Forget everything you think you know about EVs, especially if thoughts of boredom or ‘not a real enthusiast’s car’ spring to mind. The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N will rewire your brain.
The IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai’s first high performance N model. It’s based on the E-GMP architecture and borrows plenty from the standard IONIQ 5. However, it also showcases a heap of bespoke features, including chassis reinforcements that increase torsional strength by 11 per cent, with extra spot welds and whatnot, as well as introduces completely overhauled brakes and suspension, battery and electric motors.
You may have noticed the exterior looks sportier as well, presenting an exclusive aero kit with proper spoilers and rear diffuser that add real aerodynamic benefit. There’s also a set of 21-inch forged wheels with aero inserts wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Hyundai-specific tyres, measuring 275/35 front and back.
This is a very serious package. And, really, there is nothing else like it on the market right now. Not at this level of detail in terms of being prepared for proper track driving, yet practical enough to perform general weekly duties, such as the shopping and the school run.
Compared with the regular IONIQ 5, the N uses a newer and larger battery, rated at 84kWh. This sends energy to a front and rear motor, developing 166kW/350Nm on the front and 282kW/390Nm at the back. Combined, the system generates a whopping 448kW and 740Nm.
But hold your horses. If you hit the N Grin Boost button on the steering wheel, you’ll get 10 seconds of 478kW and 770Nm (and you can just push the button again to get another 10 seconds). That’s enough to send the hot hatch-SUV from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds, making it the quickest Hyundai production car ever made.
This rate of acceleration is all well and good, but it takes an extreme level of engineering to ensure repeatable performance throughout the battery pack’s state-of-charge, while also being able to withstand rapid changes in charge, such as when driving on the track.
Secondly, dishing out 478kW is relatively easy, for an electric vehicle. But what happens when you back off? All of that energy has to suddenly go back the other way. Well, the guys and girls at Hyundai have figured it out.
During this media launch event Hyundai provided an open Sydney Motorsport Park so we could play around and see how it all worked. And to see how the systems could withstand the abuse of about a dozen journalists. We can report there were no issues with the battery, cooling or motor systems – usually major concerns for EVs on a track.
There are an overwhelming amount of driving modes to select from, including N Grin Boost, N e-Shift, N Active Sound, N adaptive suspension, and N Brake Regen. However, the good thing is you don’t have to engage with any of these (if you don’t want to) to experience the performance. The twin motors produce 448kW without touching anything.
If you’re the kind of person that likes changing your own air filter or engine oil, or you like computers, then you will thoroughly enjoy adjusting and playing with all of these fine settings. Not just to find the ultimate in performance but purely to test the different setups and analyse the results.
Out of all the modes and functions, the N Torque Distribution mechanism is the most interesting, as well as the N e-Shift mode which simulates a dual-clutch transmission, right down to the noises, and sensations felt through the seat (it is mind-blowing). Strangely, these two technologies cannot be overlapped.
In other words, if you wanted to dial in more rear bias in power delivery, it means you can no longer use the paddle-shifters and engage with the artificial DCT. Both systems are very comprehensive in delivering real changes that you’ll notice, but it is a shame you can’t use them at the same time.
Out on the track I had more fun with the simulated DCT. It helps provide reference points on corner entry, as you can ‘downshift’ coming into corners like you would in any petrol vehicle. The sensation of speed and general making progress is also heightened with this mode on in my opinion, as opposed to the CVT-like generic build-up.
Switching to rear-wheel drive allows you to drift around corners like you’re in a BMW M3, or M5 more specifically because that’s closer to the weight and tyre-shredding power level of the IONIQ 5 N. In saying that, switching back to the DCT shift mode and reverting to 50:50 torque split doesn’t shut down the fun.
This will smoke up all four tyres and four-wheel drift around corners. Easily, too. It’s like a Ken Block rally car, only with instant response. I had so much fun out on the track I managed to delaminate a tyre or two (sorry, Hyundai). Mainly because I haven’t driven a four-wheel drive vehicle quite like this, ever before. It was just too much fun.
The closest thing would be a tuned Mitsubishi Evo – I’m talking zero counter-steer drifting. My laps in the video below were a bit rusty; I kept dialling in counter-steer when it probably wasn’t needed, because I’m too used to RWD characteristics when drifting. But believe me, you can drift this thing like a rally pro. It is so easy and forgiving, and extremely fun.
The full charge range is listed at 450km under the WLTP test cycle, and the electrical system can take in ultra-rapid charger outputs thanks to its 400V/800V architecture. A 350kW DC charger, for example, can charge the battery from 10-80 per cent in 18 minutes.
One of Hyundai’s main goals was to create an EV that could attack the track under a 20/20/20 philosophy; 20 minutes on track, 20 minutes cool down, and 20 minutes charging. About six or seven examples that Hyundai had at the track proved this is totally possible. In fact, the team ran this strategy all day. Without a hiccup.
Prices for the new beast start from $111,000 (excluding on-road costs), which is not bad considering the level of performance it offers and the sheer versatility and technology advancements it represents.
We are planning to do a road-oriented review in a couple of months, and we’ll go over more of the practicality-related details, and see what it’s like to live with on a daily basis. But, first impressions? Amazingly convincing. You need to book in a test drive of one and experience it to believe it.
