At the LA Auto Show this week, Hyundai revealed the production performance-variant Ioniq 5 “N” and announced that it will be available at US dealerships in March 2024. The final specifications of the electric crossover were also released, giving car enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike an exciting glimpse into the future of electric performance vehicles.
As previously announced in July, this new version of the Ioniq 5 was built by Hyundai’s performance tuning teams under its N sub-brand. The engineers behind the 2025 Ioniq 5 N utilized Hyundai’s base E-GMP electric vehicle platform and incorporated motorsport tech learned from the automaker’s “rolling labs” experiment vehicles like the N Vision 74, RM20e, and the RN22e. This expertise has resulted in a vehicle that pushes the boundaries of electric vehicle performance while maintaining the practicality and sustainability that consumers expect from an electric crossover.
Hyundai has incorporated features aimed at satisfying habitual motorheads, such as the N e-shift, which simulates the feel of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission from a gas car, and the N Active Sound-plus, which produces fake engine noises for an enhanced driving experience.
While the exterior of the Ioniq 5 N may not look dramatically different from the regular Ioniq 5, the subtle changes are certainly enough to make it stand out. With N badges in the front, rear, and near the rear wheel well, an orange soul patch strip in the center of both the front and rear bumper, an orange skirt, and a new mesh up front for increased airflow, the Ioniq 5 N exudes a sporty and aggressive appearance. It also features 21-inch wheels and tires, a lowered ride height, and increased length to accommodate a rear diffuser, making it clear that this is not your average electric crossover.
Related Post
Inside, the Ioniq 5 N’s interior has been thoughtfully designed with a range of N details, including on the steering wheel and peeking from the back opening of the bucket seats. The seats have reinforced bolsters, and there are knee pads and shin support at the center console to ensure driver and passenger comfort, even during sharp turns. Additionally, there are USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, ensuring convenient connectivity and charging options for occupants.
Under the hood, the Ioniq 5 N is equipped with a larger 84kWh battery pack, offering increased power and performance compared to the SE, SEL, and Limited models. The battery is capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes and has a maximum charging rate of 238kW, providing fast and efficient charging capabilities for those on the go.
The Ioniq 5 N’s two-stage inverter enables the dual motors to achieve a maximum output of 478kW (641 horsepower), allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0–60 mph in just 3.25 seconds. This impressive power output is augmented by the special “N Grin Boost” mode, which can be activated on the touchscreen or automatically when in launch mode, further enhancing the driving experience.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Ioniq 5 N features an upgraded thermal management system, including independent radiators for the battery and motors, a conductivity channel to move heat away from cells, and better motor oil cooling, as well as a battery chiller. These enhancements provide a higher resistance to heat-induced power degradation compared to competitor performance EVs and ensure that the Ioniq 5 N can maintain its peak performance for longer periods of time.
Moreover, the vehicle has been further stabilized with 42 additional welding points and extra adhesives holding parts together, enhancing its rigidity for track use and drifting. Hyundai has designed the N with “rally-inspired” handling, featuring a rack-mounted motor-driven power steering system with a quick steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback. The EV’s one-pedal driving system, called “N Pedal,” aids drivers in cornering with a strong decelerating force while still providing energy regeneration.
In conclusion, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N represents an exciting development in the world of electric performance vehicles, combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and practicality with unparalleled power and handling capabilities. As electric vehicles continue to gain traction in the automotive market, the Ioniq 5 N demonstrates that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand, setting a new standard for the future of electric vehicles.
