Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Arrives As A 641-HP Track-Oriented EV

After several teasers and previews, Hyundai has finally unveiled the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N performance EV. Touted as Hyundai N’s first all-electric model, the Ioniq 5 N boasts several tech and mechanical upgrades to make it a track-ready EV.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

The Hyundai N’s first EV model features a dual-motor setup that delivers a total system output of 600 HP (448 kW) and 740 NM. Mind you, this is not the final production figures, so things might change at the last minute. Should you need more power, the Ioniq 5 N also comes with N Grin Boost function, which increases its output to a whopping 641 HP (478 kW) and 770 NM for about 10 seconds.

10 seconds is more than enough to shorten the Ioniq 5 N’s original 0-100 KM/H sprint time from 3.5 seconds to 3.4 seconds. Flat out, the Ioniq 5 N is capable of reaching its limited V-max of 260 KM/H.

Juicing up said motors is a sizable 84.0-kWh lithium ion battery pack that is installed on Hyundai’s proprietary  e-GMP 800-volt architecture. While Hyundai has yet to disclose its claimed EV range, said battery pack can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

However, powertrain specs aren’t the Ioniq 5 N’s main selling point. Instead, this N-badged EV stood out as a true performance-oriented electric vehicle, thanks to several mechanical upgrades and improvements. For starters, the Ioniq 5 N’s body structure features 42 additional welding points and 2.1 metres of additional adhesives – all helped to improve its chassis rigidity. Its steering column has also been strengthened, while the standard i-Pedal regenerative braking system is replaced with the performance-oriented N-Pedal system.

Speaking of brakes, the Ioniq 5 N comes with new brakes, featuring four-piston callipers at the front axle. The power of the regenerative braking system has also been enhanced and alone can provide 0.6 G of decelerative force. Other than that, the car sports novel N Torque Distribution system that provides fully-variable front and rear torque distribution with up to 11 levels of adjustments.

To help three-pedal petrolheads quickly accustomed to this EV, there is also an N Drift Optimizer with an integrated Torque Kick Drift function that allows the driver to simulate the clutch kick action of a rear-wheel drive ICE car.

Also helping petrolheads to feel at home (or steer them away), the Ioniq 5 N comes with the N e-shift and N Active Sound+. The former essentially emulates an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) found in many other Hyundai N’s ICE models, where the system controls the two motors’ torque output. 

Meanwhile, the latter one is a bit controversial, as it uses the Ioniq 5 N’s eight internal speakers and two additional external speakers to emulate the sound of Hyundai N’s ICE models. The ‘Ignition’ sound profile mimics the sound of Hyundai N’s 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged mill, while the ‘Evolution’ option copies the RN22e’s sound, and the ‘Supersonic’ theme ‘transforms’ your N-badged EV into a twin-engine fighter jet.

Mechanical upgrades aside, the Ioniq 5 N also boasts several N signature cosmetic upgrades. Highlights include the new front splitter with functional air flaps and air curtains, the unique rear spoiler, pronounced rear diffuser, racecar-style triangular brake light, as well as the 21-inch forged aluminium wheels that are shodded in Pirelli P Zero performance tyres.

Aside from that, this N-badged EV now sits 20 MM lower to the ground, while its dimensions grew slightly, measuring 50 MM wider and 80 MM longer than the standard Ioniq 5.

On board, the Ioniq 5 N also gets several N makeovers. There’s a slew of N-badged buttons laid out, including the N Grin Boost button. Meanwhile, its steering wheel now gets steel paddle shifters that control its regenerative braking system, while the central console gets knee pads and shin supports for track driving. Helping you to stay in place while hitting the track are the N bucket seats, albeit no six-point harness was in sight.

Making its global debut at the ongoing 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N truly sets a statement that EVs can be a fun-driving machine. While Hyundai did not disclose its price tag, we can expect them to be heftier than the current range-topping Ioniq 5 model.