The sports car market is moving at full speed. Electric vehicles, yesterday confined to the role of silent city cars, today display performance sometimes superior to traditional thermal coupes. In 2025, a candidate surprises thrill-seekers: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Inheriting the expertise of the N label (the one which signs the sports models of the Korean brand), this muscular version of the Ioniq 5 acts as “ Reference Sports Car 2025”.
Beyond its atypical design (half-crossover, half-sedan, and 100% electric), the Ioniq 5 N offers driving pleasure worthy of a high-performance coupe. Some enthusiasts swear by the sound of a V6 or V8, but the Ioniq 5 N responds with instant torque that propels the driver into the seat in a fraction of a second. How did Hyundai achieve this feat? What are the strong points of this 2.0 (or rather, zero emissions) sports car? Let’s take a seat behind the wheel and explore its secrets.
A distinctive design, between retro lines and sporty appendages
L’Ioniq 5 already displayed an offbeat style: a mix of vintage codes inspired by the 70s and 80s and futuristic elements (square LED headlights, smooth surfaces, rims with a distinct design). There version N accentuates this personality. We immediately notice:
- A reworked low grillein order to optimize air flows for cooling the battery and motors.
- A wider body kitwith widened rocker panels and a redesigned rear diffuser, to improve downforce and reduce turbulence.
- Exclusive shades specific to the N label (often a characteristic blue, but which may vary depending on the market), combined with touches of contrasting color on the rims and brake calipers.
The result: an atypical look, which contrasts sharply with classic thermal sedans. We love it or we hate it, but it’s difficult to remain indifferent. This Ioniq 5 N does not seek to integrate discreetly into the urban landscape.
A double electric motor, formidable power
Under the dress, Hyundai installed two electric motorsone for each axle. The cumulative power well exceeds 400 kW (depending on the configuration and the market), the equivalent of more than 500 ch. The torque, available instantly, is measured in several hundred Newton-meters. Concretely, 0 to 100 km/h takes place in just a few seconds (around 3.5 seconds, according to initial estimates).
This cavalry is powered by a high capacity batteryaround 80 kWh or more. Hyundai insists on the mass distributioncorrected by a reinforced chassis and specific running gear. The objective: not to be limited to straight-line drag racing, but to offer real handling on the circuit. The electric all-wheel drive, controlled by advanced electronics, distributes torque in real time between the front and rear, to maximize traction when exiting corners.
Sharpened chassis and “N”-signed adjustments
For several years, the department N of Hyundai has built up a bit of a reputation among amateur pilots. From the i30 N to the Veloster N (in other markets), engineers have learned to tweak suspensions, steering and driving modes. The Ioniq 5 N is no exception:
- Controlled suspensions : firmer than a Ioniq 5 standard, adjustable in several modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, and customizable profiles).
- Increased braking : wider discs, calipers with reinforced bite, regenerative braking management adapted to sporting use (possibility of adjusting the level of energy recovery).
- Electronic-Limited Slip Differential : an electronically controlled self-locking device for the rear axle, limiting the slippage of a supported wheel.
These technical improvements give theIoniq 5 N stability in curves and surprising dynamism for an electric vehicle of this size. On the track, the first feedback indicates a car that is more playful than one might believe, capable of moderate drifts in Track mode (with the ESP in a tolerant position).
An interior that combines sport and high-tech
On board, the Ioniq 5 N has the minimalist layout of the classic version. We find the dual digital screen (driver screen + infotainment screen), as well as a refined central console. Notable differences:
- Sports seats with reinforced lateral support, decorated with a distinctive covering and the embroidered N logo.
- Specific steering wheel with quick access keys to driving modes, allowing you to switch from “eco” to “N mode” mapping in one press.
- Flooring and trim more sober, sometimes with a carbon or brushed metal finish, evoking performance rather than ostentatious luxury.
Habitability does not suffer too much from this transformation. L’Ioniq 5 N retains its flat floor and generous space in the rear seats. The trunk remains correct, even if part of the volume is sometimes occupied by specific equipment (chargers, repair kit, etc.).
Autonomy and recharging: a compromise to be found
Who says electric sports car, necessarily says significant energy consumption when full power is required. Hyundai has therefore worked on the thermal management of the battery, to avoid a too rapid drop in performance when the temperature rises. However, the autonomy in dynamic use will disappear more quickly than that of a Ioniq 5 classic.
In normal driving, you can expect to exceed 400 km on a WLTP mixed cycle. But on the circuit, you will have to monitor the autonomy, even if it means planning stops in the pits to recharge. Fortunately, the Ioniq 5 N benefits from the same charging advantages as the standard version, with an 800 V architecture allowing high charging powers (up to 220 or 230 kW peak). We can thus find a good part of the battery in 20 or 25 minutes, on a suitable rapid terminal.
Driving experience and on-board aids
Hyundai integrated into this Ioniq 5 N several driving modes : Normal, Sport, Eco, and a Track mode which deactivates some of the electronic aids to unleash the beast’s temperament. The assistance systems (lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, etc.) are still present, but take a back seat when you activate the sports configurations.
Thrill-seekers can customize the throttle response, the stiffness of the steering, the firmness of the suspensions and even the level of artificial noise reproduced on board (because yes, the electric being silent, you can choose a “band- synthetic sound to enhance the experience). This approach may make purists smile, but it appeals to those looking for a little theatricality in attack mode.
Prices and positioning
The standard Ioniq 5 was already in a mid-range price range. There Ioniq 5 N logically goes up a notch, due to the multiple technical improvements (engines, battery, chassis). According to estimates and markets, we could count on a range starting around 65 000–70 000 €or even more, depending on the options and configurations.
Certainly, the tariff fits into the zone reserved for sedans premium (thermal or hybrid), but Hyundai is counting on the appeal of an electric sports car capable of competing with more expensive competitors. The strategy consists of offering an attractive price/service ratio for those who want to discover electric vehicles while retaining the thrill of driving.
