Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors is currently previewing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in Malaysia, joining an array of other Hyundai cars on display. It is the souped-up version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 that also comes with an array of “fake” or “simulated” features to mimic a petrol car.
Even at first glance, the sporty nature of the Ioniq 5 N is obvious, with its more aggressive bumper and red accents that can be seen all around its exterior. It also comes with a set of big 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres, as well as big, red brake calipers. There’s also the usual spoiler and rear diffuser that attempt to give a “hot hatch” appearance (despite its actual size).
And it’s not just all show and no go with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. With a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup, the drive system outputs a maximum of 609 hp and 740 Nm of torque (650 hp and 770 Nm with N Grin Boost for 10 seconds). That is way more than what the normal AWD Ioniq 5 makes (305 hp/605 Nm). 0-100 km/h is done in 3.4 seconds onward to a top speed of 260 km/h.
As for the EV numbers, the Ioniq 5 N packs a larger battery pack with an 84 kWh capacity compared to the usual Ioniq 5’s 72.6 kWh or 58 kWh capacity. The electric range of the Ioniq 5 N will be announced during its first regional market launch. Like its ‘normal’ counterpart, charging can be done at a maximum rate of 350 kW with DC charging and it takes 18 minutes to charge the Ioniq 5 N from 10% to 80%.
Boring numbers aside, the Ioniq 5 N is built on three main pillars – “Corner Rascal”, “Racetrack Capability”, and “Everyday Sportscar”. Among the Ioniq 5 N’s many exclusive performance features are N Battery Preconditioning, N Race, N Pedal, N Brake Regen, N Drift Optimizer, N Torque Distribution, N Launch Control, N Grin Boost, N Active Sound +, N e-shift, N Road Sense, and Track SOC. That is a lot of “N” treatment on the first all-electric N car.
Most importantly, you must know that with the “N Active Sound+”, the Ioniq 5 N emits a fake 2.0L turbo engine sound when set to “ignition” (There’s also “evolution” and “supersonic”). If you don’t believe us, you can watch the videos to hear it yourself. It even comes with fake pops and bangs. And with the “N e-shift”, the Ioniq 5 N simulates the experience of driving a vehicle with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), complete with the “shifting jolts” that you get from the real one.
Hyundai says that the Ioniq 5 N has been developed with “Rally-inspired” handling. It all sounds like the company is going all out to cater to the “driving enthusiast” crowd, which some say is a dying breed.
Here are some of its performance and handling highlights that may entice you, provided you are a driving enthusiast:
- 42 additional welding points and 2.1 meters of additional adhesives
- Reinforced motor and battery mountings
- WRC-inspired integrated drive axles (IDA) front & rear
- Strengthened steering column
- Specially tuned N R-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system with a higher steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback
- Instant turn-in behavior and enhanced throttle sensitivity
- Integrated Torque Kick Drift which allows the driver to simulate clutch kick
- e-LSD
Inside, the Ioniq 5 N is the first to get the latest N steering wheel. For the first time, the “N” logo sits proudly smack in the centre of the wheel. With an almost AMG-like steering wheel, the images of the Ioniq 5 N’s interior suggest a rather fun driving experience – We’d have to try it ourselves to confirm that.
With the “driving enthusiast” in mind, the cabin of the Ioniq 5 comes with knee pads and shin support on the centre console. The N bucket seats have reinforced bolsters and are positioned about 20 mm lower compared to the basic specification.
Only previewed for now, although the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is reportedly open for orders in Malaysia.
GALLERY
