Winner of the 2024 World Performance Car award, the IONIQ 5 N stands as a bold statement from the Hyundai N division, establishing a new benchmark in the performance EV world. It’s an electric vehicle choice that petrolheads are sure to embrace wholeheartedly.

Performance

Every IONIQ 5 N boasts identical battery and motor setups. It features dual electric motors, one on each axle, delivering all-wheel drive capability. These motors collectively generate 601hp during regular driving. However, activating the NGB button on the wheel unleashes the full 641hp for a brief 10-second burst. As a result, it accelerates astonishingly quickly, reaching 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds (or 3.4 with NGB engaged) achieving a top speed of 260km/h.

Naturally, there are three standard presets – Eco, Normal, and Sport – but the latter seems rather pointless when you’re given an extensive range of options available in the N modes. Each mode is accessed via one of two buttons on the steering wheel. Once you find the N menu on the infotainment screen, you can customise to your hearts content by tweaking the settings of the electric motors, steering weight, damper stiffness, electronic limited-slip differential and more. It can be a lot to take in, but it’s all worth it if you put in the time to get accustomed to it.

There’s no denying the fact that it’s heavy, and when you’re pushing through twisty roads or the racetrack, you can feel the tyres working hard to maintain grip on the roads. However, it responds quickly to steering inputs, akin to a smaller hot hatch. There’s more too; with the noise activated, you can choose (or not) to have simulated gearshift points and synthetic engine noise. This feature might be a novelty to some, but for those on the verge of transitioning to electric, it offers a semblance of the automatic combustion cars you may be more accustomed to.

Range and Charging

The battery capacity is 84kWh, an upgrade from the standard model’s 77.4kWh, giving you 448 km of range. That's pretty low when compared to the standard IONIQ 5 range of up to 507 km, but then look at the size of the tyres and the downforce measures and you see why efficiency has taken a hit. You’re looking at something closer to 400 km in real-world driving in the N, although that figure is entirely dependent on how heavy your right foot is.

DC rapid charging goes to speeds of up to 350kW. This means you can achieve a 10 to 80% charge in just 18 minutes. With such rapid charging, longer journeys become more convenient—just a quick coffee stop, and you're ready to hit the road again.

Design and Interior

The interior has also received a makeover for its N duties. The seats are figure-hugging and bucket-style, providing ample support without feeling overly snug for larger passengers. Additionally, the new-look centre console feels solidly constructed and serves as a convenient leg brace during spirited cornering. You’ll also notice a very round Alcantara-clad steering wheel along with nice N badges on the seats and throughout.

You've likely spotted the styling updates as well. The N model features a sizeable rear diffuser and prominent chin spoiler, adding 80mm to its length compared to the standard IONIQ 5. Additionally, it sits 20mm lower and is 50mm wider, accommodating the wider tyres.

But those vents, wings, and louvres serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. They're primarily functional, directing airflow around the body to cool the brakes and battery pack, while also enhancing the car's grip during spirited driving.

Cost Considerations

Initially, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N may seem pricey for an electric family hatchback. However, with a starting price of €79,995, its surprisingly good value compared to other performance EVs in its class. Plus, all of the IONIQ 5 N's power and performance enhancements come standard, so you won't need to pay extra for the high-performance features. The only options that come at an extra cost are a panoramic glass roof, premium paint jobs, and a few minor styling tweaks to personalise your car.

The IONIQ 5 N stands out as a unique offering in its segment. But you might also want to explore alternatives like the Kia EV6 GT and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, or even consider higher-end options such as the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT, albeit at a higher price point.

Conclusion

For petrolheads on the fence about going electric, the IONIQ 5 might just be the game-changer they’ve been waiting for. It’s not only a marvel of engineering but also has a playful side to it, while features like fake gear shifts and synthetic engine sounds may raise eyebrows among enthusiasts, it’s worth giving them a shot before passing judgement.