After patiently biding its time for several months following the world debut of the Ioniq 5 N this past summer, Hyundai has unveiled the North American specification of its blazing mega hatch just ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. While pricing remains unconfirmed, we do know that this high-performance EV is set to hit U.S. dealerships in March 2024, promising to inject some serious excitement into the segment.
For the most part, the Ioniq 5 N heading to U.S. and Canadian shores is the same as the model presented for international markets a few months ago. As such, it is underpinned by the standard model’s E-GMP platform, but the body-in-white has 42 extra welding points and 6.9 feet of additional structural adhesives. Hyundai has also reinforced the mounting points of the electric motors and battery pack while also improving the lateral rigidity of the front and rear subframes.
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Power comes courtesy of an enlarged 84 kWh battery pack that drives a pair of electric motors. The front motor is good for 223 hp while the rear motor makes 378 hp. Combined, these motors churn out 601 hp, and if that’s not enough, you can engage the N Grin Boost mode for 10-second bursts, cranking the power up to 641 hp. That’s twice the muscle of the current range-topping AWD Ioniq 5, which offers a modest 320 hp from its dual-motor setup.
Hyundai says the N model needs just 3.25 seconds to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) with N Launch Control and the N Grin Boost modes activated and tops out at 162 mph (261 km/h).
As with the standard model, the car takes just 18 minutes to charge from 10-80% at a 350 kW charging, capping out at 238 kW. No EPA-estimated range figure has been published at this stage.
Quick Facts
Extensive work has been done to ensure that the high-performance version of the Ioniq 5 is fit for the N badge and heaps of fun to drive on a circuit. For example, there is a new thermal management system, a battery chiller, and enhanced motor oil cooling. The Ioniq 5 N also has independent radiators for the battery and motor.
Engineers have also developed a powerful new braking system for the EV with 15.75-inch front rotors and four-piston calipers working alongside 14.2-inch rear rotors and single-piston calipers. A more potent N-specific regenerative braking system has also been developed that alone produces up to 0.6 g of deceleration and remains active even when the ABS is engaged.
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You’ll find plenty of trick stuff going on with the software too. For example, the Ioniq 5 N includes an N Race feature that allows drivers to choose between ‘Endurance’ or ‘Sprint’ modes. The first of these maximizes range on the racetrack by limiting peak power while ‘Sprint’ unlocks full power for shorter bursts of all-out performance. There is also a Drag mode for short bursts of acceleration and a Track mode to optimize the battery temperate for sustained high-speed laps around a track. The fun stuff continues on the software side.
N e-shift mimics dual clutch transmission feel
One of the Ioniq 5 N’s most compelling features is N e-shift. This system simulates the feeling of the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission found in Hyundai N’s ICE cars and has been paired with an N Active Sound+ system to capture the sound of a traditional N car, too. This system also offers sounds to mimic that of the RN22e rolling lab prototype and one inspired by twin-engine fighter jets. Sound is piped through eight internal speakers and two external speakers.
The interior of the Ioniq 5 N is also quite distinct from lesser variants. For example, there is a completely new steering wheel with large N buttons, and the sliding center console has been ditched in favor of a fixed console with knee pads and shin supports to ensure drivers remain locked in position during fast cornering. Hyundai has also fitted new bucket seats, new pedals, and a redesigned footrest. There are also plenty of sustainable materials found throughout, including BIO PET yarn from sugarcane, recycled PET yarn from recycled bottles, recycled tire pigment paint, and recycled poly Alcantara cloth on the seats.
Buyers will be able to order the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in either Performance Blue Matte, Abyss Black Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Atlas White, or Soultronic Orange Pearl.
While pricing details are expected to be revealed next year, it’s worth noting that in other markets, the Ioniq 5 N has been priced slightly higher than the Kia EV6 GT, which has an MSRP of $61,600 in the United States. For instance, in Australia, the Ioniq 5 N commands an additional A$11,000 or approximately $7,200 above the EV6 GT’s price tag. If Hyundai maintains a similar pricing strategy, we can anticipate the Ioniq N to fall in the mid-to-high $60k range.
