Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: The EV Gamechanger
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a sportier version of Hyundai’s electric hatchback/SUV. Integrating skills from the N division boosts the electric car’s performance. The standard Ioniq 5 is user-friendly and earns praise for its styling. It benefits from a five-year warranty, extended to the N model. This enhances its appeal as a solid foundation for performance. The Ioniq 5 N distinguishes itself by embracing full electrification. This attribute distinguishes it in the performance car segment. It prioritizes dynamic driving and electric propulsion is also harnessed. Notably, few rivals exist in this niche, with contenders like the Cupra Born and MG4 EV XPower offering smaller, more affordable alternatives, or the pricier Porsche Taycan.
Design and Specs
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brings in N-specific upgrades for its exterior. These enhancements are carefully refined for this version. The car has some cool new black lines and special vents on the front to help with the brakes. The car looks even bolder with a special orange stripe on the spoiler. The stripe runs along the sides, giving it a unique look. Its headlights, slim U-shaped beams, lend a muscular visage beneath its subdued brow. At the back, a wing-shaped spoiler has a triangle brake light. The rear diffuser and air vents help with airflow and look nice too. The orange stripe adds to the N theme. The taillights are slim rectangles. Below, the hatch reveals a black bumper adorned with checkered flag pattern reflectors.
N boosts the regular Ioniq 5, making it stronger like other N models. The enhancement process includes 42 supplementary welds. An additional 2.1 meters of adhesive reinforces the shell. Measures strengthen steering mounting for quicker ratio rack. Fortifications protect battery and motor mounts. Dual motors accommodated. Front and rear subframes reinforced. To handle the increased power, the axles are redesigned to endure strong forces.
Besides, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bit lower, wider, and longer than the regular model because of its N-inspired design. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is 4715 mm long, 1940 mm wide, 1585 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 3000 mm.
Battery and Range
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has a big 84-kilowatt-hour battery and can charge super fast at up to 350 kilowatts. This leads to fast charging times. You can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with an ultra-fast charger. When using a 7 kW wall box charger, it takes around 11.5 hours to go from 10% to 100% charge. Choosing a 10.5 kW charger could reduce this to 7 hours and 35 minutes for a full recharge.
In preparation for track endeavours, the Ioniq 5 N introduces the N Battery Pre-Conditioning system, meticulously optimizing battery temperature for either ‘Drag’ or ‘Track’ settings to ensure peak efficiency. Moreover, the N Race mode offers a strategic balance between power and endurance. The ‘Endurance’ setting conserves energy for prolonged track performance by moderating power output, while ‘Sprint’ mode unleashes short, explosive bursts of power for rapid acceleration, albeit with a consequent decrease in range.
Interior Space
Upon entering the N variant, you’ll feel at home if you’re used to the standard Ioniq 5’s cabin. Hyundai made many upgrades to enhance the atmosphere with a focus on performance. The strong front seats are there to hold you snugly during quick turns, even when going fast. Adding to this, a custom steering wheel includes easy-to-use buttons. This allows you to choose how the SUV drives, how it brakes, and even a special N Grin Boost option. Expect an equal space for passengers and luggage like the standard Ioniq 5.
Look straight ahead. The steering wheel changes a lot. It has a new design with a smooth Alcantara rim and extra buttons. These extra buttons help the driver use all of the N car’s new features to their full potential. A special button is there to make the car go fast for a short time using all its power. Two N buttons cater to personalized drive mode settings. They adjust throttle response, steering, and suspension. The steering wheel might feel a bit big for people with small hands, even though it’s good. Hyundai hasn’t shared detailed specs yet. Images suggest the N model shares infrastructure with the standard version. Both variants feature a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. They also have a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. The N iteration may include similar voice-recognition software. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are likely to be included.
Drive
Hyundai worked hard to make the Ioniq 5’s chassis better for performance. This transformation includes enhanced structural rigidity and fortified axles. It also has a meticulously tuned power steering system and robust braking components. Beneath the car’s hood, a powerful engine delivers up to 650 horsepower and 740 Nm of torque to all four wheels. This powerful combination makes the car go from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds. It can reach a thrilling top speed of 260 km/h. It outperforms many sports cars and is faster than Hyundai’s gas-powered models.
Hyundai included smart features in the car to help drivers get the most out of it. These features, N e-Shift and N Active Sound+, enhance the driving experience. The N e-Shift replicates the paddle-shift sensation through software emulation. No conventional gears in Ioniq 5 N, due to electric propulsion. The N Active Sound+ improves the driving feel by giving you a choice of three different car sounds. This makes the driving experience more fun and engaging.
The N Drift Optimiser lets drivers enjoy oversteering, creating controlled slides for thrills. Meanwhile, the N Torque system changes how the car delivers power. It can move power from front to rear with nine settings for better control. The N Pedal uses regenerative braking to fasten acceleration with the throttle. When you let go of the gas pedal, the car shifts weight forward to help you steer better and have more control.
As for performance, our initial impressions suggest a resounding success. Each mode exhibits meticulous craftsmanship, enriching the driving encounter. The N e-Shift feature skillfully simulates gear shifts, enhancing the car’s appeal. Even in its absence, the Ioniq 5 N exudes an infectious sense of enjoyment.
Conclusion
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N is changing how electric cars are made. This car has a powerful 650-horsepower engine. It combines eco-friendly driving with high-performance excitement. But horsepower only tells part of the story. The Ioniq 5 N excels in car innovation. It has new tech like N e-Shift and N Active Sound+ to change how electric cars drive. This isn’t a typical electric car. It’s a daring move by Hyundai that changes what we expect from electric and sports cars.
