The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV served as a symbolic launching pad for Hyundai’s EV ambitions, with the award-winning SUV proving to be a surprise sales hit during Hyundai’s calculated launch of the model. But while the standard model already offers a balanced mixture of range and performance, some buyers wanted more raw performance and speed. Hyundai has answered these concerns with the all-new 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Ioniq N First Step In Broader Electrification Plan For N
Hyundai claims that more N-badged EV models are in the cards (the company already teased an Ioniq 6-based concept), but for now, the 5 N will serve as a proverbial first step in these efforts. The N version is slightly longer and wider than the standard model, with the front bumper getting a reworked aero treatment package that includes a lip spoiler, a functional mesh air curtain, and active air flaps. The model also gets black and orange trim splashes, with the latter color found on the side skirts, bumper, and rear diffuser. Larger 21-inch forged aluminum wheels are also part of the package, and they are shod with specially created Pirelli P-Zero tires exclusive to the EV.
Meanwhile, the interior gets wilder updates that aim to separate it from its more mundane and reserved cousin. The steering wheel is replaced with a unit designed by N engineers, and the seats are replaced with sportier bucket seats with enhanced bolstering, extra shin support, and a knee pad on the center console. The steering wheel also gets the expected drive mode and N mode selector buttons but also adds two new N Custom buttons that allow the driver to set their driving parameters and then map them to each button. The Ioniq 5 N also gets N Pedal and e-shift paddles, with those items being located just behind the steering wheel.
Beefed-Up Performance Pushes This Hyundai Into The Digital Age
Amid the exterior and interior revisions that the N model brings to the table, the most significant updates are found (unsurprisingly) under the skin, with Hyundai and N engineers completely reworking the electric powertrain. All N models are powered by a pair of electric motors that make a combined system output of 600 horsepower in its default tune, with the N Grin Boost function briefly pushing it up to 641-hp for 10 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard, and it helps the Ioniq 5 N make the sprint to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, with that figure decreasing to 3.4 seconds when N Grin Boost is active. The top speed here is 160 mph (sorry folks, no 200 mph runs this time). Still, Hyundai claims that the model will get the 84 kWh battery pack (the biggest available on the Ioniq 5, with this pack featuring 800-volt ultra-fast charging tech that allows the pack to recover 80 percent of its juice in 18 minutes when hooked up to a fast charger.
In addition to the beefier performance hardware, the N model also boasts an impressive arsenal of performance-enhancing software that aims to improve the driving experience further. That includes the N Battery Pre-Conditioning feature that allows drivers to optimize the battery for the appropriate driving situation. Drag Mode delivers short bursts of acceleration while Track Mode is meant for longer track runs, with this mode helping to manage battery temperature and conserve energy to help ensure plenty is available for the rigors of long track work. N Race mode adds two more driving modes (Endurance and Sprint) with a separate launch control feature also coming along for the ride. However, that doesn’t hold a candle to some of the other software tricks Hyundai employed for this model.
For example, the N e-shift system replicates the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. It even repeats the jolts between gears thanks to controlled torque applications from the electric motors. A separate feature called N Active Sound + adds three distinct sounds to the electric motors with ignition replicating the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder seen in ICE-powered N models. Meanwhile, Evolution uses a sound similar to the RN22e, while Supersonic uses the same wail that emanates from a twin-engined jet fighter.
When Can I Buy One?
Hyundai didn’t reveal an exact timetable for this new-age performance to begin reaching dealerships. However, the company confirmed that potential buyers will have ten different colors to choose from, with two of them (N Performance Blue and N Performance Blue Matte) being exclusive to the model. The rest (Abyss Black Pearl, Cyber Gray Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ecotronic Gray, Atlas White, Atlas White Matte, Gravity Gold Matte, and Soultronic Orange Pearl) will be familiar to those that have seen color pallets on other Hyundai models. Unfortunately, the interior is not as colorful, with all models only coming in black with N Performance Blue accents. Hyundai said it would reveal the final range figures later but look for those figures to possibly be lower than a standard Ioniq 5 due to the performance-focused nature of the model as well as its weight, with the company confirming the N model would be heavier than a standard issue Ioniq 5.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.