• Despite the Hyundai’s power advantage, the M3 CS easily beat it off the line.
  • The BMW is around 1,000 lbs lighter than the Ioniq 5 N, making it better to handle.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has proven to the world that it’s possible to have a fun and exciting EV that tickles the senses, just like a combustion-powered car. However, this test shows that it does struggle to compete against one of the finest sports sedans on the market; the BMW M3 CS.

Soon after we saw the Hyundai go head-to-head in a U-Drag Race test against a Tesla Model 3 Performance, Edmunds lined it up alongside an M3 CS to see how the EV would compare. It is worth pointing out that these two are not direct rivals. Whereas the M3 CS is a hardcore sedan, the Ioniq 5 N is a much larger electric SUV and, as such, weighs a lot more than its German foe.

Read: Cornering Power Wins Over Speed In This Performance EV Battle

Off the line, one may think the Ioniq 5 N would have the advantage thanks to its extra power and the instantaneous torque provided by its two electric motors. However, the BMW is roughly 1,000 lbs lighter and has a better weight-to-power ratio of 7.14 lb/hp compared to the 8.08 lb/hp of the Hyundai.

As such, it rockets away from the starting line at a frightening pace, almost immediately opening up a car length advantage over the Ioniq 5 N. As the speeds build, the Hyundai keeps the M3 CS in its sights, but when it comes to doing the high-speed U-turn, the rear end of it gets loose, and it can’t keep pace with the sedan.

BMW M3 CS Shows Why Power-to-Weight Ratio Matters Against Ioniq 5 N
Edmunds

The second race is quite similar. This time, the driver of the M3 slightly jumped the start, and the Beemer accelerated into the lead. It held onto its lead until the end of the race.

While the BMW M3 CS claimed the win, it didn’t do so by a huge margin. In fact, it was only 0.1 seconds quicker, completing the U-Drag race in 32.7 seconds at 136.9 mph compared to the 32.8 seconds needed for the Ioniq 5 N. Both cars are in elite company and are quicker than an Acura NSX Type S, with a best time of 33.0 seconds at 136.5 mph. The M3 CS also matched the much more powerful Mercedes-AMG GT 63.