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The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has finally made its big debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, combining the instant torque of its electric powertrain with software-enabled features that simulate the cherished feeling of a gas-powered machine. The sportier variant of the Ioniq 5 promises to offer a driver-oriented experience that many performance EVs lack, and it serves as the "first step" to electrification for Hyundai's N performance division.
Propelling the Ioniq 5 N is a 84 kWh battery, the largest currently offered by Hyundai, paired with two electric motors driving the front and rear axles. Combined output from both motors adds up to 601 horsepower, although Boost Mode enables up to 641 hp––more than its highly-praised Kia EV6 GT cousin. All that power allows the Ioniq 5 N to reach 62 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 162 miles per hour. Turning on Boost Mode at launch brings the 0-60 time down to a slightly quicker 3.4 seconds.
Additional upgrades compared to the pedestrian Ioniq 5 include enlarged 21-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires, an all-new suspension setup, and improved aero parts. There's also an upgraded regenerative braking system, known as N Brake Regen, which delivers initial braking force with the mechanical brakes adding on whenever necessary. Most of the time, this system can provide 0.6 G of deceleration force, but with ABS enabled it comes in at 0.2 G.
With all of the extra performance upgrades sacrificing weight (not to mention that the heaviest of the regular Ioniq 5 models weighs in at 4,663 pounds), the mechanical braking system is built from lightweight materials, and in the process it's the strongest braking system ever offered in a Hyundai. The four-piston front calipers use 15.75-inch rotors, while the single-piston rear calipers are paired with smaller 14.17-inch rotors.
While most performance EVs have nothing but numbers to boast, the Ioniq 5 N goes beyond them to deliver a glorious driving experience. It's packed with features––mostly powered by software––that work to optimize its existing electric performance, while also bringing it closer to its gas counterparts.
The first of which is N Battery Pre-conditioning, which alters the way the battery performs when the driver selects Drag or Track mode. Drag mode delivers the vehicle's total power all at once, while Track mode regulates the battery's temperature to ensure the most laps.
The next feature, which Hyundai calls N Race, also works with the car's energy consumption to optimize its performance for two different driving modes. Endurance mode prevents the vehicle from reaching its total output, which lengthens its range as a result. The opposite effect is achieved with Sprint mode, which goes all out with each one of the Ioniq 5 N's 601 horses for shorter races.
Hyundai also uses software to battle the Ioniq 5 N's inevitable heft. The N Pedal is one such example, using the power of software to increase the force of the regenerative braking system, resulting in a weight transfer that does wonders for the vehicle's cornering performance.
Saving the best features for last, Hyundai's N e-shift system supplants the emptiness of the vehicle's transmission-less powertrain with a simulation of its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The feature controls the motor's torque output to deliver the jolt drivers usually feel between gearshifts.
N Active Sound + is another fun trick that offers three simulated driving sounds. The first sound theme is Ignition, which mimics the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in some of Hyundai N's gas vehicles, while Evolution delivers a sound inspired by the RN22e concept car. Arguably the coolest setting from this feature, Supersonic mode uses the sounds of a twin-engine fighter jet, which changes its volume while cornering and emits distinct noises depending on what the vehicle is currently doing.
In terms of design and dimensions, the Ioniq 5 N differs greatly from the regular model. It measures 1.6 inches wider and 3.2 inches longer, along with a ground clearance that's 0.79 inch lower. It features plenty of black trim elements, along with a lip spoiler on the lower bumper, a mesh air curtain, enlarged side skirts, and active air flaps. The darker trim pieces are complemented by Luminous Orange accents, which are exclusive to Hyundai N models. The large 21-inch wheels are made of forged aluminum, with bright red brake calipers visible behind the complex wheel designs. Ten exterior colors will be offered at launch, with two of them (N Performance Blue and N Performance Blue Matte) unique to the Ioniq 5 N.
The cabin features plenty of upgrades too, including a redesigned Hyundai N steering wheel that now replaces the brand's logo with the performance division's own unique emblem. The new steering wheel also has four buttons. Two of them are dedicated to Drive Mode Select and Boost Mode, while the other two can be mapped to custom drive modes. There are also two paddles directly behind the steering wheel, enabling the N Pedal and e-shift features. Elsewhere, there are knee and shin pads located on the revamped center console for extra comfort, along with 0.79 inches of additional seat bolstering. The seats themselves are available in either a cloth-and-leather mashup or a combination of leather and an eco-Alcantara material, and can also be had with an optional pixel pattern. The interior overall is solely available in black with N Performance Blue accents.
Range, pricing, and availability all remain a mystery with the Ioniq 5 N, but we should expect all of that information later this year when the U.S.-spec model is fully detailed. The most expensive version of the standard Ioniq 5 starts at over $50,000, so we can guess that the Ioniq 5 N won't be cheap.
Do you think the Ioniq 5 N makes for a good performance EV?
Image Credits: Hyundai
Revealed
Jul 13, 2023
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The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Is A Fun-Filled, 641-HP Performance EV
It even features a simulated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has finally made its big debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, combining the instant torque of its electric powertrain with software-enabled features that simulate the cherished feeling of a gas-powered machine. The sportier variant of the Ioniq 5 promises to offer a driver-oriented experience that many performance EVs lack, and it serves as the "first step" to electrification for Hyundai's N performance division.
Propelling the Ioniq 5 N is a 84 kWh battery, the largest currently offered by Hyundai, paired with two electric motors driving the front and rear axles. Combined output from both motors adds up to 601 horsepower, although Boost Mode enables up to 641 hp––more than its highly-praised Kia EV6 GT cousin. All that power allows the Ioniq 5 N to reach 62 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 162 miles per hour. Turning on Boost Mode at launch brings the 0-60 time down to a slightly quicker 3.4 seconds.
Additional upgrades compared to the pedestrian Ioniq 5 include enlarged 21-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires, an all-new suspension setup, and improved aero parts. There's also an upgraded regenerative braking system, known as N Brake Regen, which delivers initial braking force with the mechanical brakes adding on whenever necessary. Most of the time, this system can provide 0.6 G of deceleration force, but with ABS enabled it comes in at 0.2 G.
With all of the extra performance upgrades sacrificing weight (not to mention that the heaviest of the regular Ioniq 5 models weighs in at 4,663 pounds), the mechanical braking system is built from lightweight materials, and in the process it's the strongest braking system ever offered in a Hyundai. The four-piston front calipers use 15.75-inch rotors, while the single-piston rear calipers are paired with smaller 14.17-inch rotors.
While most performance EVs have nothing but numbers to boast, the Ioniq 5 N goes beyond them to deliver a glorious driving experience. It's packed with features––mostly powered by software––that work to optimize its existing electric performance, while also bringing it closer to its gas counterparts.
The first of which is N Battery Pre-conditioning, which alters the way the battery performs when the driver selects Drag or Track mode. Drag mode delivers the vehicle's total power all at once, while Track mode regulates the battery's temperature to ensure the most laps.
The next feature, which Hyundai calls N Race, also works with the car's energy consumption to optimize its performance for two different driving modes. Endurance mode prevents the vehicle from reaching its total output, which lengthens its range as a result. The opposite effect is achieved with Sprint mode, which goes all out with each one of the Ioniq 5 N's 601 horses for shorter races.
Hyundai also uses software to battle the Ioniq 5 N's inevitable heft. The N Pedal is one such example, using the power of software to increase the force of the regenerative braking system, resulting in a weight transfer that does wonders for the vehicle's cornering performance.
Saving the best features for last, Hyundai's N e-shift system supplants the emptiness of the vehicle's transmission-less powertrain with a simulation of its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The feature controls the motor's torque output to deliver the jolt drivers usually feel between gearshifts.
N Active Sound + is another fun trick that offers three simulated driving sounds. The first sound theme is Ignition, which mimics the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in some of Hyundai N's gas vehicles, while Evolution delivers a sound inspired by the RN22e concept car. Arguably the coolest setting from this feature, Supersonic mode uses the sounds of a twin-engine fighter jet, which changes its volume while cornering and emits distinct noises depending on what the vehicle is currently doing.
In terms of design and dimensions, the Ioniq 5 N differs greatly from the regular model. It measures 1.6 inches wider and 3.2 inches longer, along with a ground clearance that's 0.79 inch lower. It features plenty of black trim elements, along with a lip spoiler on the lower bumper, a mesh air curtain, enlarged side skirts, and active air flaps. The darker trim pieces are complemented by Luminous Orange accents, which are exclusive to Hyundai N models. The large 21-inch wheels are made of forged aluminum, with bright red brake calipers visible behind the complex wheel designs. Ten exterior colors will be offered at launch, with two of them (N Performance Blue and N Performance Blue Matte) unique to the Ioniq 5 N.
The cabin features plenty of upgrades too, including a redesigned Hyundai N steering wheel that now replaces the brand's logo with the performance division's own unique emblem. The new steering wheel also has four buttons. Two of them are dedicated to Drive Mode Select and Boost Mode, while the other two can be mapped to custom drive modes. There are also two paddles directly behind the steering wheel, enabling the N Pedal and e-shift features. Elsewhere, there are knee and shin pads located on the revamped center console for extra comfort, along with 0.79 inches of additional seat bolstering. The seats themselves are available in either a cloth-and-leather mashup or a combination of leather and an eco-Alcantara material, and can also be had with an optional pixel pattern. The interior overall is solely available in black with N Performance Blue accents.
Range, pricing, and availability all remain a mystery with the Ioniq 5 N, but we should expect all of that information later this year when the U.S.-spec model is fully detailed. The most expensive version of the standard Ioniq 5 starts at over $50,000, so we can guess that the Ioniq 5 N won't be cheap.
Do you think the Ioniq 5 N makes for a good performance EV?
Image Credits: Hyundai
