Hot EV Hatch Shakes Things Up
Hot hatches are a blast to drive, but no one has ever had the opportunity to drive one powered by electricity—until now. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a purpose-built performance EV, based on the Ioniq 5. We reviewed the Ioniq 5 when it was all-new in 2022 and later in a more lengthy drive.
The Ioniq 5 N blurs the traditional look of a crossover and hatchback, so-much-so that we are calling it a hatchback, while Hyundai has entered it as a crossover in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which takes place June 23, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. No worries, as once behind the wheel, the thrills and smiles come on fast.
What Is N?
The Hyundai sub-brand of high-performance cars gets the N moniker. Til Wartenberg, vice president and head of N brand and motorsport at Hyundai, says N is about “Having fun and bringing a youthful element and the wild side to Hyundai.”
Hyundai N vehicles are aimed at performance enthusiasts wanting a street-legal car they can take to the limit on and off the track. These vehicles get N exclusive badging, modified engines, custom gearboxes, aerodynamic upgrades and variable suspension systems. Current Hyundai models that have received the N performance treatment are Kona, Elantra and Ioniq 5. Note: Hyundai also has N-Line models that are not to be confused with the N models, as N-Line vehicles primarily are an appearance upgrade from base models.
Ioniq to the N power
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Dual Electric Motors
- 84 kWh Lithium-ion Polymer battery
- Base Total Horsepower (hp): 601
- Front: 223 hp
- Rear: 378 hp
- N Grin Boost Horsepower: 641
- Front: 235 hp
- Rear: 406 hp
- Base Total Torque: 545 pound-feet (lb.-ft.)
- Front: 258 lb.-ft.
- Rear: 288 lb.-ft.
- N Grin Boost Torque: 568 lb.-ft.
- Front: 273 lb.-ft.
- Rear: 295 lb.-ft.
- All Electric Range (AER): 236 city/203 highway/201combined miles
- 0-60: 3.4 seconds
- Top Speed:162 miles per hour
What is N Grin Boost?
The Ioniq 5 N performance numbers above are impressive, but pressing the N Grin Boost button on the right side of the steering wheel adds 40 hp for up to 10 seconds. Releasing the button for 10 seconds and then hitting it again is very much like the IndyCar Push To Pass system. The only concern is: the more N Grin Boost you use, the quicker the battery is depleted, so use it when absolutely needing a bit more power—or just for the heck of it.
Track Time
Hyundai invited members of the automotive media to Monterey to drive the Ioniq 5 N at the world-famous WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Pro drivers lead groups of three journalists in a lead/follow around the track. A first reconnaissance lap for track orientation was followed by two hot laps that demonstrated very clearly what Hyundai had in mind when they designed and developed the Ioniq 5 N.
The acceleration and braking were superb, with pinpoint handling. Its all-wheel drive, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, MacPherson strut front and 5-link rear electronically controlled suspension, electronic stability control, traction control, aided by the 1,071-pound battery placed under the floor for a low center of gravity, made sure the Ioniq 5 N went where you wanted it to go—with confidence.
Nicolo Villa, Hyundai product tire engineer at Pirelli, said the bespoke 275/35 HN Pirelli P-Zero tire on 21-inch forged alloy wheels was designed for “everyday use, not being too stiff or extreme,” while also being an excellent track-day tire offering performance for speed and cornering.
The N Torque Distribution offers 11 adjustable variations for front and rear torque distribution settings with the rear-axle e-LSD (electronic limited-slip differential) optimizing cornering performance and control.
The 4,861-pound weight never felt heavy or presented a challenge while taking corners at high speeds, which is exactly what we did when attacking Laguna Seca’s 2.38 miles and 11 turns. The iconic Corkscrew, a thrilling series of corners (8a and 8b), has a late turn-in taking you straight down the hill for a 59-foot drop—the equivalence of a 5.5 story building. The drop is blind, so looking quickly towards the oak tree for orientation is necessary to line-up for the next corner.
Gear Shifts and On-Throttle Sounds
Hyundai engineers have addressed what many EV-naysayers have been whining about—electric cars are too quiet. Going into the center touchscreen are N e-shift and N Active Sound+ settings that make the Ioniq 5 N sound oh-so like a gasoline engine-powered car. Press the Boost button and a familiar exhaust crackle is piped through the 10 interior speakers and two exterior speakers, as the e-shift takes you through the “gears,” which of course is not actually happening as EVs have only one gear. Nonetheless, the faux performance sounds are a kick, especially when blipping the paddle shifters. Not that you should, but the electric motors can spin up-to 21,000 rpm, so the sounds, gear shifts and performance all need to be experienced.
Going Fast and Stopping
Going fast is great, but slowing is what makes for a fast lap and safe street driving. Hyundai says the all-wheel ABS Ioniq 5 N’s specially tuned brakes are Hyundai’s most powerful braking system to date. The N-specific brakes are 15.75-inch front rotors with four-piston calipers and 14.2-inch rear rotors with dedicated airflow ducting for maximized cooling efficiency.
Regenerative braking on an EV is usually for efficiency as it returns electricity to the battery when slowing or stopping. Hyundai has recalibrated the system so strong regeneration, along with the mechanical brakes, combine for no brake fade, even when aggressively used on a track at high speeds. My hot laps at Laguna Seca confirmed there was no brake fade or reduction in stopping power from when I launched from the pit road to when I rolled to a stop.
There are two battery settings—Endurance and Sprint. The former maximizes range on the racetrack by limiting peak power, while the latter prioritizes power, providing shorter bursts of full energy. The Ioniq 5 N can go about 25 minutes at full power before needing to be recharged.
Charging
The Ioniq 5 N has a 10.9 kW onboard charger that can charge up to 800 volts. The 84.0 kWh lithium-ion battery has pre-heating and a heat pump, adding battery conditioning to improve charging and performance by keeping the battery at optimal charging temperature.
The Ioinq 5 N can be trickle charged with a 120V common wall plug, but expect replenish times to be long and slow. The best bet for owners will be to install a Level 2 240V home charger that will take the battery from 10% to 100% in 7.2 hours. Rapid charging with Level 2 at 50 kW and 400 volts will take the battery 10% to 80% in about 70 minutes.
DC fast charging, at 250 kW and 800 volts, adds 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.
For even more convenience, the Ioniq 5 has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, where power can flow out of the battery and charge e-bikes, tire pumps and outdoor equipment, run your office while traveling, and even be a home electricity source during a power outage.
Head-turning Exterior Design
The 2025 Ioniq 5 N has minimal front and rear overhangs. The seamless clamshell hood closes to a slit where the rectangular projector LED lights peek out from the far edges of the curved nose.
The sides reveal crisp lines and an origami-type crease, with a geometric triangle on the doors that begins at the A-pillar and culminates at the 45-degree angle C-pillar. The LED tail lights replicate the rectangular design of the headlights, and have a horizontal light bar with a small square pattern running the full width of the hands-free lift gate.
The rear bumper, diffuser and air outlet, checkered flag reflectors, unique badging and the high-mount brake light are all only found on the 5 N.
The Ioniq 5 N comes in one trim and a choice of five exterior colors: Atlas White, Abyss Black, Soultronic Orange, Performance Blue Matte and Ecotronic Gray. The interior color is black with blue accents.
Spacious and Sporty Interior
The completely flat floor provides spacious leg, shoulder and head room for all five occupants. The floating bridge console found on the base Ioniq 5, which is moveable and incorporates cup holders and charge ports, has been replaced with a fixed center console.
Covered in Alcantara H-Tex, the front lightweight sport buckets seats are heated and ventilated with 6-way manual adjustments.
The split 60:40 rear bench seat slides and reclines, producing 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space when folded down and 26.1 cubic feet when upright. There is no frunk.
The low slung dash has dual 12.3-inch horizontal color screens, one for the digital instruments and the other for the infotainment system. Entertainment came through the 8-speaker Bose premium audio system with AM/FM/SiriusXM, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth streaming and hands-free telephone connections. The Bluelink app provides access to vehicle systems, including remote start and remote charging, while the Digital Key provides extra convenience and safety.
Silent Cruising
The Ioniq 5 N is more than a track car as it is also an everyday sports car, easily handling daily driving needs while providing some fun at the same time.
A very useful feature on the Ioniq 5 is one pedal and i-Pedal driving. Make sure to have the Hyundai dealer sales associate demonstrate how using and setting this regenerative braking technique will increase your electric efficiency, driving range and driving enjoyment.
Safety
The Ioniq 5 N comes with an extensive list of standard safety features beginning with six airbags: front, side impact and side air curtain with rollover sensors. Hyundai’s SmartSense safety tech is a robust collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, forward collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic avoidance assist. Click the SmartSense link to learn about the Hyundai safety suite. Other features are hill start assist, auto hold, a surround and blind view monitor with parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Pricing
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N comes in one trim level—all you choose is your color. The MSRP that includes the mandatory $1,375 freight charge is $67,475.
Observations: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 N is built on its 3 Pillars philosophy—Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sports Car. Click each to get a demonstration.
The Ioniq 5 N is an absolute blast to drive on a race track, equalling or bettering many gasoline-powered sports cars.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos and video by John Faulkner and Hyundai.
Clean Fleet Report Hyundai Ioniq 5 reviews:
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Flash Drive
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Road Test
