In the face of softening EV demand, Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 remains a favourite among EV SUV buyers, with its parametric pixel design language and a wedge shape that is evocative of Hyundai’s first, Giugiaro-designed export models of the 1980s.
It’s no secret we love the IONIQ 5 N, with its 478kW and 770Nm powertrain and drift modes and all of that, but now there is an entree that offers some of the aesthetic flourishes of that car and sporty suspension without the price tag or licence-threatening performance; the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Line.
After a trip to the Blue Mountains in an Epiq AWD variant, we came up with a list of top five pros and cons to this technical marvel, although, overall, we came away very impressed.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Line: Pros
5. Fast-charging architecture
With a sophisticated 800V electrical architecture, the IONIQ 5 is capable of an 18 minute fast charge time via a 350kW plug. We were able to experience this at an Evie charging station in the western suburbs. This is almost at petrol car refuel time, albeit without the same abundance of refuelling availability.
This is particularly noteworthy when we see new cars launching with 100kW maximum DC charging – which, in our opinion, is unacceptably slow. The pixel animation on the charging cap and being able to monitor via an app is all very novel. Another feature we wish other manufacturers would incorporate is an upward opening charge flap – handy to keep rain out during initial plug in. Its official 495km range seems realistic in real world conditions.
4. Design
The exterior design is both retro and futuristic at the same time, with many of Hyundai’s non-EV models benefiting from this design language too. 20-inch alloy wheels with a superb pattern are wrapped in 255/45 tyres, with a great stance. 160mm of ground clearance imbues the IONIQ 5 with SUV practicality and ease of entry/egress.
Inside, it is a tour-de-force. The seats, dash layout and steering wheel all look and feel amazing. Twin 12.3-inch infotainment and instrument screens blend seamlessly with tactile climate and volume controls instead of lazily relegating everything to the touch-screen like some rivals. Storage is fantastic, with a shiftable centre console offering superb ergonomics. Space for all five occupants is very generous.
3. Seats
A major highlight for this writer is the seats which feature an electrically actuated thigh extension. This means you can position yourself in a ‘zero gravity’ position that takes all the strain off your back and offers just the right amount of support under your thighs. Combined with the ADAS autonomous cruise control and steering, it might be one of the best long distance cruisers in its class, with almost zero strain or RSI after a very long drive. Furthermore, they offer heating and cooling with easy-to-access switches.
2. Ride and handling
Hyundai is renowned for their extensive Australian tuning program, and the IONIQ 5 N Line is no exception. The steering is confidence inspiring, with minimal weight transfer. Helping here, the AWD system uses torque-vectoring to apportion maximum torque to the right wheel. This is a car that is fun to pun around switchbacks, despite its hefty 2190kg mass.
1. Awesome performance
While not on par with the full send IONIQ 5 N, performance is still outstanding with a combined 239kW and 605Nm. This yields a 0-100 time of 5.13 seconds according to our Vbox tests. It’s more than adequate for times when you need instant response, such as overtaking or corner carving. All the instrumentation and data you could need is beautifully presented in the instrument cluster and head-up display.
On the topic of performance, the stereo provides outstanding bass, clarity and you can even configure the HUD to show album artwork. Very satisfying to any audiophile.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Line: Cons
5. Heavy
It ain’t light at 2190kg. You never really notice when driving, because the chassis tuning is so well-executed, but there are similarly capable (in a straight line, at least) EVs which weigh up to 300kg less. This weight puts additional strain on our roads – and tyres – compared with an ICE car, which is part of the justification for an incoming EV road tax.
Hyundai is working on next-generation battery tech that will no doubt address this, but to be honest, you don’t really notice it in day-to-day driving due to the way it’s engineered.
4. No ‘N’ driving modes
A highlight of the big daddy IONIQ N is the N Grin Shift, with artificial engine sounds and gear shifts. While it does sound like an early 1990s computer game, this is part of the fun and novelty, and proves it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Furthermore, it adds tangible fun to an otherwise silent experience. The latest Dodge Charger with ‘Fratzonic’ sound generator, by contrast appears to be a try-hard way to make up for a major deficiency of losing a V8, which has not been well-received by media and fans.
On the IONIQ 5 N, the modes add major fun factor to the car, and while we would’ve liked to see some on the N Line, we understand they had to keep an incentive to go for the higher model.
3. Expensive
At $91,300 before on-road costs, it is eye-opening compared with non-premium equivalent petrol-powered rivals. The standard inclusions, sophisticated electrical architecture and performance go a long way to justifying this, but it’s a big ask. However, it’s almost $20,000 cheaper than the $111,000 IONIQ 5 N.
2. Unusual gear selector
We are starting to see across the board this rotary dial shifter on the right hand side of the steering wheel. While it is good for space utilisation, the directions may be counter-intuitive to the uninitiated. You twist it forward for drive, and backwards for reverse. We’d suggest taking some time to get acclimatised with this, lest you have a car park bingle.
1. Quicker alternatives are available
MG’s MG4 XPower is one of the best value performance cars on the market, but sales of that model are not strong at the moment. It costs substantially less at $56,990 drive-away at the time of writing and weighs just 1800kg, despite its insane performance.
However, that car does not have anywhere near the same charging capability (140kW max DC), standard equipment inclusions, braking performance or comfort/interior space for long trips.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Line Epiq: Specifications
Electrical: 84kWh battery, 2x electric motors
Output: 239kW / 605Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.5, 255/45
ANCAP: Five stars
Weight: 2190kg
Power-to-weight: 9.16:1 (kg:kW)
Official range (WLTP): 495kmMax charging AC/DC: AC 11kW, DC 350kW
0-60km/h: 2.48 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.13 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.57 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.57 seconds at 164.8km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.854g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.04m in 3.12s*
Max deceleration: -1.096g*
Starting price: $91,300
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Line Epiq: Video
