By Otsile Kadiege

Hyundai N has been working on the high-performance version of the sought-after IONIQ 5 for quite some time now. A few days ago we shared leaked images of the production version of the automaker’s first-ever electric high-performance vehicle on our social media pages – the IONIQ 5 N. The newcomer recently made its debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and it promises to electrify the passion of automotive enthusiasts.

Exhilirating looks

On the outside, the IONIQ 5 N’s exterior adds many performance-enhancing design elements. 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. The EV N-exclusive ‘Luminous Orange’ at the bottom of the black front bumper cover continues along the side skirts.

It’s fitted with forged 21-inch aluminum wheels that are wrapped in high-grip 275/35R21 Pirelli P-Zero tyres 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.

The N model further distinguishes itself from the standard IONIQ 5 with a change of proportions. It is 20 mm lower overall, 50 mm wider at the bottom to accommodate wider tires and 80 mm longer due to the more prominent diffuser.

Track ready cabin

Inside, the IONIQ 5 N’s interior conveys the N family look with the application of N-branded elements, including the steering wheel, seats, door scuff panels and metal pedals to name a few. 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.

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. 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.

Electrifying performance

Powering the new IONIQ 5 N is an 84kWh battery pack and dual electric motors. With the N Grin Boost engaged, the total system output increases momentarily (10 seconds) from 448kW and 740Nm to 478kW and 770Nm. Hyundai claims the IONIQ 5 N will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds (3.4 seconds with N Grin Boost) and has a top speed of 260km/h.

N bits and bobs

The boffins at Hyundai’s N division equipped the electric N model with a bunch of N bits and bobs like N Pedal, N Drift Optimizer and N Torque Distribution. What caught our attention is the N e-shift and N Active Sound+. 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 creating an interactive driving experience.

N Active Sound+ is paired with N e-shift to enhance the driving experience of EVs by creating a more engaging and exciting sensory experience for the driver. It incorporates a 10-speaker system (eight internal, two external) that offers three distinct sound themes. The ‘Ignition’ theme simulates the sound of N’s 2.0T engines and ‘Evolution’ provides a signature high-performance sound inspired by the RN22e. The ‘Supersonic’ theme is a unique concept inspired by twin-engine fighter jets, featuring variable volume during cornering. The objective of N Active Sound+ is to provide drivers with an acoustic reference to gauge the power being utilized.