Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) announced during a media event yesterday that the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N are both set to arrive officially in Q2 2026. This twin debut will spearhead the arrival of the Korean marque’s high-performance N brand on our shores, bringing its spiciest machinery to the local market.
For those with good memories, this has been a long time coming. The Ioniq 5 N has actually been previewed back in 2024, when Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors was still the custodian of the brand, though it was never officially launched here. But now two years later, with HMY officially at the helm, it seems there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel for the critically acclaimed EV.
This marks a significant shift, albeit a welcome one, as HMY initially stated it would not launch any new electric models at the time being after establishing its principal-led operations. The original strategy focused on seven locally-assembled (CKD) petrol and hybrid models over the next five years, including the CKD variants of the Tucson and Santa Fe, and the upcoming B-segment MPV, the Hyundai Stargazer, all three of which are set to debut sometime this year.
HMY has clarified that its EV strategy will focus strictly on the N brand for now, with no plans to introduce regular Ioniq models this year. While the company stated it will “keep an eye out” for future opportunities, the immediate priority remains these high-performance flagship models.
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Given their performance credentials, don’t expect these two to come cheap. When the Ioniq 5 N was first previewed here, the souped up EV was initially quoted for an estimated price of RM388k. Now, with the expiry of tax exemptions, plus new 2026 rules for fully-imported (CBU) EVs, expect prices to rise even more.
On the latter, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) mandates that new CBU EVs must be priced above a RM250,000 floor price, with over 272 hp (200kW) in outputs to qualify for import. Not that both of these will have any trouble hitting either of those.
Both models utilise a dual-motor powertrain capable of producing a combined 650 hp (478 kW) and 770 Nm of torque when the “N Grin Boost” feature is engaged for 10 seconds. This enables a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds on the Ioniq 5 N and 3.2 seconds on the Ioniq 6 N, with top speeds of 260 km/h and 257 km/h, respectively.
Both models also utilise the same 84 kWh battery pack that supports 350 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% top-up in 18 minutes. This setup allows the Ioniq 5 N to cover 448 km (WLTP) on a single charge, while the more aerodynamic Ioniq 6 N stretches that figure to 487 km (WLTP).
These aren’t just commuter cars packing horsepower, to be clear. Hyundai has loaded the N models with enthusiast-focused treats to ensure they are anything but boring. Most notably, features like N e-Shift, which simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and N Active Sound+ with its fake pops and bangs, have been so convincing that even Porsche executives called the experience “eye-opening”.
Other special N features include the N Drift Optimiser, a dedicated mode that helps drivers maintain a consistent drift angle. At the press of a button, the feature essentially turns you into a professional tyre shredder, for a bit of sideways thrill.
Beyond the track-focused theatrics, both models share an interior architecture similar to their standard counterparts, though injected with exclusive N performance elements. The cabin features a dedicated N steering wheel, bolstered sports bucket seats, and a unique head-up display designed to feed the driver essential performance data without taking their eyes off the tarmac.
The imminent arrival of Hyundai’s naughty N duo will mark the official local debut of what are arguably the first true enthusiast-developed EVs. But can these two cars truly convince hardcore dino juice lovers to transition to the electric era when they launch in Malaysia in Q2 2026?
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