Hyundai IONIQ 5 N revealed with 650 hp

Electric vehicles are designed to be eco-friendly green vehicles mostly perceived as boring by non-believers. Hyundai wants to change that as it unveils its first high performance fully electric vehicle under its N division, the IONIQ 5 N. Making its premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N represents the brand’s electrification future and a way for high-performance car enthusiasts to appreciate EVs more. 

“Hyundai N spearheads the technological leadership of Hyundai Motor Company,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “N brand’s winning combination of technological know-how and motorsport experience is pushing the limits of vehicle performance, which has most recently resulted in IONIQ 5 N, a gamechanger for electric high performance. Key developments around this vehicle will further strengthen the competitiveness of all Hyundai models going forward. This is why N brand exists.”

Based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 which we already have here in the Philippines, the Ioniq 5 N takes it further with various enhancements that the Korean automaker says ensures that it meets N’s three performance pillars: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar.

Performance Upgrades

Being a high performance vehicle, it is natural that Hyundai has given the Ioniq 5 N various upgrades. To keep things short, these upgrades include body and chassis reinforcements that provide higher torsional rigidity and direct steering feel, enabling rally-inspired dual-motor AWD cornering; new thermal management and regenerative braking systems; and exclusive performance features are N Battery Preconditioning, N Race, N Pedal, N Brake Regen, N Drift Optimizer, N Torque Distribution, N Launch Control, N Grin Boost, N Active Sound +, N e-shift, N Road Sense and Track SOC.

Powering the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a dual-motor electric powertrain with an 84 kWh battery. Total boost output is pegged at 650 horsepower with a 0-100 kph acceleration time of just 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 260 kph. Those are huge upgrades compared to the normal Ioniq 5.

It also features N e-shift which simulates an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) from internal combustion engine (ICE) N cars. It simulates a gearshift by controlling motor torque output and simulates the jolt feeling between shifts. As a result, it provides a more precise, interactive driving experience that feels closer to ICEs than previous EVs.

Then there’s N Active Sound+ which is paired with N e-shift that incorporates a 10-speaker system (eight internal, two external) that offers three distinct sound themes. This not only makes the drive sound better but also provides drivers with an acoustic reference to gauge the power being utilized.

A full list of mechanical upgrades can be found here.

Other Upgrades

Of course, with higher performance also comes various upgrades in terms of appearance. This includes contrasting black trim parts. The N model further distinguishes itself from the standard Ioniq 5 with its slightly different proportions. It is 20 mm lower overall, 50 mm wider at the bottom to accommodate wider tires and 80 mm longer due to the more prominent diffuser.

It’s not purely aesthetics though as some of those changes are functional such as the N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh along with air curtain and air flaps for extra cooling. It also gets forged 21-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in high-grip 275/35R21 Pirelli P-Zero tires for improved ride and handling and better grip in track performance. A wing-type rear spoiler helps improve air flow.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 N’s interior adds N-branded elements, including the newly designed N steering wheel, bucket seats which are 20mm lower than the standard seats, door scuff panels and metal pedals.

Despite all that, the Ioniq 5 N does not forget to remain eco-friendly with the use of sustainable materials are including recyclable paperette door decorative garnish, BIO PET yarn from sugarcane, recycled PET yarn from recycled PET bottles, BIO TPO from sugarcane and eco processed leather. IONIQ 5 N also adds recycled tire pigment paint and recycled poly Alcantara seat cover cloth.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N will debut in the brand’s home market of South Korea by September 2023, with Europe, North America, and rest of the world, hopefully including the Philippines, to follow soon after. Would you buy a high performance EV like the Ioniq 5 N?