If you thought the IONIQ 5 was desirable, wait until you read about the IONIQ 5 N.
The IONIQ 5 has been a massive success for Hyundai. It was their first dedicated BEV and sales took off the world over. Now, the company has shown a high-performance version called the IONIQ 5 N. The ‘N’, of course, comes from Hyundai’s performance ‘N’ brand, which is based in Namyang, Korea. This is N’s first high-performance electric vehicle.
It is still built on the same Electrified-Global Modula Platform (E-GMP) but takes motorsport-bred technologies from ‘Rolling Labs’ (RM20e, RN22e and N Vision 74).
IONIQ 5 N Mechanical & Performance Enhancements
Starting with the body-in-white, Hyundai N has given the structure 42 additional welding points and 2.1m of additional adhesives. There are reinforcements to the battery and motor mountings, as well as the front and rear subframes. Integrated drive axles inspired by World Rally Championship winning designs have been introduced to the front and rear. They’re rated for more torque and are lighter than the stock parts, as are the new 21″ forged aluminium wheels.
The IONIQ 5 N’s electric motors now output 650 PS at max thanks to a two-stage inverter with increased energy efficiency as well as a new 84kWh battery. The motors spin up to a maximum of 21,000rpm.
The steering coloumn has also been strengthened, and there is now a specially-tuned Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering system with a higher steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback here. The IONIQ 5 N features Hyundai’s most powerful braking system ever, with 400mm front discs with four piston monobloc calipers and 360mm rear discs made of new lightweight materials.
Software Enhancements
They’ve also introduced the N Pedal which is a software solution that provides instant turn-in behavior and enhanced throttle sensitivity. The N Pedal prioritizes fast and exciting cornering ability over energy efficiency. N Drift Optimizer on the other hand, helps the IONIQ 5 N maintain a drift angle and even simulates the clutch kick action of rear-wheel driven ICE vehicles when immediate drift initiation is required. N Torque Distribution lends fully variable front and rear torque distribution with 11 levels of adjustment. An e-LSD at the rear axle optimises cornering performance and control. There are additional sensors and broader damping capacity too.
N Grin Boost maximises acceleration by a power increment of 10 seconds and N Launch Control has three different traction levels. There’s also a feature that calculates battery consumption per lap if you’re on a track. N Race keeps the car performing optimally depending on the driver’s strategy on track.
Better thermal management on the IONIQ 5 N makes it more resistance to heat-induced power degradation. There’s more cooling area, a better motor oil cooler and even a battery chiller along with independent radiators for the battery and motor to keep the IONIQ 5 N performing at peak for longer.
The regen braking here has been tuned for enhanced braking performance, serving as the car’s primary stopping power. The regenerative force is 0.6G, the highest in the industry. Mechanical brakes come in to supplement the system when required.
An integrated N e-shift and N Active Sound + gives the driver the sensation of an ICE vehicle with an 8-speed DCT, jolts and all. There’s a 10-speaker system (2 outside) with three different sound themes.
IONIQ 5 N Looks
To set this model apart from the standard IONIQ 5, a number of visual changes have been made.
- Contrasting black trim parts
- wing-type rear spoiler with HMSL brake light
- 20mm lower, 50mm wider and 80mm longer
- N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh
- Luminous Orange highlights on black front bumper and side skirts
- 21″ aluminium wheels
- black bumper cover with checkered flag reflector graphics
- N-branded interior parts
- steering wheel (with N Grin Boost button and paddles)
- seats (reinforced bolsters)
- bucket seats are 20mm lower
- door scuff panels
- metal pedals
