[
Salinas, Calif. – For individuals who like to drive – past the straight and slender stoplight blast – EVs current a conundrum. They're quick, seamless, and tremendous clear. However they continue to be aloof, shy in character and driver. The early exceptions to the rule, your Porsche Taycan or Lucid Air, are out of attain for a lot of consumers.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N seeks to vary all that, enhancing sensation, sound, rally-car demeanor and even DIY gear modifications. Essentially the most highly effective Hyundai in historical past packs the equal of 641 horses with new know-how that goals to really feel outdated and acquainted. And it principally succeeds, as I found whereas chasing 11-time Pikes Peak Hill Climb winner Paul Dallenbach round Laguna Seca. To shine the racing authenticity, Dallenbach will drive a showroom-spec Ioniq 5 N as much as 156 turns of Pikes Peak in hopes of setting a document time for a manufacturing electrical SUV, a feat the staff believes Is inside attain.
Dallenbach's quiet confidence bodes properly for the N division's first EV, a lavishly upgraded Ioniq 5 that begins at $67,475 in practically loaded kind. A beautiful $1,000 coat of Efficiency Blue matte paint and floormats introduced the value to $68,675. For comparability, Porsche's 630-hp electrical Macan Turbo begins at $106,950 earlier than the primary choice is rolled out. Even the 402-hp Macan 4 will begin at $80,450, and provides Hyundai's newest overachiever 239 horsepower.
We fanatics be ok with our prospects as we propel Hyundai's little “Nook Rascal” by way of Laguna Seca's stomach-flipping descents and 11 curves. Effectively, it's not so “small” contemplating its hefty 4,861-pound weight. However Hyundai is not any poser, right down to a modified-chemistry battery that squeezes 84 usable kilowatt hours from a pack the identical measurement because the Ioniq 5 with 77.4 kWh. The aerodynamics, radiator and (electrical) motor oil cooling have all been upgraded to trace spec – plus, it provides a novel battery chiller to the equation.
Like each N Division mannequin, together with the Elantra N, the fingerprints of Hyundai's retired uber-engineer (and former head of BMW M division) Albert Biermann are throughout this child. They mirror the automotive's delightfully sharp, balanced dealing with. I placed on some easy-going slides on 21-inch Pirelli P Zero “Elect” collection tires. The automotive is clearly heavy relative to its footprint, however the 641-hp boot balances that equation, as does the skilled tuning and low middle of gravity. A drift mode may also simulate a handbook automotive's clutch kick to provoke rotation.
In comparison with the usual Ioniq 5 and even the Kia EV6 GT, the chassis is 10% stiffer with 42 extra welding factors and 6.9 ft of further structural adhesive. The longer, decrease physique reduces floor clearance and the motive force's seat by practically an inch; And will get 2 inches wider to suit the gorgeous 21-inch cast wheels. The motive force's hip level drops 1.6 inches on the comfortably bolstered, microsuede-covered sport seats; A welcome addition to any tip-toes crossover. It options light-weight aluminum decrease management arms in addition to retuned springs, bushings and three-position digital dampers.
Some followers might favor stealth, however the Ioniq 5 N wears its flashy coronary heart on an orange-embroidered sleeve. A bigger entrance grille and a brand new nosepiece combine lively air flaps and curtains, with black aspect mirrors and aluminum N badges. A tall roof spoiler and rear diffuser pair with checkered-flag-inspired rear lighting. A “vibrant orange” stripe wraps the decrease physique. Inside, a set, full-length middle console replaces the usual Ioniq 5's open ground plan for a extra cockpit-like really feel.
Earlier than heading out to pit lane, I dial in battery preconditioning and an N Race setting that manages battery output for an all-out dash or endurance run. Hyundai says the 800-volt structure matches the usual Ioniq 5's quickest cost, so this Hyundai is designed to run for about 20 minutes on the circuit, recharging to 80% in about 18 minutes – that's Assuming there's a 350kW DC quick charger close by – and head out again to embarrass your pals at monitor days. N engineers have spent greater than 6,200 Nürburgring miles growing an EV that may run two Nordschleife laps again to again. Many EVs can barely handle one earlier than breaking down or overheating.
Peeling straight in entrance of the Laguna, I mash the orange “NGB” button on the N's heavy steering wheel. Its snarky “En Grin Enhance” title seems to be derived from a soju-fueled advertising and marketing assembly in Seoul. However the welcome impact is a 40-horsepower enhance (from 601 to 641) in 10-second bursts. Torque has elevated from 545 pound-feet to 568, which tops the Mannequin Y Efficiency by 71 pound-feet. Summon launch management ends in 0-60 mph acceleration in a claimed 3.25 seconds. High velocity is a wholesome 162 mph.
Barnstorming laps are accompanied by a trio of selectable powertrain sounds, performed by way of 10 inside and two exterior audio system. Essentially the most pure “ignition mode” performs to the tune of the N division's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine discovered within the Elantra N. “Supersonic”, impressed by twin-engine fighter jets, provides a simulated sonic increase related to acceleration and cornering forces.
The only factor is that Hyundai engineers weren’t happy with the outdated, single-speed EV transmission expertise. Their paddle-shifted “N E-Shift” simulates the texture and engine revs of an eight-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. There's even a tachometer on the 12.3-inch driver cluster, whose needle oscillates at “idle” and zippers towards 8,000 rpm, synced with the four-cylinder engine's torque curve. (By no means thoughts the electrical ooze behind the scenes, with the twin motor that truly spins at 21,000 rpm). Drivers will really feel surprisingly pure torque interruption, re-engagement and rev-matched downshifts. The shifts are virtually completely matched to the engine's rising and falling sound, together with selectable pops and burbles throughout shifts. Once I hit “redline” in handbook mode, I paid the old-school value, because the Hyundai hit a simulated rev limiter. Choose a gear too excessive, and the powertrain takes over. Different efficiency automobile producers are anticipated to shortly undertake some model of this technique.
Grouchy members of the Unleaded Perpetually Membership might scoff at Hyundai's bid for a extra analog EV driving expertise, particularly one which entails simulation. However they don’t seem to be the ticket-paying viewers for this automotive. And credit score Hyundai for the spirit of experimentation.
Hyundai claims the very best ranges within the business by way of regenerative braking pressure with deceleration of as much as 0.6 g. This prevents mechanical brakes from overheating and put on. The brake pedal then joins one of many model's greatest stoppers ever, together with four-piston entrance calipers with 15.8-inch rotors. There's Hyundai's ordinary “i-pedal” setting for optimum regen and one-pedal driving, and a Sport setting for faster response. The pedal itself is robust and dependable by EV requirements, however nonetheless not as delicate as prime ICE fashions on the monitor. For dedicated left-foot breakers, Hyundai permits simultaneous two-step on the brake pedal and accelerator with out reducing energy.
The Ioniq 5 N's greatest fault is the abundance of on-screen show settings, sufficient to make a Mercedes or BMW a mannequin of restraint. There are choices for motor, steering, brakes, stability management, shifting, sound, battery administration and extra. Submenus comprise submenus: a closely loaded show display screen requires one other display screen layer for “show choices”. Launch management presents the choice for prime, medium or low-traction sidecar if you simply wish to smoke the person on the stoplight. I requested Hyundai representatives and engineers for assist adjusting the digital limited-slip differential, which might ship 100% of the ability to the rear. 5 minutes later, they have been nonetheless fussing with it, confused in regards to the pre-conditions for the operation and locked up. Fortunately, a pair of N buttons on the steering wheel can retailer macro settings of preset configurations you employ regularly.
Shifting away from the monitor, I handle a fast-paced hour on on a regular basis roads, together with the dizzying Laurels Grade, amongst Monterey County's myriad dreamy roads. The rack-mounted electrical steering will get a fast ratio and pleasing (adjustable) peak. Suggestions from the street stays slightly completely different however higher than most EVs. A nimble Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, which I drove on the identical street the day prior to this, presents assured steering really feel. However outcomes are outcomes, and Hyundai would have made mincemeat of a equally sized, 302-hp Benz, with greater than double the horsepower and torque and equal-or-better tire grip.
The opposite real-world bummer is the 221-mile driving vary, in comparison with 260 miles for the common AWD Ioniq 5 and as much as 303 miles for the single-motor variations. However that's the value you pay for a Hyundai that sacrifices effectivity in service of nice velocity and actual monitor capacity. For consumers who will recurrently maintain Mustangs, BMWs and even some Porsches of their rear-view mirror, this isn't a lot of a sacrifice in any respect.