Peter Lyon
September 6, 2024
Hyundai has consolidated its presence in Malaysia by unveiling the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N—a car distributed by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors in Malaysia. This car is an upgraded Ioniq 5 that additionally has a number of “simulated” or “fake” characteristics designed to make it look like a gas-powered vehicle.
The Ioniq 5 N’s sportier appearance is immediately apparent, thanks to its aggressive bumper and red highlights across the body. It also includes large red brake calipers and a set of large 21-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires. In addition, the standard diffuser and spoiler are present to give the impression of a “hot hatch” (despite the vehicle’s true size).
And the Ioniq 5 N is more than simply a showpiece. The drive system produces a maximum of 609 horsepower and 740 Nm of torque with a dual-motor all-wheel drive layout (650 horsepower and 770 Nm with N Grin Boost for 10 seconds). That result is far more than the 305 horsepower and 605 Nm of the standard Ioniq 5. This version takes just 3.4 seconds to sprint from zero to 100 km/h, and boasts a top speed of 260 km/h.
Regarding the EV figures, the Ioniq 5 N has a larger battery pack than the standard Ioniq 5, with a capacity of 84 kWh as opposed to 72.6 kWh or 58 kWh. During the Ioniq 5 N’s initial regional market introduction, its electric range will be revealed. So be ready.
Like its ‘normal’ counterpart, charging can be done at a maximum rate of 350 kW with DC charging and it takes 18 minutes to charge the Ioniq 5 N from 10% to 80%.
The new Ioniq 5 N gets N Grin Boost. How good is that!?
This is where the conversation takes a change for the complicated. Boring numbers aside, the Ioniq 5 N is built on three main pillars – “Corner Rascal”, “Racetrack Capability”, and “Everyday Sportscar”. Among the Ioniq 5 N’s many exclusive performance features are N Battery Preconditioning, N Race, N Pedal, N Brake Regen, N Drift Optimizer, N Torque Distribution, N Launch Control, N Grin Boost, N Active Sound +, N e-shift, N Road Sense, and Track SOC. That is a lot of “N” treatment on the first all-electric N car.
Hyundai claims that “Rally-inspired” handling was used in the development of the Ioniq 5 N. Everything suggests that the business is making a big effort to appeal to the “driving enthusiast” market, which some claim is becoming extinct.
On the inside, the Ioniq 5 N is the first Hyundai to get the latest N steering wheel. For the first time, the “N” logo is positioned proudly in the centre of the wheel. With an almost AMG-like steering wheel, the images of the Ioniq 5 N’s interior suggest a rather fun driving experience.
The Ioniq 5’s central console features shin support and knee pads for the “driving enthusiast” in mind. The N bucket seats are located roughly 20 mm below the base specification and include reinforced bolsters.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The driving enthusiast category will never die—so Hyundai is onto a good thing The N high-performance version we see here is basically ready to take on any rival that European carmakers are ready to throw at it.
