As Hyundai’s N performance arm approaches the launch of its first-ever track-friendly EV, we got the likelihood to go to the world-famous Laguna Seca raceway in California to check drive the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. Be sure to envision out the full video review below.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has finally arrived
It’s been nearly two years since we first learned of an N-brand version of the relatively recent Hyundai IONIIQ 5 EV when it was featured in a teaser video shared by the Korean automaker during the global premiere of the IONIQ 6.
As the first all-electric Hyundai model to adorn the “N” performance badge, so much has been leading as much as our recent test drive, but the details Hyundai has shared along the way have been quite encouraging.
First, we saw footage of a camo’d Hyundai IONIQ 5 run at Nürburgring, followed by its official public debut in July 2023 during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. By November, the performance EV model had made its official debut in North America, followed by shared pricing this past March before deliveries began.
While first customers await their very own track-capable IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai invited some media out to Monterey, California, to experience the unique EV and its various drive elements where else but Laguna Seca.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N kicks the door in on EV motorsports
As you’ll see in my first-drive review video below, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is greater than just an EV that may corner and simulate gear shifts. Its reinforced structure, low profile, and boosted specs in comparison with the standard crossover make the N model the first true all-electric racing automotive beyond the 0-60 mph straightaway.
The Hyundai N team was clever in essentially utilizing the same footprint as the original IONIQ 5 but optimizing it for tight maneuvers and aerodynamics. For example, the N model is barely longer, wider, and lower in height than the original 5, with larger wheels and wider tires (custom Pirelli P ZEROs).
The 5 N features an integrated drive axle, the same as in the Elantra N, which was also available to drive at Laguna Seca on an autocross course. Hyundai N also implemented rack-type motor-driven power steering, which is more rigid. Lastly, the suspension layout is precisely the same as the IONIQ 5, but each component in the recent EV variant is entirely unique to the N variant.
N-Brand exclusive components decorate the EV’s exterior, from a brand new custom front bumper and grille with energetic air flaps to wheel arches and a rear spoiler that permits air to flow more easily. In true Hyundai fashion, the (speedy) devil is in the little details. The IONIQ 5 N incorporates a unique black aluminum badge, a vivid orange racing stripe, and “N” logos throughout.
I loved the subtle nod to the racetrack by implementing checkered flags in unassuming spots like the rear reflectors, door panels, and base frames. If you’ve driven the original IONIQ 5, you won’t notice a large veer from its interior in the N-version. However, those few changes are quite an upgrade, especially from a racing comfort perspective.
The seats are sportier buckets styled with Alcantara, resembling more of a track automotive while still offering air con for those whose backs are likely to sweat after they’re trying the corkscrew at Laguna Seca for the first time. The center console was also completely redesigned for function and more comfort. By that, we mean it has more cushioning and padding with fewer moving parts, so in case your leg keeps bumping it during hot laps, it won’t hassle you.
The steering wheel is the centerpiece of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N’s interior. It provides a cushty grip and quick access to drive modes and other vehicle functions, resembling regenerative braking and N e-Shift.
Navigating Laguna Seca in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Before I took to the famous raceway in California, I got the likelihood to take the 5 N out in streets around the area and get feel for it… you recognize, at regular speeds. First impressions were that it was definitely an IONIQ – smooth right, that recognizable EV hum, and excellent i-Pedal regenerative braking.
Once I got out around some curvy roadways, I switched through the 5 N’s drive modes using the recent steering buttons. That’s once I first experienced the EV’s N Active Sound+. I like to recommend trying out my initial response in the video below. This feature is wild and never something I believed I’d like, but I actually did.
I did three runs at Laguna Seca in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, each consisting of a lead lap behind knowledgeable driver (each of which might be racing up Pike’s Pike for Hyundai this summer), followed by three hot laps.
Each run, we explored a unique drive style the IONIQ 5 N had to supply, including N Race mode that permits the use of N Grin Boost for 10 seconds of maximum horsepower, and N e-Shift, where the driver can manually “shift gears” from the steering wheel – each of that are accompanied by the Active Sound+.
I’m admittedly not much of an experienced track driver, so the looming considered racing around Laguna Seca in another person’s shiny automotive had me just a little anxious, but as a passenger EV that may essentially double as a track automotive, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was the perfect vessel for me to check drive the famous track, and I used to be immediately hooked.
I genuinely felt the rear electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) and N electronically controlled suspension (ECS) components in the 5 N’s chassis, which helped keep the BEV super sticky around corners while still giving me the freedom to whip that tail end around if I wanted… or a few times once I wasn’t attempting to (got here in just a little hot on turn six the first couple runs!)
While I used to be a fan of the simulated engine noises, I didn’t like N e-Shift and turned it off halfway through the first lap. I could see how a more traditional racing enthusiast could have more fun with this. Still, as a younger one that (don’t kill me) has never driven a manual, I don’t see the must pretend such as you’re switching gears, especially since the automotive just buzzes at you but doesn’t have a clutch or anything. It also significantly slows the EV down in that mode, pass for me.
By my third run, I had those tires squealing and got to make use of N Grin Boost a few times on straightaways to actually feel the full 641 horsepower of the 5 N. I felt like I used to be in a Fast and Furious race or something, hitting my “NOS” button to interrupt someone’s heart and take their pink slips. I definitely would have kept someone’s Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, that’s needless to say.
Specs, pricing, and our video review
Overall, I believe the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a genuinely superb vehicle. Is it going to be for everybody? Absolutely not. Most consumers might be greater than glad with an SEL or Limited version of the standard IONIQ 5 and save just a little money.
However, should you come from the racing world and like cornering and track days, this is perhaps the perfect automotive for you. You get all the same design features as the award-winning IONIQ 5 (albeit significantly lower range due to all its power – 221 miles), but additionally a slew of N-specific add-ons included from each a performance and aesthetic level.
Keep in mind that this remains to be an 800V platform and can recharge 10-80% in only 18 minutes. I personally like that Hyundai is selling the IONIQ 5 N as an all-in-one package model with the whole lot included. It costs $66,100 before taxes and fees and includes the whole lot mentioned above and then some.
At that price, it’s Hyundai’s most costly version of the IONIQ 5 (about $8,500 greater than the Limited AWD trim), but that’s still a fairly reasonable price should you compare it to other crossovers on the market – none of which you’ll be able to actually take to a track and do greater than drag race and perhaps some autocross.
I’ve never really had any interest in visiting racetracks, let alone driving on them, but now that there’s a viable BEV option that not only looks cool as hell but may perform, I’m digging it. I finally see what all those combustion fans get so enthusiastic about. I feel the IONIQ 5 N is a superb bridge between each groups of enthusiasts, providing a vehicle that each traditional race fans and clean energy BEV enthusiasts can get enthusiastic about together.
This automotive will certainly have a crowd around it on track days, and I believe that’s an awesome idea for the future of electrical motorsports. As promised, here’s my video review, including some loud drive footage of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N at Laguna Seca.
Credit : electrek.co