Reiterating what I’ve said before. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the best cars from 2023. Not just because of its design, comfort, space, equipment levels or excellent range, but also because it is the EV I drove the most last year, in some of the most extreme conditions. This was during our record runs, when I drove it to India’s hottest border in peak summers, when air temperatures were close to 50 degrees and then to India’s coldest border where temperatures dip below -50 degrees in winters. Needless to mention, it performed brilliantly, despite the extreme conditions. And last year is also when Hyundai introduced the IONIQ 5 N internationally!
It’s the first electric N car from Hyundai and a revolutionary EV, one that’s made enthusiasts across the world sit up and take notice. It stands out as a performance EV even when compared to more powerful electric cars. In fact the IONIQ 5 N is nothing like the roomy, comfortable and plush electric crossover that the standard IONIQ 5 is! It’s an out and out performance EV that reeks sportiness, uses dual electric motors, puts out up to 650PS (in boost mode), has a stiffer chassis and suspension and has quite a few aces up its sleeves on the electronics front, besides looking like a proper hot hatch. What’s not to like? That’s the question I was asking myself looking at the matte grey IONIQ 5 N here, standing in a basement parking in Seoul in South Korea on a cold winter morning.
I’m really impressed by how tastefully the IONIQ 5 N has been distinguished from the standard car using different bumpers, skirtings, paint schemes and a smattering of N badges that all complement the trademark red accents well. The cabin is a welcome departure from the IONIQ 5’s highly practical and futuristic-looking but slightly boring cabin, as this one looks properly sporty with the N steering wheel that’s replete with some snazzy looking buttons and a set of paddle shifters and is wrapped in Alcantara. The seats, door trims and most of the cabin are swathed in suede leather and Alcantara, finished in black, with contrast red stitching and piping. I dare say, this is one of the best looking EVs cabins I’ve set foot in. There’s no dearth of theatrics and even the front seats, which are proper bucket seats, feature an illuminated N logo. This is an EV cabin even the most ardent of petrolheads (get the pun?) will appreciate for its sportiness though!
Now for the juicy bit. It’s an EV so it’s meant to be quiet, right? But this is a full blown N car and not an N Line. And N cars are right at the top of the pecking order at Hyundai when it comes to the fun factor. So the IONIQ 5 N sounds like a real petrol powered hot hatch with a free-flow exhaust! Heck, it even uses speakers outside to mimic the exhaust note – it’s just ridiculously entertaining to blip the throttle to hear the revs build and drop! The sounds are far louder inside than outside and those outside will barely hear the ‘exhaust note’ given the ambient noises on the road though. Performance is well, electric. Step on the gas (ahem…) in Sport mode and you’re pushed into the seatback with a ferocity you’re not ready for.
The instantaneous torque (upwards of 760Nm!) hits you smack in the face and has you break into a wide grin instantly. I’ve driven fast EVs but the way this one simulates the acceleration from a petrol engine is something I’ve never experienced before. Most EVs, even the go-faster ones, still feel a little dull in terms of feedback. You know you’re accelerating far quicker than a petrol powered sportscar with similar outputs but there, it’s like by stepping on the throttle you’re flicking a switch. It’s on or off, but in the IONIQ 5 N it’s almost like you’re feeling the revs build and the simulated exhaust note adds to the feel further. It’s quite addictive and the highways outside Seoul were a great place to ensure the grin on my face didn’t go away.
Just that here you’re looking at the range and charge drop really quick! It’s obviously the biggest challenge with EVs, but well, the IONIQ 5 N at least ensures you’re not missing the good old internal combustion engine while having fun! Full bore launches will make your jaw drop and have you gawk in disbelief. I want to take the IONIQ 5 N to a dragstrip because I’m sure not many petrol powered sportscars will be able to keep up, especially when using launch control! You also get Eco mode, which is quite practical and perfect for everyday use, as I found out driving in Seoul’s peak hour traffic. That said, the temptation to ‘downshift’ using the paddles, which actually mimic the downshift on an actual gearbox, is irresistible owing to the brilliantly tuned sound of rev-matching, the pops and crackles, before the ‘revs’ start going up!
The ‘downshifting’ even has the regen intervene in a manner that simulates engine braking. This is particularly satiating when braking for a corner! All these sounds have been simulated so well, a few minutes later I forgot these were not real! This adds to the IONIQ 5 N’s likeable feel, besides also allowing it to feel more conventional. The car also has a bunch of tricks up its sleeve like steering weight adjust, differential settings and more. The infotainment display integrates these options as part of the ‘N’ menu besides letting you choose from various racetracks, should you choose to hit one of them in the IONIQ 5 N. While I couldn’t do that, what I could do was drive the IONIQ 5 N in the hills outside Seoul and the car had me smiling throughout with its handling.
You’ll barely feel its 2.2 tonne weight as the steering is precise, the throttle is perfectly progressive and there’s a nice, planted feel thanks to the suspension setup and 21-inch wheels that are shod with top-spec Pirelli P Zero rubber. The ride is borderline stiff but then, this is a hardcore performance car. In fact the IONIQ5 is a performance car that will have you drive it hard and thrash it day in-day out, run out of charge, charge it again and then repeat the cycle every day!
Bottom line is, the IONIQ 5 N is unlike any other EV out there. It’s one that’s meant purely for having fun, without costing the moon, like German luxury performance EVs. I’m sad we didn’t get to try drift mode – I’ve seen videos of Japanese drifting God Keiichi Tsuchiya go for it and I’m convinced, the IONIQ 5 N is one of the most desirable EVs today given its fun factor and how closely it emulates the feel of a petrol sportscar. This, while costing almost nothing to own and run, and also offering upwards of 300km per charge depending on how you drive! We don’t know yet if this one is coming to India, but it really should!
