Hyundai Ioniq 5

Keeping in line with the racecar aesthetic of Hyundai’s N-line, the Ioniq 5 N’s interior looks like a proverbial cockpit, allowing for a more driver-focused immersive experience. It boasts some sporty-looking bolstered seats in a classy yet practical combination of leather and Alcantara inserts, while its leather-wrapped steering wheel with metallic accents is made specifically to provide better grip and maneuverability.

The Ioniq 5 N also boasts a pair of digital displays on the that double as the touchscreen media system and instrument cluster – all accessible right at the driver’s fingertips. Overall, the interior is nothing much to write home about, since the 5 N chose to tone down the overall aesthetic, preferring a straightforward steel-grey color palette.  

The Ioniq 5 N is a major revamp when compared to Hyundai’s earlier iterations, preferring a slightly more robust expression than the earlier Ioniq variant. This is reflective of its performance-oriented design. Sitting 20mm lower than the prior models and stretching a total of 50mm wider, it looks stodgier but adds an overall feel of stability and presence to the vehicle. While Hyundai might have intended it to hearken more to a sporty appeal, it looks more industrialist in some angles, especially with its lengthier, more aerodynamically-inclined rear spoiler.

The true eye-catcher here though are the wider wheel arches that house 21-inch alloy wheels featuring Prielli P-Zero tyres. Not afraid to flaunt their laurels, the Ioniq 5-N also boasts the N-line badge and its model name on both the front grille and the rear tailgate, and an iconic bright-orange trim all throughout, which stands in stark contrast to the lovely electric blue standard body.

The Ioniq 5 N provides a great balance between comfort and function – providing the best of performance and maneuverability without necessarily sacrificing driving comfort. The longer wheelbase, N Grin Control System, and the dual-motor electric drivetrain all harmoniously come together to provide both performance and comfort, whether you want to try the vehicle on the track or just on the road. 

The Ioniq 5 N forgoes the traditional engine and reliance on fossil fuels and petrol in exchange for its all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual electric motor drivetrain. Capable of 641 horsepower and 740 Nm of torque, all of this is powered by a large 84 kWh battery pack with a fast-charge 800V architecture which enables easy, quick, and efficient recharging. 

In the absence of a conventional gearbox, the Ioniq 5 N utilizes a single-speed reduction gear to deliver the much-needed power to all its wheels effectively. Like most of Hyundai’s N-line, the Ioniq 5 N also boasts the same N Grin Boost feature which adds extra speed during acceleration, overtaking, or high-speed driving. 

The Ioniq 5 N doesn’t skimp on safety, either. With a comprehensive driver-assistance module that includes collision avoidance software, blind spot monitoring, driver assistance protocols, excellent lighting (some of which are automated) the standard all-round suite of airbags, and so much more, you can rest easy in the Ioniq. 

Although somewhat pricey, its performance-oriented appeal coupled with the fact that it’s an electric vehicle might make the Ioniq N 5 the go-to option for the eco-conscious, the tech-savvy, or the regular car buff.