Hyundai’s hottest electric hatch — the Ioniq 5 N — has just been previewed in Malaysia. The Ioniq 5 N is now in showrooms thanks to the local dealer — Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors in Malaysia, where it is on the centre of attraction among other Hyundai vehicles. It is an upgraded Hyundai 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 more aggressive bumper and red highlights across the body. It also gets huge red brake calipers and a set of large 21-inch wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero tires. In addition, the standard diffuser and spoiler are present to give the impression of a “hot hatch”.
Additionally, the Ioniq 5 N is more than just a spectacle. The drive system produces a maximum of 609 horsepower and 740 Nm of torque with a dual-motor all-wheel drive layout. It actually generates 650 horsepower and 770 Nm when you engage “N Grin Boost” for 10 seconds. That is far more than the 305 horsepower and 605 Nm of the standard AWD Ioniq 5. It takes 3.4 seconds to jump from zero to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 260 km/h.
Regarding its 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.
The Ioniq 5 N is built on three primary pillars: “Everyday Sportscar,” “Racetrack Capability,” and “Corner Rascal.” It also employs unique features including N Battery Preconditioning, N Race, N Pedal, N Brake Regen, N Drift Optimiser, N Torque Distribution, N Launch Control, N Grin Boost, N Active Sound +, N e-shift, N Road Sense, and Track SOC. That’s what you could call “N Overload.”
An important aspect to know is that when the car switches on to “ignition” (there are also “evolution” and “supersonic”), it simulates the sound of a 2.0L turbo engine. Just check out the Youtube videos to hear it for yourself if you don’t trust us. One feature that will raise even the eyebrows of hardcore sports car diehards are the simulated pops and bangs similar to noises that a raw turbo makes. And with the “N e-shift”, the car simulates the act of piloting a vehicle with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and even boasts “shifting jolts” that you get from a real DCT.
Employing an almost AMG-like steering wheel, the Ioniq 5 N is the first to get the latest N steering wheel. For the first time, the “N” logo sits smack bang in the centre of the wheel.
With the “driving enthusiast” in mind, the cabin of the Ioniq 5 comes with knee pads and shin support on the centre console. The N bucket seats have reinforced bolsters and are positioned about 20 mm lower compared to the basic specification for a sportier ride.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
When I drove this car, I could not believe it. It’s not mercy crazy quick and has a drift mode (!!), but it has so many hot sporty “N” features, that you almost need a degree in mechanical engineering just to understand them all. The one that got me was the N Grin Boost, which gives you added herbs when you call on the electric motors—and yes, they do put a grin on your face.