Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N Confirmed For Malaysia

Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) surprised local press last night with a preview of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N performance EV crossover. Confirmed too but not shown was the Ioniq 6 N.

Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) made a surprise announcement at its Chinese New Year press dinner event last night. Part of the principal-led firm’s plans for Malaysia this year includes a proper introduction of the Korean marque’s N performance sub-brand.

The effort will include the introduction of two key performance EVs, those being the Ioniq 5 N hot crossover and its sleeker Ioniq 6 N saloon cousin. The former was also teased during the dinner mentioned, and both look set to arrive locally by second quarter (Q2) this year.

A proper introduction of the Korean marque's N performance sub-brand is set to occur by Q2, and it will see the Ioniq 5 N making landfall with the Ioniq 6 N.

“We will treat this as a key branding exercise for the brand in Malaysia. Apart from both these models, there’s still more to come,” said Sean Yeo, Head of Product at HMY, when Carz.com.my spoke with him privately at said press dinner.

With the main N sub-brand’s entry, the exec also didn’t discount the possibility of introducing its more accessible ‘N-line’ range of accessories and products – much like how Toyota has its GR Sport range, and BMW with its M Sport range and catalogue.

Last previewed locally by HSDM, only a handful of the Ioniq 5 N actually made landfall in Malaysia, and these were quietly sold off to top-tier customers and industry figures at undisclosed prices.

As a refresher, previous distributors Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) unofficially teased the Ioniq 5 N in the months leading up to HMY’s establishment and eventual takeover of the slanted H-brand’s distribution efforts in Malaysia.

Though the Ioniq 5 N wasn’t officially launched by HSDM, a handful of units did make landfall and were sold to select buyers – mostly top-tier customers and industry figures – at undisclosed prices.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N outputs up to 650 PS and 770 Nm to enable 0-100 km/h dashes in just 3.4 secs. It also has simulated gear shifts amongst many other novel performance driver assists.

Based on the acclaimed Ioniq 5 EV crossover, the hotter N version sees its dual-motor setup – juiced by an 84 kWh LFP battery pack – churn out a combined 650 PS and 770 Nm to all four wheels (AWD) with simulated gear shifts to boot.

In turn, 0-100 km/h dashes take just 3.4 secs whilst enroute towards a capped V-max of 260 km/h. Naturally, the speed and performance come at the penalty of range, though the claimed max WLTP-rated figure of 448 KM is arguably not too shabby.

Also confirmed was the Ioniq 6 N model. This sleeker four-dour saloon 'cousin' to the Ioniq 5 N shares the same battery, dual-motor and performance package as said hot crossover.

Similarly, the sleeker, lower and booted Ioniq 6 N four-door saloon cousin shares the same battery and motor setup, boasting a slightly quicker century sprint  time of 3.2 secs plus a slightly longer claimed max WLTP-rated range of 487 KM.

Both also feature sharper looks thanks to additions like flared wheel arches, larger – and snazzier – alloy wheels, full-blown aerokits, and more. Critically, both also benefit with specially tuned chassis, brakes, and driver aids to enhance its agility.

Naturally, no price figures were hinted during last night's teasers. However, both N performance EV models are expected to command quite the premium.

Naturally, no price figures were shared, but HMY execs assured full details will be dished out in due time. Above all else though, the introduction of the N performance sub-brand locally is a small part from a much bigger plan laid out by the firm, which we’ll detail separately.

For now though, what do you folks reckon? Would you be keen on either hot EVs from the left-field Korean marques? What sort of pricing do you reckon is fair for either? As usual, share your take in the comments below…