Rally-inspired Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is an electric super-hatch with up to 641bhp
Comes with free “N Grin Boost”
Hyundai has taken the wraps off its first ever N-branded electric car, the new Ioniq 5 N. Making its world debut today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new high-performance EV gets a four-wheel drive system inspired by Hyundai’s WRC (Word Rally Championship) engineering and up to 641bhp — more than twice the power of a Volkswagen Golf R.
Plenty of electric cars have oodles of power (and torque). However, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N comes with a promise that it’s not just fast but also one of the most fun-to-drive EVs in the world.
Although the regular Ioniq 5 can be specified with four-wheel drive — using an electric motor for the each of the front and rear axles, just as in the new N model — its maximum output is 320bhp, so the N version also has twice the power of its more family-oriented sibling.
The headline 641bhp is available for 10 seconds after the driver presses a red button on the steering wheel labelled “NGB”. That stands for “N Grin Boost” (this is a Korean car, let’s not forget) and is the first of many N-branded features and functions built into the Ioniq 5 N to ensure it lives up the promises of Hyundai’s high-performance sub-division.
Made for corners, though no slouch in a straight line
Using N Launch Control the 0-62mph time is quoted as just 3.4 seconds, while the Ioniq 5 N can top 161mph. However, Hyundai is more excited by the car’s ability in the corners and even on the racetrack.
It claims that the Ioniq 5 N, despite its inherent extra weight over an internal combustion engined model, must live up to the three pillars of N, namely: ‘Corner Rascal; Racetrack Capability; and Everyday Sportscar’.
A significant amount of body strengthening and chassis reinforcement was carried out underneath the vaguely retro-looking five-door crossover shell for starters, while a completely new adaptive damping system is fitted as standard. The N model gets a unique steering set-up, too, tasked with a speedier turn ratio and more feedback from the road for the driver.
To help the big and heavy Ioniq 5 N (Hyundai hasn’t yet disclosed its weight, but it could well be on the wrong side of two tonnes) sharply turn into a corner, the engineers have hijacked the brake energy regeneration system to cause intentional weight transfer forward as the car turns in during enthusiastic driving. It’s called N Pedal now (it had to have a silly name) and the driver can alter its strength with the paddles behind the new N-branded steering wheel.
Customisable driving experience
That wheel — featuring two large N-logoed buttons to access and customise all the driving controls — is part of a significant interior upgrade.
The Ioniq 5’s movable centre console is retained, but it is strengthened and features extra padding on the sides to protect the front-seat occupants during ‘spirited’ cornering.
Meanwhile, there are sports seats with deep side bolstering and light-up N logos. Encouragingly, these are mounted lower down in the car than the standard model’s.
Bespoke graphics and extra N menus are included in the impressive double-screen dashboard layout.
As in all Hyundai N cars to date, the driver will have the option to choose from a myriad of settings for the drive systems in the Ioniq 5 N. The distribution of torque front-to-rear, for example, can be altered over 11 discrete levels, while there’s also a electronically controlled limited slip differential on the rear axle.
Gear changes and engine noises?
Injecting a little fun into proceedings — or cheese, depending on your viewpoint — are the N e-shift and N Active Sound+ systems. These work together to attempt to offer the feel and sound of an internal combustion engine in the electric Ioniq 5 N.
N e-shift is designed to introduce actual driveline jolts and a torque curve from the electric motors as if drive was through an eight-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. The N Active Sound+ feature produces a synthetic soundtrack to suit, with three selectable themes — including one that mimics the noise a jet fighter makes.
We weren’t big fans of fake engine sounds in the new Abarth 500e but it’s worth keeping an open mind before hearing it in action for real.
There’s also a feature — it’s called N Road Sense if you must know — that picks up on ‘twisty road’ signs ahead and suggests that the driver use the more responsive N driving mode.
For those that will test Hyundai’s ‘Racetrack Capability’ claim, there’s an advanced battery thermal management system, again customisable by the driver for maximum attack performance or longer time on track before the battery needs a charge.
The Ioniq 5 N uses a new 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged at up to 350kW, though Hyundai has yet to confirm its official range or charge times.
Drifting into Goodwood in style
Not that such things will be in the minds of drivers exploring the car’s N Drift Optimizer system. That’s a surefire way to vaporise the Pirelli P-Zero tyres in short order. They sit on a new design of 21in alloy wheels and the Ioniq 5 N sits 20mm lower than its siblings for a ground-hugging stance.
Augmenting that are deeper front and rear bumpers, a functioning aerodynamic diffuser, a new roof spoiler and an orange feature line running around the base of the car.
Making its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, the showroom-bound Ioniq 5 N will be joined on track by a special ‘Drift Spec’ show car to wow the crowds.
Related articles
- After reading about the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, you might like to read Will Dron’s review of the Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Also check out our review of the regular Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Here are all the car makers’ electric vehicle plans for 2023 and beyond
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