Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Puts the Art of Hooning on Display, Sounds Confusingly Cool

Gas car enthusiasts will have a hard time falling in love with all-electric vehicles. One of the things gearheads complained about is that "new age" cars don't provide them with the same sensorial feedback as a good ol' V8-powered hunk of metal.

Hyundai heard their complaints. The South Korean automaker implemented two wild and completely unnecessary things on their Ioniq 5 N – an imaginary gearbox (yes, it has paddle shifters behind the steering wheel) and a simulated engine sound. It's so good that it could trick you into thinking that it has an exhaust system. Come to think of it, that's what most automakers that have downsized their powerplants and muffled their sporty cars' soundtracks have been doing for quite some time now.

So, could it work on all-electric vehicles, too? It's certainly something that's up for debate and a thing that needs some getting used to. After all, EVs were marketed as the "green" solution to some of our climate issues. Moreover, all-electric cars should theoretically help crowded urban areas become just a bit quieter. Noise pollution is a known catalyst for various health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure.

But the Ioniq 5 N allows prospective owners to put the pedal to the metal and enjoy a ton of fun car-specific stuff. It has up to 641 hp on tap (for 10 seconds), a naught to 60 mph time of 3.25 seconds, and a top speed of 162 mph.

But it's not just a cute and quick crossover. Engineers have also made sure that the tire-straining vehicle remains dependable even when the driver wants to put it through its paces. The drive axles, the steering column, the battery management system, and the software have been considerably improved.

Those upgrades made it a bit heavier than its non-N counterparts and even its brother from another mother, the Kia EV6 GT. Thus, the range took a hit. Nobody knows what the differences are because the brand didn't reveal all the Ioniq 5 N's specs, and the EPA didn't put it through its test cycle.

But put the sporty EV in the hands of capable people, and it will perform. Hyundai recently organized a track day in South Korea, inviting journalists and influencers to try the Ioniq 5 N out.

Station.B provides us with an in-depth take on what the vehicle can do. But instead of a boring presentation, we see the vehicle doing stuff it claimed was possible. A good example is being unable to accelerate if you don't shift. That simulated gearbox is set up rather well. It really does make the driver feel like they have hit the rev limiter.

The Ioniq 5 N can also do slides, power runs, and even balance its weight nicely.

It also sounds like it hides a very potent engine under the hood, which is a very conflicting experience. Take a listen.