Hyundai's high-performance variant of the Ioniq 5 electric compact crossover has 641 hp in boost mode and can corner, drift and shift (sort of) like a gasoline-powered race car.
The Ioniq 5 N, which was unveiled Thursday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, is the first EV under Hyundai's N performance subbrand. Hyundai said more electric models will follow as part of its N electrification strategy.
According to Jaehoon Chang, CEO of Hyundai Motor Co., the N brand exists to "strengthen the competitiveness of all Hyundai models" and the Ioniq 5 N will be a "game changer" for electric high performance.
Though the Ioniq 5 is built on Hyundai's e-GMP platform and is the brand's equivalent to the Kia EV6 — which also offers a souped-up GT version with 576 hp — the electric crossover is loaded with new technology inspired by the i20 Coupe N, a car built for the World Rally Championships that stands as the North Star for Hyundai's N line of performance-oriented variants.
Hyundai offers an N variant on the Kona crossover and the Elantra compact sedan. Both are front-wheel drive and are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 276 hp.
The Ioniq 5 N has a dual motor setup using an 84-kilowatt-hour battery pack powering a 222-hp (166 kw) front motor and 377-hp (282 kw) rear motor for a combined 599 hp (448 kw). Its top speed is 161 mph. Hyundai did not disclose the EV's range.
Distinct styling on the Ioniq 5 N includes contrasting black exterior accents and a wing-type spoiler on the rear. A lip spoiler on the front accentuates its lower stance; it sits 20 mm closer to the ground than the standard Ioniq 5. It's also 50 mm wider to accommodate 21-inch wheels and bigger tires, and 80 mm longer because of a rear diffuser.
Inside, a checkered flag spin on Hyundai's signature pixels are displayed on the door scuff panels, metal pedals and footrest, in addition to other exclusive N-inspired badging and seat bolsters.