Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Fast /fɑːst/ adj moving or capable of moving at high speed.
Relatively speaking all electric cars are fast. I say relatively because if you compare the average family hatchback, say an MG4 to the petrol equivalent, let’s say a VW Polo the difference between them in terms of sheer acceleration is astonishing.
So what happens when the inevitable happens and a manufacturer takes what was already a quick car and brings out a performance version? It’s been done a few times already; Tesla’s Plaid at one end of the price scale, MG’s XPower at the other, and it’s not just a case of whacking the voltage up and clinging on.
How fast is it, then?
This is the Ioniq 5 N, the performance version of Hyundai‘s all-electric, retro-futuristic, hatchback-looking, SUV sized model that was launched in 2021. The AWD version of the Ioniq 5 would officially do the 0-62mph sprint in 5.3 seconds, and that’s quick. This N version will officially do 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds; I say officially because some outlets have carried out their own tests and recorded it at 2.8 seconds. Two-point-eight-seconds. That’s absolutely insane.
So, how does it achieve this performance feat? Well, its two motors – one for the front wheels & one for the rear produce 222bhp & 379bhp respectively. That’s a grand total of 601bhp, which if you’ve not already gathered, is rather a lot. Not only that but there’s a mode that boosts this to 641 bhp but more on that later.
Instant, unadulterated pace
It’s not just this massive amount of power, though, being electric means there’s no waiting for the internal combustion engine to go through its process, no turbos to spool up, and no gear changes to navigate………or are there?
Ok, enough of the cryptic messages because part of what stands the Ioniq 5 N apart from its rivals isn’t just its unadulterated pace, it’s the extra thought that’s gone into launching you towards the horizon, too. For example, and we briefly touched on this earlier, on the steering wheel there’s the usual N buttons on either side that access your pre-loaded settings in an instant, but there’s also a very tempting button labelled NGB. This stands for N Grin Boost and what it does is unleash the full 641bhp capability of the two motors for ten seconds for overtaking etc.
Feeling supersonic?
Seen something similar in the i30 & i20 N, I hear you say? Yes, it’s true they have N Grin Shift buttons, granted, but the Ioniq 5 N has a few other party tricks up its sleeve. For one, there’s sound effects. There’s three to choose from; Ignition, which mimics an internal combustion engine, Evolution for that electric car, Star-Wars-ey feel and then Supersonic which has a jet-engine howl about it. The best bit? – there’s external speakers that project your chosen sound for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users’ amusement.
Wait, it has gears?
Now for something really smart, if a tad backward-looking. The Ioniq 5 N obviously doesn’t have a gearbox as it’s electric, but it has an option that’ll imitate one. Yes, it will move up and down ‘ratios’, even popping and banging on the overrun should you so wish. And the effect is wonderful.
All of this a bit gimmicky? Yes, that’s a fair point but the Ioniq 5 N is far more than a life-size arcade game. If it was all style and no substance it would be something of a laughing stock with its silly effects. But it’s not. The way the Ioniq 5 N accelerates is startling and it’s been set up to handle far more spritely than its 2.2 tonnes + kerb weight has any right to. And the gear-changes aren’t just a bit of laugh, either. They’re a good reference for more economical driving but perhaps more pertinently, should you be giving it the beans around a track, the changing up and down of ratios gives some perspective about speed being carried into and out of corners.
Speaking of track driving, the Ioniq 5 N uses Hyundai’s 800V platform, which is quite heavy. Why would they do that? – because it means the Ioniq 5 N can realistically be run around a track for 20 minutes, then be charged for 20 minutes to be ready to go again. They’re even installing rapid chargers in pit lanes to make all of this possible. Now that’s serious commitment.
Ok, it’s fast, but how does it handle?
And for anyone who still thinks Hyundai’s just turned the voltage up and hoped for the best, there’s some amazing advances both on the surface and under the skin. It’s still obviously an Ioniq 5 but it now sits lower down on a widened track and the bumpers and rear spoiler have been upgraded for better aero and cooling of brakes and batteries. The rear motor is linked to a limited-slip differential and the subframe and suspension components have been upgraded to improve handling. The body itself isn’t just welded together, it’s also glued for increased rigidity. Hyundai’s N Division aren’t playing around with this one.
What’s the catch?
So, any downsides? Well, the range hasn’t exactly been improved by all of this extra performance. It’s a claimed 278 miles which even on a good day is going to be nearer 220 miles. Push it like the Ioniq 5 N was made to be driven and we think you’ll get it under 100 miles. In fact, if you’re on a track in full-on attack mode you’ll only get 25 miles of range. How do we know this? – we know because Hyundai has given the Ioniq 5 N a 99% mode to enable it to complete 2 laps of the Nordschleife (25.9 miles) at under 8 minutes a lap. At 100% power it laps the Green Hell in 7m 50s but it can’t manage two laps at that pace.
Should I buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?
You may be thinking all of this extreme green fun must come at a cost, and you’d be right. At a shade over £65K OTR the Ioniq 5 N certainly isn’t about the cheap thrills but if you want ultimate electronic performance in a family friendly package, nothing else really comes close.
By Ben Harrington
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is available now, priced from £65,010 or £599 per month. For full details go to: www.hyundai.com
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