SINCE ITS DEBUT AT THE GOODWOOD Festival of Speed in July, Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 N has been challenging preconceptions about the capabilities of electric vehicles (EVs).
“This is my first time driving an EV that can drift,” says Keiichi ‘DK’ Tsuchiya, the world-renowned Japanese professional racecar driver and ‘Drift King,’ in a video produced by Hyundai N brand. “It is so much fun. The most surprising was the agility. I thought ‘Oh, they’re making playful cars.’ This has changed my impression about Hyundai Motor.”
There’s no doubt that IONIQ 5 N represents a remarkable milestone in the realm of high-performance EVs. Hyundai N brand’s first high-performance EV harnesses Hyundai Motor Group’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-honed technologies refined through extensive development in electrified ‘Rolling Lab’ projects.
The all-new model exemplifies the essence of N performance through three key pillars: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar, ushering in a new era of driver-centric, fun-to-drive EVs that harness cutting-edge technologies and elevate track capabilities.
Corner Rascal capabilities supported by dual-motor AWD and rally-inspired handling
IONIQ 5 N takes driving to a new level with its impressive Corner Rascal capabilities. These enhancements in body structure, steering and pedal systems make IONIQ 5 N a dynamic and engaging vehicle for drivers who seek a thrilling driving experience.
The steering column, now reinforced with the N R-MDPS system, offers precise control. The greater rigidity enhances steering response and feedback. The N R-MDPS system has been specially tuned with a higher steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback, delivering a more direct and communicative steering feel.
In addition, the body structure gains 42 additional welding points and extra adhesives to enhance rigidity. The motor and battery mounting have been reinforced to withstand higher electric motor torque, and the front and rear subframes have been enhanced for better lateral rigidity, ensuring superior handling. To further reinforce the vehicle for robust electric motor torque, World Rally Championship-inspired drive axles have been integrated at the front and rear.
The N Pedal software enhances turn-in behaviour and throttle sensitivity, prioritizing responsive handling while mimicking characteristics similar to that of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The N Drift Optimizer maintains drift angles through real-time control, while the Torque Kick Drift function simulates a clutch kick action for immediate drift initiation. The N Torque Distribution system offers fully variable front and rear torque distribution, adjustable via an 11-stage menu, optimizing cornering performance. The electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) at the rear axle enhances cornering performance, agility and control.
IONIQ 5 N boasts 21-inch forged aluminium wheels, reducing unsprung mass and improving overall performance. Finally, with additional wheel sensors and larger, upgraded and specifically tuned suspension dampers, the electronically controlled suspension widens the car’s performance range, ensuring a comfortable yet dynamic ride.
Racetrack Capability enabled by improved PE, enhanced battery cooling and N Brake Regen
IONIQ 5 N stands out as a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) with Racetrack Capability due to a range of impressive technical enhancements. These features are designed to provide drivers with the ultimate racing experience.
The heart of IONIQ 5 N lies in its high-powered electric motors, which can rev up to an impressive 21,000 RPM. These motors deliver a formidable 478 kW of power. What makes this performance even more thrilling is the N Grin Boost feature, which provides an incremental power boost for 10 seconds, enhancing acceleration and excitement.
When it comes to quick and powerful starts, IONIQ 5 N features N Launch Control with three distinct traction levels. This system ensures that the vehicle accelerates rapidly, providing the driver with the ideal start every time.
To further enhance racetrack performance, IONIQ 5 N introduces Track SOC (state-of-charge), a system that automatically calculates battery consumption per lap. This is a valuable tool for drivers who need to monitor and manage their vehicle’s performance throughout their time on track.
To maintain peak power efficiency, IONIQ 5 N features advanced battery thermal management. This system is designed to resist power degradation caused by excessive heat and includes an expanded cooling area, an improved motor oil cooler and a battery chiller. The addition of independent cooling radiators for the battery and motor ensures that the vehicle resists performance degradation even under demanding track conditions.
For drivers who want to fine-tune their vehicle’s energy usage, IONIQ 5 N offers the N Race feature. With a few button presses, drivers can choose between ‘Sprint’ mode, which prioritises full power delivery, or ‘Endurance’ mode, which extends the range on track by limiting peak power. This level of control allows for precise energy management and ideal performance.
Braking performance is crucial on the racetrack and IONIQ 5 N delivers with its N-tuned Brakes. The vehicle includes 400mm front discs with four-piston monobloc calipers and 360mm rear discs. These components incorporate lightweight materials and optimised airflow for improved cooling efficiency.
Notably, the regenerative braking system, typically utilised for efficiency, has been reimagined to enhance braking performance. Regen braking serves as the primary source of brake force and the mechanical brakes supplement this as needed, ensuring endurance on the track. IONIQ 5 N’s N Brake Regen offers exceptional deceleration force of up to 0.6 G, setting an industry-leading standard for braking performance.
Everyday Sportscar delivers a dynamic and emotionally engaging driving experience
IONIQ 5 N is a fun-to-drive EV that’s also engineered to be an Everyday Sportscar. This is achieved through a range of technological innovations designed to enhance the driver’s experience.
A key feature is N e-shift, which provides precise control over power delivery and simulates gearshifts. This feature creates a more interactive experience, closely replicating the feeling of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission found in ICE N cars.
To further enhance the driving experience, IONIQ 5 N incorporates N Active Sound +, which complements N e-shift by delivering futuristic EV sounds, along with ICE-like engine and exhaust sounds. This combination of auditory elements adds a new layer to the overall driving experience.
What sets IONIQ 5 N apart is its ability to offer three distinct sound themes through N Active Sound +. The ‘Ignition’ theme simulates the sound of N’s 2.0T engines, ‘Evolution’ provides a high-performance sound and ‘Supersonic’ offers variable volume during cornering, inspired by the sounds of fighter jets. These sound themes not only make the driving experience more engaging but also allow drivers to personalise their auditory experience.
Additionally, IONIQ 5 N retains the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) feature, which allows drivers to use the stored energy from the EV’s high-voltage battery to recharge or power various devices, even when the vehicle is turned off. This practical feature ensures that the vehicle serves as a power source, adding to its versatility beyond just driving.
With these technological innovations, IONIQ 5 N is not just an EV; it’s a vehicle that’s designed to provide an exceptional and interactive driving experience for its users.
Performance-enhancing design that accentuates sportiness and track-driving potential
IONIQ 5 N’s exterior showcases an array of design elements and proportional changes that underscore its commitment to performance and circuit-driving potential. These adjustments set it apart from the standard IONIQ 5 and emphasize its sportiness.
The vehicle has undergone specific proportional adjustments, making it 20mm lower, 50mm wider to accommodate larger tyres, and 80mm longer. The N-Mask graphic fascia incorporates functional mesh, air curtains and air flaps that enhance cooling. A lip spoiler accentuates the car’s low stance and performance-oriented design. The ‘Luminous Orange’ accent on the black front bumper continues along the side skirts, contributing to its racetrack-ready appearance. It rides on forged 21-inch aluminium wheels wrapped in high-grip 275/35R21 Pirelli P-Zero tyres.
Additionally, an exclusive wing-type spoiler and rear diffuser help control airflow, optimising aerodynamic performance. A triangular N-only HMSL brake light integrated into the spoiler ensures visibility, while the rear hatch includes an N-exclusive black bumper cover with checker flag reflector graphics, along with a rear window wiper for practicality.
Inside, IONIQ 5 N integrates the N family’s distinctive design elements, combining style and functionality for track driving.
The N steering wheel is newly designed, prominently featuring the N logo for the first time. This steering wheel includes N buttons that allow drivers to select their preferred drive mode and customise combinations for a personalised driving experience. The N Grin Boost button provides instant access to maximize acceleration and driving fun. Conveniently placed paddles engage the N e-shift and N Pedal features.
The centre console is tailored for track driving and features knee pads and shin support. Everyday amenities include a USB C port, wireless charging and cupholders. N seats with reinforced bolsters provide stability during cornering and high lateral acceleration.
The lowered seats are ideal for customers seeking high-performance drivability and N emblems adorn both the front and rear seats, with welcome lighting in the front. A two-toned design theme extends to the rear seats, ensuring a cohesive interior aesthetic. The interior maintains a track-inspired design with a checker flag theme on the door sill plates, metal pedals and footrest.
Sustainable materials are incorporated throughout the interior, including recyclable paperette door decorative garnish, BIO PET yarn from sugarcane, recycled PET yarn from PET bottles, BIO TPO from sugarcane, eco-processed leather, recycled tire pigment paint and recycled poly Alcantara seat cover cloth. These materials not only enhance the sustainability of the interior but also add to the overall track-inspired design and functionality of the cabin.
| Specifications | IONIQ 5 N | |
| Motor output | Front | 166 kW |
| Rear | 282 kW | |
| Total output | 448 kW | |
| Boost output* | 478 kW (Front: 175 kW / Rear: 303 kW) | |
| Battery | Capacity | 84 kWh |
| Charging | Charge time | With a 350 kW charger, 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes (under optimal conditions) |
| Dimensions | Length | 4715 mm |
| Width | 1940 mm | |
| Height | 1585 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 3000 mm | |
| Tyres | Pirelli P-Zero 275/35R21 | |
| Braking system | Front | Four piston, 400 mm |
| Rear | Single piston, 360 mm | |
| Regenerative braking | Deceleration | 0.6 G (0.2 G during ABS activation) |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 3.4 sec. (Boost, available for up to 10 seconds) | |
| Top speed | 260 Km/h | |
| Range | WLTP-estimated around 450km (Final confirmation is pending homologation) | |
| Exterior colours | Performance Blue Matte, Performance Blue, Abyss Black Pearl, Cyber Gray Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ecotronic Gray, Atlas White Matte, Atlas White, Gravity Gold Matte and Soultronic Orange Pearl | |
| Interior colour | Black with Performance Blue accents | |
IONIQ 5 N will launch local in Q1 2024.