The 2025 Ioniq 5 N Is the Performance Brand's First EV and It Is Insanity on Wheels

Launch Control, N Grin Boost, N Race, N Drift Optimizer. Plus 641 horsepower (650 PS). No, it is not a Porsche that we are dealing with, nor some Lamborghini. It is the 2025 Ioniq 5 N, and it seems that it's got all the credentials to be called a supercar.

Hyundai unveiled the model at a pre-show event ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The model is underpinned by the E-GPM (Electrified-Global Modular Platform) architecture and is powered by two electric motors in an all-wheel drive setup.

It's got 42 additional welding points and 6.9 feet of additional structural adhesives for extra stiffness. The engineers reinforced the motor and battery mounting and enhanced the front and rear subframes for lateral rigidity.

The car comes with World Rally Championship-inspired integrated drive axles (IDA) at both front and rear. A strengthened steering system for improved rigidity and a specially-tuned N R-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering) system are on the menu for a better steering ratio.

The intelligent software function N Pedal provides instant turn-in behavior and extra sensitivity of the throttle and works similarly to the technology used in the i-Pedal regenerative braking system.

The N team built the Ioniq N with fun in mind. That is why they fitted the model with the N Drift Optimizer, designed to maintain the desired drift angle by balancing multiple vehicle controls responding to real-time inputs. This translates into "this EV can drift like an ICE." The car is equipped with an e-LSD (electronic limited-slip differential), mounted on the rear axle.

The electric motors rev up to 21,000 rmp, churning out 641 horsepower (650 PS) on one condition: the N Grin Boost must be engaged. It enhances power for better acceleration for a period of time limited to 10 seconds. It can also be activated via the N Launch Control, providing three different levels of traction.

The N Grin Boost together with the N Launch Control make the Ioniq 5 N flash from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 3.5 seconds. That is almost supercar territory! Top speed is electronically limited to 162 mph (261 kph).

The energy is stored in an 85-kWh battery pack, but there is no information regarding range yet. The numbers are obviously down to how much the driver wants to push that pedal to the metal. The unit can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes.

There is also an N Race function, which changes the behavior on the car on the race track by maximizing available resources so the driver can get the best out of the car every lap. Drivers can choose either Endurance or Sprint mode.

The Ioniq 5 N received Hyundai’s most powerful braking system to date. It integrates 15.75-inch diameter front rotors with four-piston monoblock calipers and 14.2-inch rotors at the rear.

Engineers recalibrated the braking system for extra braking performance on the car with extra oomph. Meanwhile, the N Brake Regen, specifically developed for the Ioniq 5 N, offers up to a maximum of 0.6 grams of deceleration force.

The Ioniq 5 N can sound like a fighter jet

For more drama on board the Ioniq 5 N, the car received the N Active Sound+. As the name implies, it gives the feeling that you are driving an ICE-powered sports car. Rev-matching downshift soundtrack is part of the plan.

The N Active Sound+ operates alongside the N e-shift, which uses the ten-speaker system (eight internal and two external speakers) for distinct sound themes. For instance, the Ignition theme simulates the sound of a four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, Evolution comes with the high-performance sound of the RN22e rolling lab prototype. The Supersonic theme is inspired by the twin-engine fighter jets.

All these help the driver intuitively drive on the circuit. The system is the result of thousands of hours and kilometers spent testing at the Nurburgring.

The car is instantly recognizable due to an aggressive design. It sports a contrasting black trim and a wing-type rear spoiler with aerodynamic and downforce responsibilities. The Ioniq 5 N is 0.79 inches lower compared to the standard variant, 2.0 inches wider at the bottom to make room for the wider wheels and tires, and 3.2 inches longer, as the extra length is provided by the more prominent diffuser at the rear.

The N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh, an air curtain, and active air flaps for extra cooling show up at the front, alongside the lip spoiler that makes a performance statement right from the start. There is also the electrified N-exclusive Luminous Orange at the bottom of the black front bumper cover, extending to the side skirts for that race-ready look.

At the opposite end, there is the N-exclusive wing-type spoiler. The rear diffuser with accents in orange gets plenty of attention at the rear as well. The black bumper cover sports the checkered-flag reflecting graphics. The car rides on 21-inch forged aluminum wheels with summer high-performance 275/35R1 Pirelli P Zero tires.

Hyundai came up with a new steering wheel, which, for the first time, displays the N logo. The N Grin Boost driving-pleasure-guarantee button is positioned at the three o’clock position. Developed with racing in mind, the car comes with knee pads and shin support during cornering as well as a sliding armrest.

The driver and co-driver will sit in the N bucket seats with reinforced bolsters, which are positioned 0.79 inches lower than in the Ioniq 5. Alcantara, but also sustainable materials can be found on board.

To enhance that sporty feeling, the pedals have been redesigned to reduce foot slippage. The door scuff plates, metal pedals, and footrest display the checkered-flag theme.

The model will go into production this winter and will hit the showrooms in March 2024.