The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has continued its run of success by being named the best electric performance car in the world by CAR Magazine.
CAR’s team of experts reached their verdict after conducting the title’s first in-depth test of hot EVs since 2022 at Germany’s iconic Nürburgring circuit and on the roads surrounding it. The seven-car shoot-out featured models from a variety of brands, including established premium manufacturers and the world’s most high-profile EV-only makers.
Despite facing models with significantly higher price tags, including one hypercar that costs in excess of €2 million, it was the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N that was acclaimed as the best buy by the test team, who described it as a thrilling hot hatchback reminiscent of old-school combustion-engined cars.
Ben Miller, CAR Magazine editor, said: “What a difference two years makes. The quality of the field versus 2022 defies belief, and the EV is finally starting to evolve as a driving machine. Among a host of great cars, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proved scintillating from behind the wheel, driving like a love letter to some of the great four-wheel-drive hot hatches of the past and present, despite lacking an engine and gearbox.
“It’s a car you drive as much with the throttle pedal as the steering wheel, and it begs to have its limits explored, flattering the driver like few we’ve ever had the good fortune to experience. Turn-in is sharp and accurate, the steering precise and rich in feel and there’s magic in the chassis. Plus, it’s genius in the way it produces a cacophonous soundtrack that really does resemble a highly strung forced-induction petrol engine being worked hard. The Ioniq 5 N is brimming with original thinking and a sense of fun, and Hyundai deserves great praise for putting it into production.”
The high-performance model is based on the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP ) of the standard Ioniq 5 – the 2022 World Car of the Year – and integrates the motorsport-bred technologies and expertise of Hyundai’s N division to take driving fun to a new level.
Among a host of key technical advances is a powertrain which delivers greater power output and enhanced performance in battery cooling and braking. The Ioniq 5 N’s electric motors spin up to 21,000 RPM, providing up to 609 PS in normal conditions, or 650 PS when the car’s N Grin Boost (NGB ) feature is engaged, maximising acceleration for up to 10 seconds. 0-100km/h is achievable in 3.4 seconds, while a top speed of 260km/h is attainable on tracks.
Other upgrades include a strengthened steering column for improved feedback, Electronic Controlled Suspension that adapts suspension stiffness according to the drive mode, and a suite of sophisticated electronic control technology in the E-GMP platform. Highlights include N Pedal, an intelligent software function that provides instant turn-in and enhanced throttle sensitivity for exhilarating cornering, and fully variable front and rear N Torque Distribution.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is currently priced in Ireland at €79,995 after SEAI Grant.
