Hey, gearheads! Buckle up for a ride through the realm of automotive excitement! The Hyundai Ioniq 5, our electric wonder, has smoothly cruised into our exclusive 10Best Trucks and SUVs club. Thanks to its solid range, chic design, and budget-friendly tag, it’s won hearts. But hold on tight, thrill-seekers, because the stage is set for the grand entrance of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N into the U.S. auto scene this March.
Breaking the Mold
Picture this – Hyundai at a crossroads, faced with the choice of the easy route, perhaps mimicking its cousin, the Kia EV6 GT. Now, rewind. Enter Albert Biermann and the N performance maestros. They decided to crank up the volume. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N isn’t just a power-packed machine; it’s an orchestrated masterpiece of engineering finesse. Forget the standard power hike routine; this N treatment brings a sturdier chassis, souped-up cooling, and a suspension overhaul that practically screams, “I’m track-ready!”
Stylish Enhancements
While the Ioniq 5’s distinctive styling remains, the N variant introduces a lower stance, increased width by 2.0 inches, and lengthened by 3.2 inches—courtesy of a bold rear diffuser. Additional aero panels and eye-catching reddish-orange accent splashes not only amplify its high-performance aura but do so with a touch of sophistication.
Power Unleashed
Let’s talk power! The all-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 N boasts a jaw-dropping 641 horsepower, doubling the standard Ioniq 5’s 320-hp max rating. The battery capacity gets a substantial boost from 77.4 to 84 kilowatt-hours, ensuring that this track-day thriller can go the distance. Equipped with 21-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance Pirelli P Zeros, and monoblock brake calipers that pay homage to Brembo, the 5 N screams performance from every angle.
First Impressions
Our journey with the Ioniq 5 N commenced on the illustrious Korea International Circuit, which had the honor of hosting Formula 1 races in the past decade. Acceleration is not just brisk; it’s immediate, with Hyundai estimating a 0-60 mph sprint in less than 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph. But what truly caught us off guard was the auditory symphony.
The Auditory Symphony
Enter the N Active Sound+ feature, an attempt to emulate the visceral sounds of an internal-combustion engine. Skepticism gripped us initially, but coupled with the N e-Shift function simulating an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it worked wonders. Shift paddles engaged, full-throttle, no-lift shifts delivered an exhilarating race-like gearchange that elicited joyous laughter. Lift off the pedal, and you’re treated to a chorus of crackles and pops reminiscent of the raucous Jaguar F-Type. A transformative experience indeed.
Handling Dynamics
A Hyundai engineer played maestro during our seven laps around the track, guiding us through the myriad drive modes and settings. N mode, while providing a balanced and controlled ride, hinted at being slightly too tame for the ardent track enthusiast. Enter the N Torque Distribution, offering a playground for power distribution to the rear wheels. Opting for maximum rear bias ushered in a tail-happy dance around the curves, delicately laying down thin stripes of rubber.
Biermann’s Influence
Albert Biermann’s fingerprints were everywhere. Attempting snap oversteer mid-corner, we found ourselves pointing towards the inside of the turn. However, a quick countersteer and measured pedal application had us back on track. The braking experience mirrored that of a conventional sports car—linear and with just the right amount of effort, allowing even left-foot braking for those who prefer it.
Customizability for Enthusiasts
For the tech-savvy enthusiasts among us, the Ioniq 5 N offers a playground of customizability. N Torque Distribution hands over the reins to significantly alter handling behavior. Drawing parallels to tuning experiences in gaming series like Forza or Gran Turismo, it’s a geek’s heaven. For those who’ve dabbled in real-life suspension tuning, the ease of adjustment will leave you in awe.
Novice-Friendly Drifts
Introducing the N Drift Optimizer, a feature designed to let even novice drivers dabble in the art of drifting. By selectively powering and braking specific wheels, it induces controlled oversteer. There’s also a Torque Kick Drift system, triggered by holding both shift paddles and releasing them, simulating a clutch dump. While plausible, our skidpad trials found it to be a bit challenging, with better results achieved by turning off stability and traction nannies.
Legitimacy on the Track
The verdict? The Ioniq 5 N is a bona fide track-day weapon. While it may not claim the title of the fastest on the track, it undoubtedly secures a position among the most entertaining. Beyond its specialized environment, it seamlessly transitions to everyday livability. The ride quality is firmer than the standard Ioniq 5, yet far from objectionable, proving that this beast isn’t just a one-trick pony.
Range Mysteries
As we eagerly await official range estimates closer to the on-sale date, Hyundai tantalizes us with intriguing drive modes. The Endurance mode supposedly allowed the 5 N to complete two laps around the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife without any loss of performance. The 20-20-20 target—20 minutes of track time, 20 minutes of DC fast-charging, and another 20 minutes of track time—sounds ambitious. The Sprint mode, throwing caution to the wind, unleashes maximum power, leaving us wondering just how wild this beast can truly get.
Final Thoughts
In essence, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a dual identity wrapped in sleek sheet metal—a thrilling track-day experience paired with the practicality of a daily driver. As the official release date draws near, anticipation heightens for the impact this electrifying marvel will have on the EV market. Fasten your seatbelts; the Ioniq 5 N is here to redefine the thrill of the electric drive.
