Let’s begin by eradicating any misconceptions that the Ioniq 5 is solely a rebodied Kia EV6 GT. The Hyundai takes issues to the following stage. It options its personal particular suspension calibrations, together with bushing tolerances, three-position electronically managed dampers, and spring tuning. Additionally, an aluminum two-piece decrease management arm is added to the usual Ioniq 5s stamped metal unit. For a stronger construction, there’s 42 further welding factors and extra structural adhesive. To enhance lateral rigidity, the motor and battery mounting factors have been strengthened, and subframes have been beefed up.

Soundtrack of Selection

Like different electrified automobiles, the Ioniq 5 N provides person selectable synthesized soundtracks. With N Energetic Sound+, there are three obtainable sound profiles whose quantity may be adjusted from distant to in-your-face: Evolution is the spacey noise we have grown to dislike in lots of EVs, Supersonic emulates a fighter jet, however essentially the most partaking profile shall be Ignition. By means of the eight inside and two exterior audio system, Hyundai set out for Ignition to emulate the sound of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four discovered within the Elantra N or the Kona N.

Thus far, the Ioniq 5 N is essentially the most highly effective Hyundai to achieve clients. Its two motors—one at every axle—spin as much as 21,000 rpm and mix to supply 601 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque throughout regular operation. With N Grin Increase activated, 641 ponies are within the steady. With the Increase mode engaged, Hyundai claims a 3.4-second dash to 60 mph within the playing cards. By our measuring stick, that is a conservative quantity contemplating the 576-hp Kia EV6 GT did the deed in 3.1. Hyundai additionally claims high pace is proscribed to 161 mph, a quantity we’ve already verified on Germany’s autobahn.

Simulated Gearshifts

The Ioniq 5 N e-Shift programing unleashes one thing that modifications the sport of how the mind processes EVs: simulated gearshifts. By briefly interrupting the motors’ torque supply, N e-Shift mimics an eight-speed dual-clutch computerized. The 5 N will jolt on upshifts. Downshifts are rev matched and accompanied by pops and bangs from the audio system throughout deceleration when Ignition sound mode is lively, identical to the internal-combustion N automobiles. Hyundai is totally clear that interrupting torque supply with N e-Shift is not the quickest means round a monitor, however by solely a slim margin. In the event you take handbook management with the shift paddles and miss a shift, you may hit a digital gasoline cutoff. Get caught out in too excessive a gear, and the Ioniq 5 will even lug the powertrain by limiting the ability supply. Sure, it’s very faux and unrelated to the mechanicals, however it’s a level of engagement that till now has been misplaced within the electrified world.

Slowing issues down are the largest brakes ever fitted to a Hyundai. Up entrance, four-piston mounted calipers squeeze 15.7-inch rotors (0.7 inch bigger than the EV6 GT’s), whereas a single-piston slider pinches a 14.2-inch rotor within the again. Hyundai engineers additionally fitted the Ioniq 5 N with brake-specific brake cooling ducts to feed the binders a gentle circulation of cool air. The 5 N’s N Brake Regen operates within the background, and Hyundai claims it would ship 0.6 g of decelerative power to take away some pressure from the friction brakes.

The forces transmitted between the bottom and the Ioniq 5 N are despatched by way of solid 21-inch wheels wrapped in Hyundai-spec Pirelli P Zero Elect 275/35ZR-21 tires, the most important assemblies ever fitted to a Hyundai. To handle the inherent a great deal of extra grip, the 5 N incorporates a new steering rack and a strengthened steering column to assist transmit what is going on on with the tires to the motive force.

Storing and offering power for the motors is the fourth-generation battery pack, now with a revised chemistry that allows 84.0 kWh of usable power from the identical pack that beforehand saved 77.4 kWh. Vary estimates shall be obtainable nearer to launch, however we aren’t anticipating them to be groundbreaking. Name it round 220 miles.

Hyundai is critical in regards to the 5 N’s service life on monitor. The purpose is for the Ioniq to have the ability to full two laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife with little efficiency degradation. To perform that, Hyundai has optimized the 5 N’s cooling package deal, with extra air coming into the nostril by way of vertical slots within the higher bumper cowl. A extra environment friendly radiator package deal comes from stacking the radiators on high of one another moderately than stacked like a deli chilly minimize. The advantage of that is that sizzling air from one is not pushed into one other. There’s additionally an improved oil cooler and an upgraded battery chiller.

Drive Modes

Just like the gas-powered N automobiles, the Ioniq 5 is replete with drive modes. N Race provides a Dash mode to maximise efficiency and use all of the obtainable energy. Endurance mode is ready to assist with the two-lap mission by managing the battery, motor output, and regeneration methods for prolonged time spent on monitor. Based on Hyundai, the N Drift Optimizer can simulate the clutch kick motion of a rear-wheel-drive automobile. There are additionally two battery preconditioning modes to optimize its efficiency, one for the monitor and one other for drag racing.

The inside options the N therapies we love in regards to the internal-combustion automobiles. The acquainted N bucket seats will provide the identical help and luxury ranges because the gasser, and there are microsuede coverings all through the cabin. In contrast to the open entrance flooring structure of the lesser Ioniq 5, the N incorporates a full-length middle console with a knee pad to brace in opposition to throughout excessive lateral hundreds. A brand new steering wheel with configurable buttons will doubtless be Hyundai’s most complex tiller so far.

When the Ioniq 5 N arrives early in 2024, will probably be supplied in 10 colours, together with the N-specific Efficiency Blue, in each gloss and for the primary time, matte. We anticipate the value to be introduced nearer to launch, however anticipate one thing within the $70,000 vary.

Senior Testing Editor

David Beard research and evaluations automotive associated issues and pushes fossil-fuel and electric-powered stuff to their limits. His ardour for the Ford Pinto started at his conception, which occurred in a Pinto.