No tailpipe emissions, max performance: Hyundai IONIQ 5 N electric vehicle debuts with up to 650 PS

A fully-electric, high-performance vehicle is nothing new.

The Kia EV6 GT, for instance, has 584 PS and can pull off insane powerslides, all while producing zero harmful emissions. But the EV6’s sibling, the Hyundai IONIQ 5, has now gotten an even wilder high-performance version.

The IONIQ 5 N made its global debut on July 13, 2023 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom.

The Korean carmaker said in a press statement that the high-performance crossover integrates numerous innovations from top-level motorsports like the World Rally Championship (WRC).

“Hyundai N spearheads the technological leadership of Hyundai Motor Company,” said Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO Jaehoon Chang. 

“Key developments around this vehicle will further strengthen the competitiveness of all Hyundai models going forward," he added. "This is why N brand exists.”

Triple personalities

Hyundai said the IONIQ 5 N is based on three pillars – Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar.

To achieve this, the Korean carmaker enhanced the chassis with 42 additional welding points and 2.1 meters of additional adhesives. The motor and battery mounting is reinforced, while the front and rear subframes are enhanced for lateral rigidity. 

In addition, WRC-inspired integrated drive axles are applied both front and rear, and are reinforced to endure stronger electric motor torque.

To enhance steering response and feedback, the IONIQ 5 N’s steering column has been strengthened for improved rigidity. It uses a specially tuned Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering system with a higher steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback providing more feel.

Ready for sideways action

The IONIQ 5 N also gets something called the N Pedal. 

This is designed to provide instant turn-in behavior and enhanced throttle sensitivity. The company said by utilizing decelerative force, an aggressive weight transfer is created, resulting in sharper corner entry.

And for those who want to pull wild powerslides, the 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-drive vehicles.

Meanwhile, N Torque Distribution provides fully variable front and rear torque distribution that can be adjusted to 11 levels. This is aided by an electronic rear limited-slip differential.

Finally, additional wheel sensors and broader damping capacity with increased damper size widen the performance range of the electronically controlled suspension.

0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 s

Helping the IONIQ 5 achieve its insane performance are dual electric motors that have a combined output of 609 PS.

However, the N Grin Boost function can temporarily provide 650 PS from a standstill. Hyundai claims that, in this mode, the IONIQ 5 will do 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h.

There’s also an enhanced battery thermal management system, with an increased cooling area, a better motor oil cooler and a battery chiller.

The independent radiators for the battery and motor maximize IONIQ 5 N’s resistance to performance degradation before and during intense track driving.

And before driving, the driver can utilize N Battery Pre-conditioning to optimize 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 optimizes the lowest possible battery temperature for more laps.

Keeping things in check are 4-piston front brakes with 400 mm rotors and a single-piston rear brake setup with 360 mm rotors. These are supplemented by a regenerative braking system, with N Brake Regen producing up to 0.6 G in braking action.

Racy styling

The IONIQ 5 N’s exterior adds many performance-enhancing design elements, such as contrasting black trim parts and a wing-type rear spoiler.

At the front, there is an N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh along with an air curtain and air flaps for extra cooling. A lip spoiler runs across the lower part of the bumper to emphasize the car’s low-slung stance.

The N-exclusive "Luminous Orange" trim at the bottom of the black front bumper cover continues along the side skirts. This is complemented by the forged 21-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 275/35 series Pirelli P-Zero tires.

At the rear, the prominent, N-only, wing-type spoiler, along with an orange-accented rear diffuser and air outlet, help control airflow to support optimal aerodynamic performance.

Integrated into the spoiler is a triangular N-only high-mounted brake light, with an N-exclusive black bumper cover and checkered flag reflector graphics below the rear hatch.

Track-optimized interior

Step inside and you first notice the newly designed steering wheel, flanked by N buttons that set the desired drive mode. 

Driving modes can be customized and matched to each button in various combinations to maximize IONIQ 5 N’s fun driving spirit. The N Grin Boost button positioned at 3 o’clock allows instant and intuitive access.

Meanwhile, the IONIQ 5 N’s center console is optimized 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, the cabin also offers a C-type USB, wireless charger and cupholders.

The N seats have reinforced bolsters to firmly support the upper and lower body even in hard cornering. Hyundai said the N bucket seats are positioned about 20 mm lower compared to the basic specification, designed for customers who pursue high-performance drivability. 

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