Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N performance EV is coming March 2024

Hyundai introduced its Ioniq 5 “N” production variant at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, releasing final specifications for the electric crossover and announcing its availability in U.S. dealerships in March 2024.

As previously announced in Julythis new version of the Ioniq 5 was built by Hyundai’s performance tuning teams under its N sub-brand. The engineers behind the 2025 Ioniq 5 N used the basic E-vehicle platform Hyundai’s GMP, adding motorsport technology learned from the automaker. Experimental vehicles “rolling laboratories” like the N Vision 74, RM20e and RN22e.

Hyundai includes features for regular bikers like the N e-shift, which mimics the feeling of simulating an eight-speed, dual-clutch gasoline car, and the N Active Sound-plus which emits fake engine noises.

The exterior of the N isn’t too different from the regular Ioniq 5, but the subtle changes are certainly enough to make it attractive and stand out. It includes N badges on the front, rear and near the rear wheel arch, and you get that orange patch strip down the center of the front and rear bumpers, an orange skirt and new mesh at the rear. front which allows more air flow. The Ioniq 5 N is lowered by 0.79 inches, is two inches wider at the bottom to accommodate the larger 21-inch wheels and tires, and is 3.2 inches longer to accommodate the rear diffuser.

Hyundai also revealed the complete interior of the vehicle, which is enhanced with numerous N details, notably on the steering wheel and visible from the rear opening of the bucket seats. The seats have reinforced bolsters, and knee pads and a shin support on the center console make tight turns more comfortable. You also get USB-C ports and a wireless charger.

The Ioniq 5 N has a larger 84 kWh battery (compared to 77.4 kWh on the SE, SEL and Limited models), but Hyundai will only share the range closer to launch. The battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes and has a maximum charging rate of 238 kW.

The vehicle is equipped with a two-stage inverter that helps push both motors up to a maximum output of 478 kW (641 horsepower). This maximum power is achieved thanks to the special “N Grin Boost” mode, which can be activated on the touchscreen or automatically in launch mode. The N can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.25 seconds.

The thermal management system has been improved to include independent radiators for the battery and motors, a conductivity channel to direct heat away from the cells, better engine oil cooling and a battery cooler. Hyundai says the system “has greater resistance to heat-induced power degradation” compared to competing performance electric vehicles.

Since the Ioniq 5 N is designed for the track, it is further stabilized with 42 additional solder points and has additional adhesives that hold the parts together. This gives the vehicle more rigidity for track and drift use. Hyundai says the N has “rally-inspired” handling and features a rack-mounted motor power steering system with a quick steering ratio and improved torque feedback. The electric vehicle’s one-pedal driving system, called “N Pedal”, helps drivers take corners with strong deceleration force while providing some energy regeneration.