Amidst a sea of sameness in the EV space stands a game changing electric vehicle. A car that is track-focused, exciting and ready to be embraced by automotive enthusiasts. It’s called the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, and it just happens to run on batteries.
Priced at around $125,000 drive away, it’s a big call, but this car represents a masterclass in design, streets ahead of the competition. Tested here in Soultronic Orange, it’s bold and aggressive, right from the get-go.
The front end is where the magic begins, with a plethora of cooling elements that are critical to the car’s immense powertrain. The large lower front grille, which can open and close depending on the need for cooling, is a striking feature.
The aero elements and sharp lines throughout the body add to the overall sense of purpose and athleticism. The side profile is equally impressive, giving a pumped and toned hatchback feel.
21-inch forged alloy wheels with 400mm ventilated rotors and 4-piston brake callipers feature up front, with slightly smaller versions at the rear. The wider track of the IONIQ 5 N is evident in the rear haunches, which gives the car a squat, menacing stance.
Measuring 80mm longer and 50mm wider than its standard counterpart, and also sitting lower to the ground, this car is clearly designed to be a track weapon. The tyres are no joke either, with 275 Pirelli P-Zero rubber providing exceptional grip and traction.
At the back, the aggression continues with a massive rear spoiler and an array of aero features that include an actual diffuser, rather than just a cosmetic addition. Step inside, and you’re immediately struck by the striking contrast to other electric vehicles.
Hyundai’s attention to detail and commitment to making the N model stand out are evident in every aspect of the interior. The sleek, functional bucket seats feature illuminated logos and are wrapped in leather, with contrasting Alcantara inserts.
The sporty steering wheel appears to be straight from a race car. Signature blue stitching is woven throughout, adorning the seats and door cards. The result is an interior that is both visually stunning and expertly executed.
When it comes to tech, you get two high-definition 12.3-inch displays, including an infotainment system and instrument cluster. The two work seamlessly together, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Hyundai’s Connected Services.
It adds an SOS button, Blue Link connectivity, and remote functionality via your phone. Sound comes in the form of an 8-speaker premium Bose sound system, and there’s also a digital rear view mirror. You’ll also find dual-zone climate control.
In addition, there’s heated and cooled manually-adjustable seats for both driver and passenger, and a heated steering wheel. The pews themselves, which enhance the driving experience, are surprisingly comfortable, despite their sporty design.
USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad complete the space upfront, while there’s are additional ports and a 12V socket in the rear console. The IONIQ 5 N has a fixed central cubby, with some good storage options, along with two retractable cup holders.
In row two, knee room is generous, while head room is equally impressive, making it a comfortable space for passengers. Toe room is limited thanks to the lower positioning of the front seats. Natural light abounds thanks to the optional glass roof.
Practicality-wise, there are some nice touches, such as the air vents that are integrated into the door pillars for rear passengers, privacy blinds, and sliding seats. The outboard seats come with ISOFIX mounting points and top tether anchors for your extra small humans.
Boot space is a decent 480-litres, and you’ll also find a convenient vehicle-to-load power socket for charging devices or powering accessories on the go. Safety-wise, you’ll find autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection.
The car is also equipped blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera, semi-autonomous radar cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot projection in the instrument cluster, when you indicate left or right.
On the charger, you can get to 80 per cent with a DC faster charger in around 18 minutes, while a 50kW version will take about 70 minutes. Overnight charging (11 hours) via a 7kW 3-phase power outlet at home is an option too.
Now to the important bit, performance. Driven by two electric motors, the IONIQ 5 N produces 448kW of power (478kW on N Grin boost), and 740Nm of torque (770Nm on that very same boost). Those are near supercar level numbers.
When you pair that power with the advanced torque vectoring and electronically controlled rear differential, it’s no wonder this car feels like a precision instrument. And that’s pretty much exactly what it is, complete with fake exhaust notes.
At first, this writer was sceptical about how naff that would be, but as you spend more time behind the wheel, you realise that the Ignition, Evolution and Supersonic options add theatre and personality to the car.
On the road, the Hyundai is direct and flat when it comes to cornering, thanks to adaptive dampers, and a local ride and handling tune. You can literally throw it into bends, and despite its 2,200kg-odd kerb weight, it’s grip levels are insane.
It’s a car that’s designed to be driven aggressively, and it rewards you with incredible capability. The single-speed transmission is a non-issue too, as the car’s instant torque delivery makes it feel like a rocket ship on wheels.
And when you need to slow down, the electric brake booster provides a reassuringly linear pedal feel, with no brake fade to worry about. What truly sets the IONIQ 5 N apart though, is the array of drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport on offer.
Those are fairly standard, but then there’s N mode, complete with custom settings that allow you to tailor the car’s behaviour to your exact preferences. Torque distribution and drift mode simply enhance its next level performance.
N-pedal mode gives you an astonishing level of regenerative braking, but a word of warning – if you’ve never experienced single pedal driving, be prepared to feel like you’ve face-slapped a brick wall.
We should tell you the IONIQ 5 N also comes with launch control (of course), which is an experience that’s simply out of this world. The car shudders and vibrates as you prepare for take-off, and then pins you to your seat as it sprints to 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds.
The jewel in its driving experience crown though is the second N button on the steering wheel. If this was a scene from Gladiator, it’s that point where Russell Crowe says, “at my signal, unleash hell”. And unleash it does.
The car transforms into a mechanical marvel, a true symphony of speed and drama. The paddle shifters, once used to fine-tune your regen settings, now become the instruments of a masterful conductor giving you access to every ounce of performance this beast has.
The fake exhaust kicks in; a sonic boom of mechanical thunder that will leave you breathless. That’s not all – the computer is programmed to simulate the revving of an internal combustion engine, complete with a satisfying “thump” as you shift gears.
It’s an experience unlike any other; a sensory overload that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. If that’s not enough, the system is so intuitive that you’ll never be able to accelerate past a certain point before changing gears manually.
It’s a body jolting, glorious experience, regardless of the price of this thing. The IONIQ 5 N is a statement, nay a declaration, of your passion for driving, your love for the thrill of the ride, and your desire for something that stands out from the crowd.
You can find out more on the Hyundai Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test vehicle was provided by Hyundai Australia for independent review purposes.
