For years, the narrative surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) has been consistent: they are fast in a straight line, but sterile in the corners. They lack the soul, the noise, and the mechanical engagement that car enthusiasts crave. Hyundai’s “N” division, known for its rowdy hot hatches like the i30 N, took this criticism personally.
With the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the Korean automaker hasn’t just built a faster version of its popular crossover; it has fundamentally reimagined what an electric performance car can be. By simulating gears, engine noise, and clutch kicks, this 641-horsepower beast promises to bridge the emotional gap between combustion and electrons. In this review, we drive the IONIQ 5 N to see if it is merely a simulator on wheels or the most fun you can have in an EV today.
What is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?
The IONIQ 5 N is the first high-performance electric vehicle from Hyundai’s N sub-brand. Based on the standard IONIQ 5’s E-GMP platform, it has been heavily modified with chassis stiffening, improved battery cooling, and aggressive aerodynamics to handle the rigors of track use.
This is not a simple cosmetic package. It is a dedicated track weapon disguised as a family crossover, boasting a dual-motor setup that delivers supercar levels of acceleration. However, its true selling point is its suite of software tricks designed to mimic the behavior of an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, aiming to provide the tactile feedback that has been missing from the EV segment.
Performance and Handling
The raw numbers of the IONIQ 5 N are staggering, placing it in direct competition with super-SUVs that cost twice as much. Yet, the magic of this car isn’t just in how fast it goes, but in how it delivers that speed to the tarmac through its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.
When you engage “N Grin Boost,” the dual motors unlock their full potential, delivering a punch that feels violent yet controlled. Here are the performance specifications that define this electric hyper-hatch:
- Power Output: 601 hp (641 hp with N Grin Boost engaged).
- Torque: 545 lb-ft (740 Nm), available instantly.
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds.
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 161 mph (260 km/h).
N e-Shift and N Active Sound+
The most controversial yet impressive feature of the IONIQ 5 N is the N e-Shift. This system simulates an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission by momentarily cutting torque to mimic a “shift,” complete with a tachometer in the digital dash and a rev limiter.
Paired with N Active Sound+, the car generates synthetic engine noise (ranging from a turbo four-cylinder to a jet fighter) that reacts to your throttle input. While it sounds gimmicky on paper, on the road, it provides essential auditory cues that help drivers judge speed and braking points into corners.
- Simulated Redline: The car will actually bounce off a digital “rev limiter” if you don’t pull the paddle to upshift.
- Torque Interruption: It provides a physical “jolt” during shifts, engaging the driver physically in the process.
- Downshift Braking: Pulling the left paddle simulates engine braking, helping to settle the car’s weight before a turn.
Track Capability and Chassis
Hyundai did not just add power; they completely overhauled the suspension and chassis to ensure the car could survive—and thrive—on a racetrack. The body-in-white features 42 additional weld points and significantly more structural adhesive than the standard model to increase rigidity.
The suspension features electronic dampers that can switch from “Daily” comfort to “N Mode” stiffness instantly. To stop this 2.2-ton missile, Hyundai has fitted it with massive brakes that work in tandem with the regenerative braking system.
- N Brake Regen: Offers up to 0.6G of deceleration through regen alone, saving the physical pads for the hardest stops.
- Electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD): actively distributes power to the rear wheels to induce rotation and oversteer.
- N Drift Optimizer: A dedicated mode that helps maintain a drift angle by managing torque delivery, making the car feel rear-wheel drive.
Design and Interior
Visually, the IONIQ 5 N is wider, lower, and angrier than its standard sibling. It features functional active air flaps, a massive rear diffuser, and aggressive side skirts, all finished with the signature “Luminous Orange” accent strip that defines N models.
Inside, the cabin has been transformed from a lounge into a cockpit. The standard movable center console is replaced by a fixed unit with knee pads for bracing during high-G cornering, and the steering wheel is cluttered with N-specific buttons.
- N Bucket Seats: Deeply bolstered seats positioned lower to the floor for a better center of gravity.
- N Steering Wheel: Features dedicated buttons for Drive Modes, N Grin Boost, and N e-Shift activation.
- Track UI: The digital cluster transforms in N Mode to prioritize battery temperature, tire pressure, and lap times.
Range and Charging
Despite the performance focus, this is still an electric vehicle that needs to live in the real world. The IONIQ 5 N is equipped with a larger 84 kWh battery pack designed to handle the high thermal loads of track driving without overheating.
Thanks to the 800V architecture, it remains one of the fastest-charging EVs on the market, minimizing downtime whether you are at a charging station or in the pit lane.
- Real-World Range: EPA estimated around 221 miles (355 km), though aggressive driving will drain this quickly.
- Charging Speed: 10% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes on a 350kW DC fast charger.
- Battery Preconditioning: The “N Battery Pre-Conditioning” feature optimizes cell temperature specifically for “Drag Mode” or “Track Mode” runs.
Pros and Cons
The IONIQ 5 N is a technological marvel, but it is also heavy and expensive compared to traditional hot hatches. Potential buyers need to decide if the simulated engagement features are enough to justify the switch from petrol.
Pros:
- Genuine Driver Engagement: The N e-Shift and simulated sound make it the most engaging EV on the market.
- Supercar Performance: Acceleration and handling that rival cars costing double the price.
- Daily Usability: It retains the spacious interior and fast charging of the standard IONIQ 5.
- Track Readiness: Brake cooling and battery management allow for sustained lap times without overheating.
Cons:
- Range Anxiety: The range is mediocre compared to non-performance EVs, especially when driven hard.
- Weight: At over 4,800 lbs (2,200 kg), you can feel the mass in tight corners despite the engineering wizardry.
- Turning Circle: The widened track and aggressive geometry result in a surprisingly large turning radius, making parking tricky.
Conclusion
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a watershed moment for the electric car industry. It proves that the future of performance doesn’t have to be silent, sterile, or boring. By embracing simulation—fake gears, fake noise, and fake tachometers—Hyundai has created something that feels undeniably real.
It is a car that appeals to the heart as much as the head. If you are a petrolhead who has been resisting the switch to electric because you “miss the drama,” the IONIQ 5 N is the car that will finally change your mind. It is, quite simply, the new benchmark for electric driving fun.
