Hyundai Ioniq 5 N arrives in dealerships

HYUNDAI officially rolls its fastest and highest-priced model ever into Australian dealerships this month. The Ioniq 5 N – a high performance version of the regular Ioniq 5 battery electric vehicle – is now available priced from $111,000 plus on-road costs, a $27K hike over the next-priciest Ioniq 5 variant. 

In releasing the model locally, Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) has detailed specifics not previously announced. These include track-oriented mechanical enhancements it says not only improve performance, but endurance on the track. 

Headlining the announcement is the Ioniq 5 N’s powerplant, which trumps the related Kia EV6 GT with its dual electric motors outputting 448kW and 740Nm in Normal mode or 478kW and 770Nm in N Grin Boost configuration. 

The latter will rocket the Ioniq 5 N from scratch to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds on its way to a v-max of 260km/h. 

Electrons are contained in a high-density 84kWh battery pack to offer as much as 448km driving range (WLTP). 

In ensuring the 2230kg hatch maintains contact with the blacktop, Hyundai has equipped the Ioniq 5 N with three-mode adaptive shock absorbers, a rear electronic limited-slip differential, specific power steering tune, upgraded battery and brake coolers, a larger e-motor oil cooler, and a stiffened body. 

That body is 80mm longer, 50mm wider and 20mm lower than the model on which the Ioniq 5 N is based, the sporty BEV riding on model-specific forged 21-inch alloys and halted by 400mm front / 360mm rear discs. Hyundai quotes a stopping distance of 40.2m from 100km/h and says 0.6G of deceleration can be provided from the regenerative braking system alone. 

Other electronic trickery includes switchable N e-Shift software which simulates the sensation of a dual-clutch automatic transmission, N Active Sound+ to emit a trio of synthesised motor noises, 11-stage front-to-rear N Torque Distribution, N Launch Control, N Drift Optimiser, Torque Drift Kick, and N Road Sense, the latter prompting drivers to activate N Mode on winding roads. 

For the track, additional wizardry includes Sprint and Endurance settings, and a Drag mode which optimises the battery for shorter bursts of acceleration. 

All are accessed via N specific drive modes on the Ioniq 5 N’s expansive infotainment and instrumentation screens. 

Like other Hyundai models, HMCA has worked on ensuring the Ioniq 5 N’s ride and handling balance is as at home on local roads as it is on the race track. 

The team worked closely with colleagues in Europe, South Korea and the United States to ensure the calibration of the arrangement works here, with changes made to Normal and Sport modes. 

Inside the cabin, the Ioniq 5 N offers model-specific front seats that sit 19mm lower than the regular model, feature manual adjustment through the normal ranges and are equipped with heating and ventilation. The upholstery is a combination of leather and Alcantara suede, both in black. 

The centre console is unique to the variant and features thigh supports for driver and passenger. The pedals are finished in brushed metal, as are the sill covers. As is de rigueur for other N cars, the cabin also features flourishes of Performance Blue garnishing. 

On the outside, we find the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N offered in a choice of six gloss and four matte finishes. Gloss hues include Abyss Black, Atlas White, Cyber Grey Metallic, Ecotronic Grey, Performance Blue, and Soultronic Orange, while matte shades include Atlas White, Ecotronic Grey, Gravity Gold, and Performance Blue. Matte paint attracts a $1000 price premium. 

The only other remaining option for the Ioniq 5 N is a panoramic ‘Vision Roof’ priced at $2000.