Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: The first F-EV

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has recently been announced, and is expected to arrive down under in Australia in early 2024. Unveiled during the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai are aiming to bring the joy of driving to electric vehicles, creating the first ever of what I call the F-EV, Fun Electric Vehicle.

Building on the incredibly successful Ioniq 5, it’s the first electric Hyundai to get an N variant, and is slated to be the most powerful, and more importantly fastest, yet. Expected to set the bar for what it means to be a ‘hot hatch’, the Ioniq 5 N will share it’s internals with the Kia EV6 GT, which has been on Australian roads for a few months now.

With a whopping peak of 650 horsepower during ‘N Grin Boost’ (more on that later), a top speed of 260km/hr and a 0-100 of a little under 3.5 seconds, the Ioniq 5 N is set to be an absolute powerhouse. However, some Korean manufactures tend to understate these states, so you might be able to squeeze a bit more performance out of it, if you can handle it.

Improving the Ioniq 5

Hyundai aren’t just starting from scratch, they’re building from one of the most popular electric vehicles ‘available’, with availability being so limited due to the massive interest in them.

The outside design is drastically sportified, and the interior now comes in an elegant black. Another welcome addition is a wiper for the read windscreen, which was sorely missing from the initial rollout of the Ioniq 5.

In my eyes, the interior is where this new design really shines. I much prefer the sporty black with the bucket seats that will keep you in position while attacking these corners (and trust us, you’ll want to in this car!).

Ioniq 5 N Performance

This is where the fun begins. Hyundai have focused on taking an electric vehicle, and turning into something thrilling and exciting to drive. The Ioniq 5 N features multiple ‘N Brand’ enhancements, all which play a significant part in putting a smile on your face and truthfully, going damn fast.

Track capability

• N Grin Boost: Boost your acceleration to the absolute maximum with a 10 second power increase at the push of a button.
• N Launch Control: Optimize your start response times for rapid acceleration with pre-torque.
• N Race: Preset your energy use strategy for either sprints or endurance.
• N Battery Precondition: Preset your battery temperature to optimize for either drag mode or track mode.
• N-tuned braking system: A high performance braking package designed for track driving.
• N Brake Regen: Turning brake regeneration into a performance upgrade, featuring an industry leading 0.6G regen.

Personally, I’m incredibly excited for they day I can get in the seat and press that N Grin Boost button.

With a total output of 478 kw or 650 PS, a 84kWh battery, a 0-100 km/h of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 kilometers per hour, Hyundai have created an absolute track monster, or as they call it, a ‘Corner Rascal’ and ‘Everyday Sportscar’.

Both a ‘Corner Rascal’ and an ‘Everyday Sportscar’

Set to dominate every corner with both balance and control, Hyundai’s long running success and expertise in rallying has really come out to play in this car and you can tell.

With N Torque Distribution to customize the torque between the front and rear wheels as you see fit, and the N Pedal for agility and responsiveness which can deliver precise throttle control, this EV is set to master the curves of any corner.

While for some it may be purely a track baby, it’s still an Ioniq 5 at heart and that means it’ll make an amazing daily driver.. You have access to N e-shift for a “shifting feel” and “enhanced driver feedback”, and N Active Sound+, which can replicate the sounds of either an ICE, a future inspired engine, or a jet engine.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Release information

Unfortunately, not too much concrete information is known on the release date of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. While I’ll certainly be paying attention (and truthfully, very likely be buying one!), you’ll be able to keep an eye on ElectricAussieCars as we’ll bring you any new information available on it.

For those looking to get a bit more of a taste, check out this reveal video if you haven’t already: