News
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Unveiling the Performance Upgrades
Alex Legouix takes us for a tour of Hyundai's latest EV hot hatch: the Ioniq 5 N.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 20 July 2023 | 0 min read
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 was a big hit when it came out, but some enthusiasts felt it lacked the prerequisite performance and sense of excitement. So, in answer to those wishes, Hyundai has officially debuted the Ioniq 5 N.
N, for those not in the know, is the official name of Hyundai's high-performance brand. The letter N stands for Namyang, a district in South Korea, but it also represents the famous Nürburgring racetrack. Building on the success of Hyundai's N cars, the Ioniq 5 N aims to bring peak performance to the lineup with enhanced capabilities and design upgrades. So how does it hit those goals? Alex Legouix finds out.
N, for those not in the know, is the official name of Hyundai's high-performance brand. The letter N stands for Namyang, a district in South Korea, but it also represents the famous Nürburgring racetrack. Building on the success of Hyundai's N cars, the Ioniq 5 N aims to bring peak performance to the lineup with enhanced capabilities and design upgrades. So how does it hit those goals? Alex Legouix finds out.
What is the Ioniq 5 N?
The Ioniq 5 N is Hyundai’s first N-badged electric vehicle. It’s an electric SUV that has been designed to compete with vehicles like the Kia EV6 GT and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.
Under the hood, the Ioniq 5 N packs two electric motors, which boosts power to 650 PS and torque to 770 Nm. This is especially noticed in the "N Grin" mode, which grants a 10-second burst of heightened power and torque for launch control and overtaking. The Ioniq 5 N achieves 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds with "N Grin" mode enabled and 3.5 seconds with it off, and it can hit a top speed of 160 mph.
Under the hood, the Ioniq 5 N packs two electric motors, which boosts power to 650 PS and torque to 770 Nm. This is especially noticed in the "N Grin" mode, which grants a 10-second burst of heightened power and torque for launch control and overtaking. The Ioniq 5 N achieves 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds with "N Grin" mode enabled and 3.5 seconds with it off, and it can hit a top speed of 160 mph.
How is the Ioniq 5 N different from the Ioniq 5?
Performance aside, the Ioniq 5 N distinguishes itself from the standard Ioniq 5 with a sportier, meaner and more purposeful aesthetic – changes which Hyundai states serve aerodynamic and cooling purposes. It boasts a lower, wider and longer body and incorporates active air flaps on the front face for improved cooling.
Hyundai has focused on improving the driving dynamics of the Ioniq 5 with the N model, and so it has reinforced drive axles, reduced weight, and enhanced steering response. The Ioniq 5 N is also equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential and advanced braking system for better cornering and stopping performance. Sporting black exterior trim pieces, orange detailing and 21-inch alloy wheels, the interior features N-specific material, a sport steering wheel with drive mode settings, sport seats with a two-tone finish, and metal pedals. It’s a beauty, inside and out. The exact pricing of the Ioniq 5 N is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to start above £60,000. It’s set to go on sale by the end of 2023.
Hyundai has focused on improving the driving dynamics of the Ioniq 5 with the N model, and so it has reinforced drive axles, reduced weight, and enhanced steering response. The Ioniq 5 N is also equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential and advanced braking system for better cornering and stopping performance. Sporting black exterior trim pieces, orange detailing and 21-inch alloy wheels, the interior features N-specific material, a sport steering wheel with drive mode settings, sport seats with a two-tone finish, and metal pedals. It’s a beauty, inside and out. The exact pricing of the Ioniq 5 N is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to start above £60,000. It’s set to go on sale by the end of 2023.