We get behind the wheel of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – the first proper hot hatch of the EV age
Once in a while a car comes along that doesn’t just stand out from the crowd, it sets a new benchmark. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is one of those cars.
A genuine game–changer, Hyundai has transformed the Ioniq 5 electric family hatchback into something very special.
Starting at £65,000, it’s pricey, but it’s also extremely clever, and there really is no other EV like it.
You could say it’s the first reasonably priced electric performance car this side of the £100,000-plus exotics from the luxury brands.
So, let’s get back to basics. The Ioniq 5 N is based on the award-winning Ioniq 5 family EV – a curiosity in itself.
With its retro cool design, the regular Ioniq 5 looks like it should be about the size of a VW Golf, yet its actually closer to a Skoda Enyaq iV.
This latest fruit from Hyundai’s ‘N’ performance sub-brand is even bigger (80 mm longer, 50 mm wider), thanks to larger wheels and tyres, and awesome body kit.
The all-wheel drive Ioniq 5 N also gets a larger battery pack than its sibling (84kWh compared to 78kWh), though range is down from 298 to 278 miles.
Courtesy of two electric motors, it produces an impressive 609bhp, while one press of the (NGB) boost button on the steering wheel unlocks the full 641bhp for a 10-second burst.
This means that a 0-60mph sprint can be dispensed with in 3.5 seconds (3.4s with the NGB button engaged) while the N’s top speed stands at 162mph.
And just like the regular Ioniq 5, the 5N gets state-of-the-art 800V battery technology allowing ultra-fast charging (10-80% in 18 minutes).
As if all that isn’t impressive enough, there are various driving modes for road and track, a launch control function, all-new suspension, bigger brakes, a revised steering system and styling tweaks to help cool the battery.
Most of all, technical wizardry has resulted in an EV that drives and sounds much like a conventional performance car with a convincing simulated engine noise and paddle-shift gearbox, recreating the sound and feel of a petrol-powered hot hatch.
Take one for a test drive yourself before you write it off as a gimmick, it doesn’t just put a smile on your face, it’s far more involving than a regular single-speed EV.
The Ioniq 5 N looks the part too. Not just the flared wheel arches and big wheels, but the aggressive stance. It’s the same story inside where there’s a far more sporty feel.
The figure-hugging bucket-style seats up front deliver a lower seating position, so you don’t feel perched like the regular Ioniq 5, plus aluminium pedals, an N-exclusive centre console and sustainable products are used throughout the cabin.
So, the Ioniq 5 N feels special, even before you hit the Start button. On the road, it’s clear that it doesn’t just look stunning, it handles superbly too.
For a big car weighing in at 2.2 tonnes, it’s nothing short of phenomenal. Blisteringly fast, there’s almost no body lean in more challenging corners.
You really can hustle the 5 N too, firm in the knowledge that its powerful brakes will do their job and its mighty 21-inch Pirelli P-Zero tyres will provide the necessary grip.
For the full-on experience, switch to Sport mode, activate the N e-Shift and chose the ‘Ignition’ engine sound, complete with blips and pops on the down–changes. Yes, it’s largely pointless, but fantastic fun.
Of course, the Ioniq 5 N can be driven sensibly too, and it may well be that the fake engine noise and manual gear selection novelty will wear off for many owners after a while, leaving the 100% N experience for special treats.
Ultimately, like every EV, it’s a balancing act between performance and efficiency, and there’s no doubt that the latter takes a big hit if you overdose on the former.
Behave and you can expect 3.5 miles per kwh or more, indulge too much and it will dip down closer to 2.0.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that the Ioniq 5 N is also highly practical. There’s loads of legroom and headroom for three in the back, while the boot offers 480 litres of cargo volume with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,362 litres with them folded.
Oh, and unlike its cheaper sibling, it gets a rear wiper. Hurrah!
Verdict: The game-changing Hyundai Ioniq 5 N doesn’t just look awesome – it’s a technical tour de force, delivering a remarkable combination of speed, engagement, driver involvement and practicality.
