Hyundai IONIQ 5 N revealed, 3.4 sec to 100km/hr, 350kW charging.. now just don’t mess up the price

Overnight, Hyundai revealed their upcoming IONIQ 5 N. The N brand represents the performance vehicles, directly targeted at driving enthusiasts. Hyundai has one of the best communities, often holding events at tracks to allow owners to experience all their cars can offer and with the new N, there’s certainly plenty on offer.

The IONIQ N is the first all-electric performance model, presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England.

It is clear that all passenger cars are going electric and it’s an important milestone to see brands like Hyundai takes their flagship product electric, a brand loved by enthusiasts and shows that they are confident that the technology has reached a point where they are willing to put their sales on the line and believe their community of owners will come along for the journey to EVs.

What I love about what Hyundai has done here, is that they aren’t just copying+pasting the typical EV formula, their N line has unique attributes that set it apart from much of the competition and certainly from their own standard IONIQ lineup.

The car looks great in terms of design, it looks great in terms of specs, but there are two important numbers we don’t yet know – the range, and price.

With an impressive 0-100km/hr time of just 3.4 seconds, the IONIQ 5 N becomes a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 Performance which does the sprint in 3.3 seconds. The M3P has often taken criticism for its lack of brakes when pushed to the limits, so it’s possible the I5N is a better performer all around. There’s track mode, drift mode and drag modes, along with vehicle sounds (both internal and external) to make this appeal to enthusiasts.

I really hope Hyundai can secure plenty of these for Australia and deliver it for a sub $100k price tag.

The IONIQ 5 N is a technology powerhouse within Hyundai Motor and spearheads advanced technologies to be shared with all Hyundai EVs with the strategic goal of increasing Hyundai’s overall competitiveness. IONIQ 5 N represents the first step to this strategic shift with additional electric N models to follow.

IONIQ 5 N combines the standard model’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-bred technologies and leverages N’s expertise from electrified ‘Rolling Labs’ (e.g., RM20e, RN22e and N Vision 74) to maximise the EV’s high-performance capabilities and ensure it meets N’s three performance pillars: ‘Corner Rascal,’ ‘Racetrack Capability’ and ‘Everyday Sportscar’

Dual-motor AWD with rally-inspired handling supports Corner Rascal capabilities

IONIQ 5 N’s Corner Rascal capabilities begin with enhancements to the body-in-white (BIW) structure with 42 additional welding points and 2.1 metres of additional adhesives.

The motor and battery mounting are reinforced while front and rear subframes are enhanced for lateral rigidity. World Rally Championship-inspired integrated drive axles (IDA) are applied both front and rear and reinforced to endure stronger electric motor torque while reducing unsprung mass together with the 21-inch forged aluminium wheels.

To enhance steering response and feedback, IONIQ 5 N’s steering column has been strengthened for improved rigidity. Additionally, the vehicle features a specially tuned N R-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system with a higher steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback. These enhancements result in a more direct and communicative steering experience that will instil greater confidence in drivers.

N Pedal was developed as a solution to address the inherent weight and size of EVs while aiming to achieve the responsive handling characteristics seen in Hyundai’s championship-winning i20 N WRCs. This intelligent software function, found in IONIQ 5 N, is designed to provide instant turn-in behaviour and enhanced throttle sensitivity. Drawing on similar technology used in i-Pedal’s regenerative braking system, N Pedal prioritises fast and exhilarating cornering over energy efficiency. By utilising decelerative force, an aggressive weight transfer is created, resulting in sharper corner entry.

N Drift Optimizer helps to maintain the drift angle by balancing multiple vehicle controls responding to real-time inputs. The integrated Torque Kick Drift function allows the driver to simulate the clutch kick action of rear-wheel-driven ICE vehicles for driving scenarios that require more immediate drift initiation. This is a result of sophisticated electronic control technology.

N Torque Distribution provides fully variable front and rear torque distribution that can be adjusted to 11 levels. The e-LSD (electronic limited slip differential) at the rear axle optimises cornering performance and control. Additional wheel sensors and broader damping capacity with increased damper size widens the performance range of the electronically controlled suspension.

Improved PE system, enhanced battery cooling and N Brake Regen bolster Racetrack Capability

This powerful EV benefits from several technical improvements. Its electric motors spin up to 21,000 RPM providing 478 kW / 650 PS with N Grin Boost engaged. This is a result of the two-stage inverter with increased energy efficiency for stronger power output from the new 84 kWh battery.

Several exclusive features aid track performance. N Grin Boost maximises acceleration by a power increment of 10 seconds and N Launch Control provides three different traction levels for the fastest possible start, allowing drivers to launch their vehicle like a professional race car. Track SOC (state-of-charge) automatically calculates battery consumption per lap.

IONIQ 5 N sets a new benchmark for thermal management in severe racetrack conditions. Compared to its competitors, IONIQ 5 N boasts a higher resistance to heat-induced power degradation – loss of maximum power due to overheating.

The enhanced battery thermal management system, with increased cooling area, better motor oil cooler and battery chiller. The independent radiators for the battery and motor maximise IONIQ 5 N’s resistance to performance degradation before and during intense track driving.

Before driving, the driver can utilise N Battery Pre-conditioning to optimise the battery cells to the most power-efficient temperature by choosing between ‘Drag’ mode for a short burst of full power or ‘Track’ mode that optimises the lowest possible battery temperature for more laps.

N Race feature further optimises the EV’s endurance on the circuit, giving drivers more direct control over the car’s energy usage. N Race applies a motorsport-derived approach to maximising resources for the fastest possible times. While this type of setting change would normally require a team of mechanics and equipment, IONIQ 5 N offers it at the convenience of a few button presses.

With N Race, drivers are given the strategic choice to prioritise ‘Endurance’ or ‘Sprint.’ ‘Endurance’ maximises range on the racetrack. This is achieved by limiting the peak power, which results in a slower build-up of temperature. Comparatively, ‘Sprint’ prioritises power and provides shorter bursts of full energy. This will help drivers accurately manage their energy strategy and create an ideal performance window to achieve their driving performance targets.

IONIQ 5 N boasts N-tuned brakes, which represent Hyundai’s most powerful braking system. It features 400 mm diameter front discs with four-piston monobloc calipers and 360 mm rear discs. These brakes are constructed with new lightweight materials and optimised airflow for improved cooling efficiency.

The regenerative (regen) braking system typically used for enhanced efficiency has been reinterpreted in IONIQ 5 N to enhance braking performance. It serves as the primary source of brake force, while the mechanical brakes supplement additional braking force when required, ensuring enhanced endurance on the track.

To address the harsh braking demands of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Hyundai N engineers designed N Brake Regen, an N-specific region braking system developed specifically for IONIQ 5 N. It offers up to a maximum of 0.6 G decelerative force – an industry-leading figure – through N Brake Regen alone and remains engaged under ABS activation with a maximum of 0.2 G. The risk of brake fade due to the EV’s relative heaviness is minimised by maximising regen braking power, which results in lower brake force applied to the mechanical brakes.

The seamless blending between the N Brake Regen and hydraulic brakes creates a smooth transition that is imperceptible to the driver. Moreover, left-foot braking allows the brake and accelerator pedal to work at the same time when driving on the track.

A fun Everyday Sportscar

As an everyday sportscar, IONIQ 5 N delivers an engaging shift feeling and emotional driving through the integrated N e-shift and N Active Sound +. N e-shift provides a sense of control over power delivery and shift feeling while N Active Sound + works collectively to deliver not only a futuristic EV sound but also ICE-like engine and exhaust sounds that provide a more engaging experience behind the wheel. Together, they enhance the fun and joy of driving by simulating the jolt feel and sound of an ICE vehicle.

Many performance enthusiasts have been outspoken about the lack of driver feedback behind the wheel of many EVs. That’s why Hyundai N engineers developed the N e-shift and N Active Sound + functions to deliver greater driver feedback and therefore more precise driver control of IONIQ 5 N’s dynamic driving. The unique emphasis on precise power control differentiates N’s approach to EV sound from past applications.

N e-shift simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of 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.

N Active Sound+ is paired with N e-shift to enhance the driving experience of EVs by creating a more engaging and exciting sensory experience for the driver. It incorporates a 10-speaker system (eight internal, two external) that offers three distinct sound themes. The ‘Ignition’ theme simulates the sound of N’s 2.0T engines and ‘Evolution’ provides a signature high-performance sound inspired by the RN22e. The ‘Supersonic’ theme is a unique concept inspired by twin-engine fighter jets, featuring variable volume during cornering. The objective of N Active Sound+ is to provide drivers with an acoustic reference to gauge the power being utilised.

IONIQ 5 N also is equipped with N Road Sense, which automatically recommends the activation of N Mode when double-curved road signs are detected, enabling drivers to enjoy every second of their drive to the fullest (EU only).

Like the standard IONIQ 5, its N variant is equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which allows the driver to use the stored energy from the EV’s high-voltage battery to recharge devices, such as an e-bike, electrical camping equipment or domestic appliances – even when the vehicle is turned off.

Performance-enhancing design elements to inspire passionate driving

IONIQ 5 N’s exterior adds many performance-enhancing design elements, such as contrasting black trim parts and a wing-type rear spoiler, which emphasise the sporty aspects of the standard model and maximise its circuit driving potential.

The N model further distinguishes itself from the standard IONIQ 5 with a change of 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.

At the front, there is a N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh along with air curtain and air flaps for extra cooling. A lip spoiler runs across the lower part of the bumper to emphasise the car’s slow-slung stance and convey its performance intent. The EV N-exclusive ‘Luminous Orange’ at the bottom of the black front bumper cover continues along the side skirts, giving the IONIQ 5 N a racetrack-ready look.

This impression is further reinforced by the forged 21-inch aluminium wheels that are wrapped in high-grip 275/35R21 Pirelli P-Zero tires for improved ride and handling and better grip in track performance.

At the rear, the prominent, N-only wing-type spoiler, along with orange-accented rear diffuser and air outlet, help control airflow to support optimal aerodynamic performance, further highlighting IONIQ 5 N’s high-performance capability and adding to its aggressive styling. Integrated in the spoiler is a triangular N-only HMSL brake light. Below the rear hatch is an N-exclusive black bumper cover with checker flag reflector graphics. There is also a rear window wiper.

IONIQ 5 N’s interior neatly conveys the N family look with the application of N-branded elements, including the steering wheel, seats, door scuff panels and metal pedals, etc., and is optimised for track driving.

The newly designed N steering wheel prominently features the N logo for the first time, flanked by N buttons that set the desired drive mode, arranged to suit the driver’s preference. Driving modes can be customised and matched to each button in various combinations to maximise IONIQ 5 N’s fun driving spirit. N Grin Boost button positioned at 3 o’clock allows instant and intuitive access to maximise acceleration and driving fun. Paddles are optimally positioned at driver’s fingertips to engage N e-shift and N Pedal features.

IONIQ 5 N’s centre console is optimised for track driving with knee pads and shin support as well as a sliding armrest. An extension to the lower part of the console enhances rigidity to further support sport driving. For everyday use, it also offers a C-type USB, wireless charger and cupholders.

The N seats have reinforced bolsters, so that even if strong lateral acceleration occurs during sharp cornering, it firmly supports the upper and lower body to maintain a stable driving posture at all times. The N bucket seats are positioned about 20 mm lower compared to the basic specification, designed for customers who pursue high-performance drivability. N emblems are arranged front and rear of the seat with welcome lighting at front. The two-toned design theme of the bucket seats carries over to the rear.

Due to the nature of N driving, IONIQ 5 N’s pedals are optimised for foot contact in track driving scenarios that involve oversteer, drifting and power slides, reducing the risk of foot slippage in two-foot driving. The footrest is optimised to maintain a stable driving posture at all times, including strong deceleration moments.

The new checker flag theme – a track-inspired riff on IONIQ 5’s iconic parametric pixels – can be found on the door scuff panels metal pedals and footrest, representing N Brand’s motorsport spirit.

Much like the standard IONIQ 5, sustainable materials are applied throughout IONIQ 5 N, 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.

IONIQ 5 N Specifications