The electric era of motoring has shaken up the established order and the latest shock is this – the 478kW Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Having only entered the hot hatch market less than a decade ago, the switch to electric power has allowed the brand to make a huge leap forward in terms of performance. The dual-motor machine packs a 447kW and 770Nm punch, with an overboost function allowing short bursts of 478kW.
Utilising the brand’s ‘e-GMP’ platform with its 800-volt electrical systems, the Ioniq 5 N has all-wheel drive and is capable of running 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 258km/h.
While it may be electric, Hyundai is adamant this new machine sticks to the three pillars of N Performance models set by the likes of the i30 N and Kona N – Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar.
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“Hyundai N spearheads the technological leadership of Hyundai Motor Company,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “N brand’s winning combination of technological know-how and motorsport experience is pushing the limits of vehicle performance, which has most recently resulted in IONIQ 5 N, a gamechanger for electric high performance. Key developments around this vehicle will further strengthen the competitiveness of all Hyundai models going forward. This is why N brand exists.”
To achieve this the Ioniq 5 N is loaded with technology, including several new ones developed specifically for electric performance driving. This includes N Active Sound (an artificial soundtrack that’s linked to the vehicle’s speed), N e-shift (a virtual paddle-shift gearbox) and N Pedal (a special calibration that prioritises throttle response over energy efficiency).
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There’s also some good old-fashioned performance car upgrades, including a strengthened chassis, stronger steering column with higher ratio rack and 21-inch alloy wheels for reduced unsprung weight.
One element not revealed is driving range, with Hyundai saving that – along with the price – until closer to its arrival in showrooms. When that is hasn’t been confirmed by Hyundai Australia, but it’s expected to be in the first half of 2024.
