Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Review: Does this 650HP EV Redefine the Hot Hatch?

Watch Vicki Butler-Henderson give her verdict on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N:

In this review, we explore the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an exciting addition from Hyundai's high-performance division. The "N" in its name honours the Namyang district in South Korea, where it was developed, and the Nürburgring, where it underwent rigorous testing. This electric vehicle combines exhilarating speed with everyday practicality, appealing to car enthusiasts and families alike.

Prices start at £65,000, positioning it competitively against rivals such as the Tesla Model Y Performance, while offering a more budget-friendly alternative to luxury sports sedans like the Porsche Taycan and outperforming sporty hatchbacks such as the VW Golf R in terms of power.

Specifications

• Price: From £65,000
• Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds (with N Grin Boost)
• Top Speed: 161 mph
• Electric Range: Up to 278 miles
• Colour Options: 1 standard, 5 additional for £700, 2 premium for £900
• Wheel Size: 21-inch standard
• Storage Capacity: 480 litres, expanding to 1,540 litres with rear seats down

Design, Exterior & Storage

While sharing its name with the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 5 N stands out with larger dimensions: 2 cm lower, 8 cm longer, and 5 cm wider, accommodating its impressive 21-inch wheels. Weighing about 2,235 kg, it resembles an SUV more than a traditional hatchback. The larger size supports performance-oriented features like active air flaps and a prominent chin spoiler with orange detailing, which extends along the car to the rear, where a large diffuser and chequered reflector lights enhance its dynamic look.

The design strikes a balance between sportiness and elegance, featuring a sporty lip spoiler with orange detailing, air flaps for extra cooling, and a wing-type spoiler that enhances its athletic stance. Storage space is generous, offering 480 litres that expand to 1,540 litres when the rear seats are folded, making it ideal for daily errands and long road trips.

Tyres & Wheels

The Ioniq 5 N features Pirelli P Zero tyres with ELECT technology, specifically developed for electric vehicles. The 21-inch wheels complement the tyres, enhancing stability and agility, whether navigating city streets or tackling high-speed track conditions.

Interior & Accessories

Inside, the Ioniq 5 N prioritises comfort and security with knee pads, shin support, and bucket seats positioned 20 mm lower than in the original Ioniq 5, keeping you firmly in place during thrilling drives. The cabin, designed with eco-friendly materials, combines sustainability with a sophisticated, sporty atmosphere. The rear seats recline and have a sunblind, providing comfort and privacy for passengers.

The car includes a sliding armrest, wireless charging, multiple sockets, and a cup holder. An innovative rear-view mirror switches between a standard view and a digital display for improved visibility. With Apple CarPlay, you stay connected on the go. The steering wheel has buttons for multiple driving modes, allowing for dynamic or relaxed drives. Additional features like ambient lighting, a high-quality sound system, and advanced climate control enhance the experience.

Battery

The Ioniq 5 N comes with an 84-kWh battery that delivers power without compromising range. Its 800-volt charging system allows for recharging from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a fast charger, reducing downtime. The battery is designed for performance and efficiency, featuring regenerative braking and a thermal management system. Its vehicle-to-load capability powers devices up to 3.6kW, useful for outdoor adventures or emergencies.

N Grin Boost & Engine

The Ioniq 5 N's powertrain is remarkable, delivering 600 horsepower, with N Grin Boost mode increasing it to 650 horsepower for 10-second bursts. N Launch Control offers three traction levels for customised starts. N Race mode includes Endurance mode for optimising range during longer sessions and Sprint mode for short bursts of high power. With 740 Nm of torque, similar to a Ferrari 296 GTB, it reaches 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, rivalling the Porsche Taycan with its impressive power, speed, and value. 

Advanced Braking

The Ioniq 5 N features Hyundai’s most powerful braking system yet, with a regenerative system providing deceleration force of 0.6 g before physical brakes engage. This ensures consistent performance on the track, with reliable stopping power during high-performance driving.

E-Shift Technology and Driving Dynamics

The Ioniq 5 N delivers excellent feedback, with innovative N e-shift technology mimicking the jolt of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, simulating traditional gear changes through regenerative braking. This creates the sensation of hitting a rev limit, offering a blend of electric efficiency and traditional driving pleasure. Hyundai is the first to introduce technology in an electric car that simulates a rev limiter, adding excitement to the driving experience.

Immersive Sound Experience

N Active Sound+ technology enhances the driving experience with 10 speakers, including two outside the car, offering sound themes like supersonic twin-engine fighter jets. Hyundai demonstrates how an electric car can offer more than just a battery with seats. This sound system can be adjusted to produce a range of noises, from the futuristic "supersonic" to the more familiar "ignition," which replicates the sound of a petrol engine.

Handling and Control

Handling is enhanced by an electronically controlled suspension system that adjusts for optimal performance in each drive mode. Key features include N Pedal for sharper turn-in, N Drift Optimiser for controlled sliding, and N Torque Distribution for optimal torque distribution, ensuring precise handling and a dynamic driving experience.

Vicki’s Verdict

"Hyundai is showing us that you can make an electric car that's just more than a battery with a body bolted on top, you can give an electric car real soul, and that gives me great hope”

Overall, Vicki loves the Ioniq 5 N. It is potent, practical, and family-friendly. It can recharge to 80% at a rapid station in as little as 18 minutes, making it a perfect companion for driving enthusiasts. With excellent value for money, it offers big performance for the price, making it an enticing option for those seeking excitement and practicality in an electric vehicle.

Whether navigating city streets or exploring winding country roads, the Ioniq 5 N delivers a thrilling and versatile driving experience. This innovative electric vehicle proves that performance, practicality, and personality can coexist in harmony, making it a truly compelling choice.

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