 5 N is not just a regular Ioniq 5 with some cosmetic tweaks and a sporty exhaust note. It’s a full-blown electric beast that can rival the best of the best in the EV world.
What makes the Ioniq 5 N special?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is based on the same platform as the Kia EV6 GT, which we already know is a very impressive machine. But the Ioniq 5 N has its own unique identity and character, thanks to the extensive work done by the N engineers. Here are some of the key features that make the Ioniq 5 N stand out from the crowd:
- Power and performance: The Ioniq 5 N has two electric motors, one on each axle, that produce a combined output of 601 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. That’s already more than enough to make it one of the most powerful cars on the market, but there’s more. With the N Grin Boost feature, the Ioniq 5 N can temporarily unleash 641 horsepower, making it the most powerful Hyundai ever. The Ioniq 5 N can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, according to Hyundai, and reach a top speed of 161 mph. That puts it in the same league as the Tesla Model Y Performance and the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo.
- Battery and charging: The Ioniq 5 N uses the same 77.4-kWh battery pack as the regular Ioniq 5 but with a revised chemistry that increases the usable capacity to 84.0 kWh. This gives the Ioniq 5 N a range of about 250 miles on a single charge, which is slightly less than the regular Ioniq 5, but still respectable for a performance-oriented EV. The Ioniq 5 N also supports ultra-fast charging thanks to its 800-volt architecture. It can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes or add about 60 miles of range in five minutes using a 350-kW charger.
- Transmission and drivetrain: The Ioniq 5 N is the first electric vehicle to simulate an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which Hyundai calls N e-shift. This feature allows the driver to manually change gears using the paddle shifters, adding a layer of engagement and fun to the driving experience. The Ioniq 5 N also has a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that can distribute the torque between the front and rear wheels as needed. The driver can choose from four different modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and N. In N mode, the Ioniq 5 N sends 90 percent of the torque to the rear wheels, enabling drifts and slides with ease.
- Suspension and brakes: The Ioniq 5 N has a specially tuned suspension system that features three-position electronically controlled dampers, aluminum lower control arms, and stiffer bushings and springs. The Ioniq 5 N also has a stronger structure, with 42 additional welding points, more structural adhesive, and reinforced motor and battery mounting points. The result is a more rigid and responsive chassis that can handle the high-performance demands of the Ioniq 5 N. The Ioniq 5 N also has larger brakes than the regular Ioniq 5, with 15.0-inch rotors and six-piston calipers up front and 14.2-inch rotors and four-piston calipers at the rear. The brakes are also regenerative, meaning they can recover some of the kinetic energy and feed it back to the battery.
- Design and aerodynamics: The Ioniq 5 N looks more aggressive and sporty than the regular Ioniq 5, thanks to a number of design elements that enhance its aerodynamics and cooling. The Ioniq 5 N has a larger front grille with a hexagonal pattern, a lower front spoiler, wider fenders, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a roof spoiler. The Ioniq 5 N also has larger wheels, measuring 20 inches in diameter, and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The Ioniq 5 N also has a unique color scheme, with a matte gray body and red accents on the grille, mirrors, brake calipers, and N logo.
