Hyundai’s high-performance all-electric Ioniq 5 N has arrived in Australia.
The company says that Hyundai Australia’s R&D team were involved with the development of the car’s tuning – including revising the Electronically Controlled Suspension software tune to suit local conditions – and that its capabilities ensure its performance can turn it from a ‘quiet EV daily companion, to a nimble backroad sports car, to hard-charging track monster.’
The Ioniq 5 N is fitted with a number of bits of tech designed to enable it to be that performance ‘monster’ and be a thrilling drive, with Hyundai saying it showcases three core principles: Everyday Sportscar, Corner Rascal, and Racetrack Capability.
Leveraging its E-GM platform, the Ioniq 5 N features N Torque Distribution, electronic Limited-Slip Differential, Electronic Controlled Suspension, and a reinforced body structure. Track performance is enhanced with, amongst other features, N Race (maximised battery cooling and power control for track driving), N Pedal (enabling one-pedal driving for pro-driver style weight transfer and turn in), N Launch Control (acceleration assist with configurable grip for better torque control), N Grin Boost (delivering maximum power for 10 seconds), and Track State of Charge (display of battery consumption per lap). There’s even something called N Drift Optimiser, designed to optimise torque distribution to enable drifting.
Partnered with all this are an N e-Shift (a virtual shift control) and N Active Sound+ (which delivers, via internal and external speakers, either engine and exhaust sounds or futuristic sounds).
All-in-all, it’s an eye-widening set of features sure to make things fun and interesting, and it is underpinned by a proper performance set-up that looks sure to deliver.
There are two motors, one up front and one at the rear, that combined deliver 448kW and 740Nm. However, flicking on that N Grin Boost and those numbers get pumped up to 478kW and 770Nm. Maximum speed is 260km/h and, with N Grin Boost on, the Ioniq 5 N can get to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
Energy comes via an 84kWh battery and the car’s 800V architecture allows for rapid charging. At a 50kW DC charger, Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 70 minutes. At a 350kW DC charger, that time comes down to around 18 minutes. Regenerative braking allows for some charge on the road. Range, Hyundai claims, is 448km (WLTP).
Structurally, Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 N received an 11 per cent increase in torsional strength through reinforcement of the inner wheelhouse. Also, 42 additional spot welds and more extensive adhesive application reinforces the strength of the car’s connecting joints, improving body strength and reducing flex.
In addition, suspension mounting points, such as the rear mounting points for the front subframe, are also reinforced. Front and rear subframe stay mountings are also added, while reinforced cowl cross bar centre mountings reduce steering vibration and harshness.
On the inside, the Ioniq 5 N gets a semi-perforated leather steering wheel featuring buttons for Drive Mode, N Grin Boost Mode and N Custom Modes.
The interior is upholstered in premium black Alcantara suede and natural leather, with Performance Blue stitching for the seats, steering wheel, crash pad, first-row door trims and armrests.
The centre console features thigh support pads, and there are large and grippy metal pedals and footrests, and door scuff plates.
There’s a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen,
a head-up display, and as much connected car, safety and driver assistance features
as you could want. There’s Hyundai’s Bluelink service, a bunch of vehicle management features (scheduled
charging, charging station search and
so on), Bluetooth streaming, Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto, USB and 12v Charging ports, and . . . well, the list goes on. Also handy is a Vehicle-to-Load connection.
The list of safety and driver assistance features is pretty lengthy too.
Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist – Rear, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning, Lane change assist control, Lane following off-set control, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Evasive steering assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Occupant Warning, Safe Exit Assist . . . it’s an exhaustive list.
Pricing for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N reflects the performance and features the vehicle offers. At a manufacturer’s list price of $111,000 it is not a budget EV option, but you do seem to get a lot of car (and presumably a lot of fun) for your money.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (March 2024)
14 March 2024