Hyundai’s first electric high-performance model, the 2024 Ioniq 5 N, made its debut on Wednesday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Although it produces up to 641 hp, the Ioniq 5 N is said to deliver performance in corners and on the race track as well as on a straight line.
Based on Standard Ioniq 5 As an electric crossover, the Ioniq 5 N has more power, a larger battery, a stiffer body, bigger brakes, a sportier chassis and tons of performance-focused technology features.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
It starts with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with a 166 kW motor at the front and a 282 kW motor at the rear, which together produce 600 hp and mostly 546 lb-ft of torque, so 641 hp and 568 lb-ft with the N Grin Boost feature available for 10 second blasts. Hyundai says the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.25 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph using launch control (which is adjustable in three traction levels).
The motors are powered by an 84 kWh battery, which is larger than the standard Ioniq 5’s 77.4 kWh long-range battery. The battery has additional cooling and Hyundai even optimizes the temperature for the available driving modes before driving . For example, in drag mode the battery is preconditioned to 86-104 degrees Fahrenheit, while in track mode it is 68-86 degrees. An N-Race mode features endurance and sprint settings to optimize battery performance for long or short sessions.
Like the standard Ioniq 5, the N features an 800-volt electrical architecture that accepts up to 350kW of charging power, charging it from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes.
The Ioniq 5 N doesn’t have a gearbox, but Hyundai will make it feel like it has an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic through an NE-Shift function that controls engine torque to simulate the jolt between shifts.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
It also has no cylinders, but can also sound like it’s powered by an internal combustion engine.
A system called N Active Sound+ uses eight interior and two exterior speakers to play three different sound themes. The ignition theme sounds like the noisy 2.0-liter turbo-4 in other Hyundai N cars, including the pops and pops on overrun. Supersonic is one of two futuristic EV themes and is inspired by twin-engine fighter jets. The soundscapes vary the sound depending on the throttle position.
On the outside, the Ioniq 5 N sits 0.8 inches lower and its fenders are 2.0 inches wider. It’s also 3.2 inches longer thanks to a new front bumper and a rear diffuser that’s connected to a rear wing. At the front, it features an air curtain, three active air flaps, a lip spoiler and more grille grilles for additional cooling. A bright orange matte stripe runs along the bottom of the bumpers and side skirts.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The handling improvements start with the structure, which is based on the brand’s Electric-Global Modular Platform. Hyundai adds 42 more spot welds and 6.9 feet of additional bonding material. The engine and battery mounting points as well as the front and rear subframes are reinforced and larger adjustable dampers and stiffer steering knuckles are used. The steering column is also reinforced and the gear ratio is faster to enable more spontaneous response. The car has a wider track than other Ioniq 5s and fits wide 275/35 Pirelli P Zero tires on 21-inch wheels.
Hyundai also uses the electric motors to improve handling. A cornering feature called N-Pedal transfers negative torque to the drivetrain to shift more weight to the front wheels. An N torque distribution system can adjust power delivery in 11 levels from front to rear, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential optimizes power at the rear for corner exit. Hyundai also adds an N Drift Optimizer to control power delivery for glorious drifts, and it even has a simulated clutch kick function.
Braking is provided not only by 15.7-inch front discs with 4-piston calipers and 14.2-inch rear discs with single-piston calipers, but also by the brake regeneration capability of the engines. Recuperation can provide up to 0.6g of braking force, and Hyundai says recuperation provides 80-90% of braking effectiveness on the road and 40-50% on the track, eliminating the need for carbon ceramic brakes. The company also claims that up to 44% of the powertrain’s energy can be recovered on the track and that brake and throttle can be used simultaneously.
Overall, the Ioniq 5 N weighs more than other 5 Series due to its additional power equipment, but Hyundai says it has done as much as possible to limit the weight gain. However, the company did not provide any information about the curb weight.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Inside, the Ioniq 5 N features metal pedals, knee pads on the sides of the center console, a new N steering wheel with four mode buttons and two-tone sports seats with reinforced bolsters. The seats, available with leather and Alcantara or cloth and leather, sit 0.8 inches lower than other Ioniq 5s. Inside there is also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the center. Both offer specific N displays and over-the-air update functionality.
Pricing and electric range will be announced closer to launch, expected later this year.
Update: This story has been updated to reflect a new 0-60 mph time announced by Hyundai at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
