Exploring the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: A Fresh Perspective and Review

Get ready, Australia! The game-changing arrival is near, setting new benchmarks in tech and performance that stand unmatched.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N appears to have defed convention, creating an electric vehicle that ignites the passion of petrolheads.

This spirited electric marvel boasts staggering speed coupled with a soul-stirring engine note, delivering an exhilarating experience. Uncharacteristically for a 2.2-tonne EV, it surges through gear shifts and carves corners with a fnesse that defes its weight.

Till Wartenberg, head of Hyundai’s performance N brand, articulates the essence succinctly as we take the electrifed N for a spin at South Korea’s F1 circuit and then onto winding back roads. To earn its N badge, the retro-styled Ioniq 5 needed to excel on the racetrack while remaining practical for everyday use. A challenge indeed, considering EVs are often synonymous with a lack of auditory appeal and emotional connection.

Hyundai took a leap into the future, blending cutting-edge electronics with clever manipulations to fashion a hyper-hatch that tantalizes the senses. The vehicle is equipped with eight internal and two external speakers, orchestrating an orchestra of virtual sounds synched to RPM, speed, and torque data. While modes like the supersonic jet or high-pitched EV might feel reminiscent of video games, one mode remarkably mirrors the growl of a four-cylinder petrol race car. The authenticity of these sounds, including popping backfres upon throttle lift-off, is astonishing.

The illusion extends further with the N e-Shift feature, simulating gear changes akin to a dual-clutch transmission and even mimicking an 8000rpm rev limiter with throttle blips on downshifts. While contrived, these elements enrich the driving engagement in a way unseen in other EVs.

Under the hood lies the most powerful Hyundai ever built, sporting dual motors generating a combined 448kW and 740Nm. An additional ‘N Grin Mode’ temporarily boosts power by 30kW and 30Nm for ten seconds, catapulting the car from 0-100km/h in a blistering 3.4 seconds and topping out at 260km/h.

Despite this astounding performance, the Ioniq 5 N addresses concerns regarding an EV’s track longevity. Clever cooling systems, advanced battery thermal management, and an ‘endurance’ mode ensure sustained performance, promising two laps (42km) at the Nürburgring without a drop in prowess.

The vehicle offers confgurable torque distribution, a drift mode, adjustable damping, and an electronic limited-slip differential, demanding an in-depth dive into settings reminiscent of a teenage gamer’s obsession. While this level of customization might overwhelm traditional performance drivers, it amplifes the car’s addictiveness.

Impressively, the Ioniq 5 N transitions seamlessly from track beast to comfortable road cruiser. In eco mode, it’s eerily quiet, boasting a smart suspension that cushions the ride despite 21-inch forged aluminium wheels and high-performance Pirelli tires. It comfortably accommodates fve passengers, presenting twin 12.3-inch screens and ample storage, albeit with some interior materials feeling less premium than its price suggests.

Speaking of price, the Ioniq 5 N, priced at about $120,000 drive-away, positions itself as the priciest Hyundai to date, albeit a steal compared to luxury performance cars. Hyundai’s safety features and a fve-year warranty, even for non-timed track use, add value. Additionally, the vehicleto-load feature allows the car to serve as a power source, enhancing its practicality.

Beyond its rapid acceleration, the Ioniq 5 N’s fast-charging capability, recharging from 10-80% in just 18 minutes, solidifes its position as a frontrunner in the electric performance segment. In summary, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N breaks barriers, delivering an electric performance car that enthrals with its engaging driving dynamics and addictive thrills.

Specifcations:

• Price: About $120,000 drive-away

• Power: Dual electric motors, 448kW and 740Nm

• Warranty/Service: Five years/unlimited km, Capped service price not available

• Safety: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, radar cruise, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear crosstraffc alert, 360-degree camera

• Range: 448km

• Luggage: 527 litres

• Spare: Repair kit