Hyundai Motor unveils IONIQ 5 N: A leap into high-performance electric mobility

Unveiling its first high-performance, all-electric model, Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 N, the vehicle made its global debut at the esteemed Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England.

The IONIQ 5 N, representing the N brand’s forward-looking strategy towards electrification, signals a paradigm shift for performance enthusiasts seeking to combine their passion for driving with environmental consciousness.

The launch reaffirms Hyundai’s long-standing commitment to high-quality mobility solutions. It also highlights the company’s progression from successful World Rally Championship returns to the production of high-performance N models. The IONIQ 5 N’s inception stems from the award-winning Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), laying the groundwork for the brand’s first high-performance electric vehicle (EV).

“The N brand’s winning combination of technological know-how and motorsport experience is pushing the limits of vehicle performance, which has most recently resulted in IONIQ 5 N, a gamechanger for electric high performance,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.

IONIQ 5 N – Hyundai’s bold step into the future of high-performance electric vehicles. Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company.

The launch symbolises a strategic shift in Hyundai N’s direction, positing the brand as the technology powerhouse within the larger Hyundai Motor conglomerate. The strategy aims to boost Hyundai’s competitiveness across all EV models through the adoption of advanced technologies pioneered by the N brand.

The IONIQ 5 N optimises the standard model’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with the N brand’s motorsport-derived technologies, ensuring its high-performance capabilities. The model takes lessons from N’s electrified ‘Rolling Labs’ and meets N’s performance benchmarks, including ‘Corner Rascal,’ ‘Racetrack Capability’ and ‘Everyday Sportscar.’

“N brand aims to deliver N’s signature fun driving experience regardless of petrol, electric or hydrogen,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company.

The IONIQ 5 N incorporates enhancements like an improved Power Electronics (PE) system, advanced battery cooling, and N Brake Regen, for exceptional racetrack capability. The vehicle’s pedals and footrests are optimized for track driving scenarios and maintain stability even in high deceleration moments.

In a nod to its motorsport roots, the IONIQ 5 N also adopts a checker flag theme across the door scuff panels, metal pedals, and footrest. With this exciting addition to the electric vehicle market, Hyundai’s future in high-performance EVs seems both promising and thrilling.