Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets N performance variant

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.

The Ioniq 5 N also is loaded with tech that backs up its track-ready appearance.

For sharper corner entry, the body and the chassis feature reinforcements for higher torsional rigidity and direct steering feel, which Hyundai said enable rally-inspired cornering.

A smart software function called N Pedal helps better distribute the Ioniq 5's size and weight, and prioritizes fast cornering over energy efficiency.

The Ioniq 5 N uses other electronic controls when drifting, including N Drift Optimizer that maintains drift angles via real-time inputs and Torque Kick Drift that simulates clutch kick action for more immediate drift initiation.

N Grin Boost mode maximizes acceleration and N Launch Control provides three traction levels for a race car-like start. N Race mode gives the driver control over the EV's energy usage with an Endurance setting for more range and a Sprint setting for shorter bursts of power.

While the Ioniq 5 N does not change gears, N e-Shift mimics the sensory experience of power delivery and jolt of shifting an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. N Active Sound + complements the gearbox simulation with an ICE-like engine and exhaust soundtrack that mixes with a hint of a futuristic EV. Hyundai said these technologies are a direct response to performance enthusiasts wanting more driver feedback from EVs.

To avoid overheating, the EV's battery thermal management system has a larger cooling area, better motor oil cooler and battery chiller. It also has independent radiators for the battery and motor to avoid performance degradation before and during track racing.

The Ioniq 5 N also features 400-mm front brakes with four-piston monobloc calipers and 360-mm rear discs constructed from lightweight material. The regenerative braking system used for battery efficiency is tuned for enhanced braking performance and serves as the primary source of brake force. Mechanical brakes supplement on the track.