Setting new benchmark for high-performance EVs and driving fun
WEST SUSSEX/SEOUL–Hyundai Motor Company’s Ioniq 5 N — N brand’s first high-performance, all-electric model — made its recent world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. The car represents N brand’s electrification future and a new way for high-performance enthusiasts to electrify their passion for driving on road and track.
The new vehicle represents Hyundai’s long-standing legacy of offering high-quality mobility alongside driver-focused N models. N brand made a comeback to WRC in 2014 and its subsequent success with multiple world championships infused Hyundai with a winning DNA, reflected in the N high-performance models. This momentum carries forward with electrification, as the award-winning E-GMP-based Ioniq 5 provides the perfect foundation to create N’s first high-performance EV.
It establishes Hyundai N as the technology powerhouse within Hyundai Motor and spearheads advanced technologies to be shared with all Hyundai EVs with the strategic goal of increasing Hyundai’s overall competitiveness. It represents the first step to this strategic shift with additional electric N models to follow.
“Hyundai N spearheads the technological leadership of Hyundai Motor Company,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.
“N brand’s winning combination of technological know-how and motorsport experience is pushing the limits of vehicle performance, which has most recently resulted in Ioniq 5 N, a gamechanger for electric high performance. Key developments around this vehicle will further strengthen the competitiveness of all Hyundai models going forward. This is why N brand exists.”
This vehicle combines the standard model’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-bred technologies and leverages N’s expertise from electrified ‘Rolling Labs’ (e.g., RM20e, RN22e and N Vision 74) to maximize the EV’s high-performance capabilities and ensure it meets N’s three performance pillars: ‘Corner Rascal,’ ‘Racetrack Capability’ and ‘Everyday Sportscar’
“Ioniq 5 N, was developed to take driving fun to a new level by utilizing the latest technologies available. Starting with Ioniq 5 N, N brand aims to deliver N’s signature fun driving experience regardless of petrol, electric or hydrogen,” for his part, said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company.
“To accomplish this, we’ve closely monitored the voices of our N fans in order to fine-tune our first all-electric N with the goal of electrifying the driving passion of our most demanding N-thusiasts.”
This powerful EV benefits from several technical improvements. Its electric motors spin up to 21,000 RPM providing 478 kW / 650 PS with N Grin Boost engaged. This is a result of the two-stage inverter with increased energy efficiency for stronger power output from the new 84 kWh battery.
Several exclusive features aid track performance. N Grin Boost maximizes acceleration by a power increment of 10 seconds and N Launch Control provides three different traction levels for the fastest possible start, allowing drivers to launch their vehicle like a professional race car. Track SOC (state-of-charge) automatically calculates battery consumption per lap.
It sets a new benchmark for thermal management in severe racetrack conditions. Compared to its competitors, it boasts a higher resistance to heat induced power degradation — loss of maximum power due to overheating.
As an everyday sportscar, Ioniq 5 N delivers an engaging shift feeling and emotional driving through the integrated N e-shift and N Active Sound +. N e-shift provides a sense of control over power delivery and shift feeling while N Active Sound + works collectively to deliver not only a futuristic EV sound but also ICE-like engine and exhaust sounds that provide a more engaging experience behind the wheel. Together, they enhance the fun and joy of driving by simulating the jolt feel and sound of an ICE vehicle.
N e-shift simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of internal combustion engine (ICE) N cars. It simulates a gearshift by controlling motor torque output and simulates the jolt feeling between shifts. As a result, it provides a more precise, interactive driving experience that feels closer to ICEs than previous EVs.
Exterior design
At the front, there is a N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh along with air curtain and air flaps for extra cooling. A lip spoiler runs across the lower part of the bumper to emphasize the car’s slow-slung stance and convey its performance intent. The EV N-exclusive ‘Luminous Orange’ at the bottom of the black front bumper cover continues along the side skirts, giving the IONIQ 5 N a racetrack-ready look.
This impression is further reinforced by the forged 21-inch aluminum wheels that are wrapped in high-grip 275/35R21 Pirelli P-Zero tires for improved ride and handling and better grip in track performance.
At the rear, the prominent, N-only wing-type spoiler, along with orange-accented rear diffuser and air outlet, help control airflow to support optimal aerodynamic performance, further highlighting IONIQ 5 N’s high-performance capability and adding to its aggressive styling. Integrated in the spoiler is a triangular N-only HMSL brake light. Below the rear hatch is an N-exclusive black bumper cover with checker flag reflector graphics. There is also a rear window wiper.
Interior cabin
The Ioniq 5 N’s interior neatly conveys the N family look with the application of N-branded elements, including the steering wheel, seats, door scuff panels and metal pedals, etc., and is optimized for track driving.
The newly designed N steering wheel prominently features the N logo for the first time, flanked by N buttons that set the desired drive mode, arranged to suit the driver’s preference. Driving modes can be customized and matched to each button in various combinations to maximize its fun driving spirit. N Grin Boost button positioned at 3 o’clock allows instant and intuitive access to maximize acceleration and driving fun. Paddles are optimally positioned at driver’s fingertips to engage N e-shift and N Pedal features.
Its 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, it also offers a C-type USB, wireless charger and cupholders.
The N seats have reinforced bolsters, so that even if strong lateral acceleration occurs during sharp cornering, it firmly supports the upper and lower body to maintain a stable driving posture at all times. The N bucket seats are positioned about 20-mm lower compared to the basic specification, designed for customers who pursue high-performance drivability. N emblems are arranged front and rear of the seat with welcome lighting at front. The two-toned design theme of the bucket seats carries over to the rear.
| Specifications | IONIQ 5 N | |
| Motor output | Front | 166 kW / 226 PS |
| Rear | 282 kW / 383 PS | |
| Total output | 448 kW / 609 PS | |
| Boost output | 478 kW / 650 PS (Front: 175 kW, 238 PS / Rear: 303 kW, 412 PS) | |
| Battery | Capacity | 84 kWh |
| Charging | Charge Speed | 350 kW |
| Charge time | 10% to 80% in 18 minutes | |
| Dimension | Length | 4,715 mm |
| Width | 1,940 mm | |
| Height | 1,585 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 3,000 mm | |
| Tires | Pirelli P-Zero 275/35R21 | |
| Braking system | Front | 4 piston 400 mm |
| Rear | 1 piston 360 mm | |
| Regenerative braking | Deceleration | 0.6 G (0.2 G during ABS activation) |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 3.4 sec. (Boost) | |
| Top speed | 260 Km/h | |
| Range | To be announced at regional market launch | |
| Exterior colors | Performance Blue Matte, Performance Blue, Abyss Black Pearl, Cyber Gray Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ecotronic Gray , Atlas White Matte, Atlas White, Gravity Gold Matte and Soultronic Orange Pearl | |
| Interior color | Black with Performance Blue accents | |
