The Hyundai Ionic 5 is one of my favorite all-electric hatchbacks & today, we’re are going to see just how good this vehicle is when it’s pushed to the limit.
A New Take on the Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a cool Neo-retro style, a large and comfortable interior, and a powerful dual motor all-wheel drive system. Now, Hyundai has taken all the good stuff from the Ioniq 5 and added even more power to create the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The Ioniq 5 N is the first performance electric car to carry Hyundai’s high-performance N badge. Hyundai hasn’t just added more power; they’ve tweaked the entire vehicle for better handling, acceleration, and braking. This car is built to perform.
Power and Performance
The standard Ioniq 5 has a dual motor setup, but the N version takes it to the next level. The motor in the back produces a peak of 378 horsepower, while the front motor adds 223 horsepower, bringing the total to 601 horsepower.
There’s even a boost mode that gives you up to 641 horsepower for 10 seconds, perfect for passing or hitting those straightaways.
The 84 kW lithium-ion battery pack can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 10 minutes on a DC fast charger. This battery not only provides power to the motors but also allows for sustained performance.
With a price tag of $67,400, including destination, the Ioniq 5 N is set to hit dealers in the coming months. It comes in only one configuration, and it’s fully loaded.
Enhanced Rigidity and Control
Compared to the standard Ioniq 5, the N version includes additional welds and adhesives to make the car even more rigid. The drive axles and throttle controls are similar to those found in Hyundai’s World Rally Championship Cars. The steering rack has a quicker ratio and better feedback, making the car more responsive and enjoyable to drive.
To make these performance enhancements accessible to drivers who haven’t competed in rally championships, Hyundai has incorporated several programs.
One notable feature is the N Drift Optimizer with integrated torque kick. This feature pushes torque to the back to set and hold an angle through a corner.
The front and rear torque distribution can be shifted with a simple push of a button, offering 11 settings in total. The electronic rear limited-slip differential (LSD) helps keep side-to-side power distribution under control.
Thermal Management and Braking
One of the biggest concerns with electric cars, especially on a track day, is thermal management. Hyundai has addressed this with a revised battery cooling system designed for track use. You can set the car for endurance or sprint settings depending on the type of track day you’re having.
Electric cars are heavier than their combustion counterparts, which means extra stress on the brakes. The Ioniq 5 N has massive 15.75-inch ventilated discs with four-pot calipers in the front and 14.2-inch discs with single pots in the back.
The regenerative braking system has been recalibrated for better pedal feel, and it can generate up to 6 G’s of force, which helps reduce brake fade and heat.
Tires and Wheels
The Ioniq 5 N comes with special Pirelli P Zero tires, developed specifically for this car. They are sized at 275/35 R21, and they provide excellent grip and performance. The car also features forged wheels, which add to its sporty appearance.
Interior and Exterior Design
The Ioniq 5 N has unique exterior details that differentiate it from the standard model. It’s lower, wider, and longer, with ground clearance dropping from 6.1 inches to 5.6 inches. The car features a big wing, special badging, and a new front fascia with active air intakes.
Inside, the car boasts special stitching and upgraded seats that are placed lower in the cabin. It also has revised pedals, knee and shin support, and a revised footrest. The gauge cluster has been modified to be more appropriate for track days.
Performance On the Track at Laguna Seca
Now, with all the details out of the way, it’s time to put the Ioniq 5 N on the track at Laguna Seca, one of my favorite raceways in the world. Since this is a Hyundai press event, there are some requirements: I have to wear a helmet, keep the window down, and I only get a few laps. Let’s see what we can do with this car.
I’m in N race mode, specifically in endurance mode, which manages heat and power for longer racing. There’s a big orange button called NGB (N Grin Button), which adds extra horsepower for 10 seconds. We’ll try using that on a straightaway later.
The seats are super comfortable, like a racing bucket but not awkward. I’m 6’1″ and around 220 pounds, and the seats fit great. The steering wheel feels really nice, and there are paddle shifters that vary the amount of regenerative braking. In this car, you can also simulate gear shifts, which we’ll try out.
Driving Impressions
Right off the bat, the car feels a bit soft. I’m not getting the jarring sensation typical of a race-tuned vehicle, but let’s see how much roll we get in the corners. The power is immediate and impressive.
Coming up to the corkscrew, I can feel the regenerative braking, which is interesting. The car holds up well, even as the laps continue. The fact that the regen system alone can generate 6 G’s worth of braking is pretty impressive.
On the straightaway, I hit the NGB button, and the car just takes off. The power is insane. The steering feels much better than the old Ioniq.
Hyundai has really dialed it in, adopting WRC technology into this production car. Full throttle under the bridge, the car feels stable and controlled.
Suspension and Handling
The suspension on the Ioniq 5 N is adaptive and constantly calculates the best amount of rebound and pressure to make the vehicle feel lighter than it is. If you turned off all the active tech, the car would feel like a normal crossover. But with the active tech, it feels like a much lighter, more balanced car.
The brakes are strong, and the regen system takes some getting used to, but it works well. On the straightaway, I hit the NGB button again, and the car accelerates smoothly and powerfully. The car is quick, responsive, and incredibly fun to drive.
Final Thoughts
So I got to admit, Hyundai, they’ve done it. This is an amazing car. I mean, you can take it lapping on the weekends, yet during the week, it’s a perfectly sensible family car. Man, this is so cool.
The combination of power, technology, and design makes it a standout in the world of electric vehicles.
