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Is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N the future of performance EVs?

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N might just be the herald of performance EVs yet to come.

Jerome Tresvalles
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Cover

Despite coming a long way from the G-Wiz and the dull first-gen Prius, electric vehicles (EVs) are still dismissed by purists who think that internal combustion is the only way to power a car. So, naturally, performance-oriented EVs are laughable in the eyes of these purists because the quiet electric cars don’t have a soul or character to them.

But, what if we told you that future performance cars can be fast, fun, and even lovable to drive just like an ICE car?  The car that we think will finally reconcile the two automotive sectors is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, and in this article, we’ll be providing you with a few reasons why. 

Related: Hyundai IONIQ 5 N wins Top Electric Performance Car Award
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Exterior

Okay, alright, tons of power doesn’t make up for a car being dull, we agree. However, we can’t talk about the IONIQ 5 N without first mentioning how it differs from its normal counterpart. The fastest version of the IONIQ 5 available in the Philippines is the two-wheel drive, long-range variant which has 214 hp and 350 Nm of torque. This version of the IONIQ 5 can get from zero to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds all the way up to a top speed of 185 km/h. It’s pretty quick, but it probably isn’t enough to get your blood pumping.

Meanwhile, the IONIQ 5 N’s electric motors churn out 641 hp and 770 Nm of torque delivering power to all four wheels. All this power propels the IONIQ 5 N from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and will continue to climb up to 260 km/h. The speed and quickness it can achieve most definitely warrant some consideration from even the most hardcore ICE fans because it’s simply astonishing.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N On Track

Moving from our last point, going fast, while a definite plus, isn’t all that’s needed to make a performance car great, let alone make it a car that heralds the future. What makes the IONIQ 5 N excellent and ahead of the pack is that it doesn’t stop at just being fast, Hyundai has also given it equipment to make you feel fast as well.

IONIQ 5 N Interior

Our very own Caco discovered this when he got the opportunity to drive the IONIQ 5 N around a track in Spain. During his drive, he discovered that the IONIQ 5 N has the ability to mimic a turbocharged internal combustion engine’s sound, complete with the pops and crackles. 

Furthermore, the sound goes hand in hand with the IONIQ 5 N’s e-shift function that emulates an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, by controlling motor torque to simulate the jolt between shifts.

Going back a bit to the sounds, you can choose from three distinct sounds, the first is the turbo 2.0-liter Hyundai engine, followed by a futuristic EV theme, with the last sound being a twin-engine fighter jet. Call the IONIQ 5 N anything you want, but don’t call it boring.

IONIQ 5 N Drift Optimizer

The IONIQ 5 N has launch control and tons of power, all good for launching you in a straight line very quickly, but how about for going sideways? Hyundai has thought of everything the driving enthusiast would want in a car with the IONIQ 5 N, even drifting, that’s why it has a feature called the N Drift Optimizer.

This feature, according to Hyundai, makes the AWD IONIQ 5 N rear-wheel drive only and helps drivers, even newbies, maintain a drift by balancing multiple vehicle controls in real-time. In simpler terms, it allows you to live out your “Tokyo Drift” dreams more easily and train your skills in drifting. This feature isn’t a cheat code to drift, mind you, it’s easy to start a slide and a lot more skill to control it.

IONIQ 5 N Tandem

It’s fun, as simple as that. The IONIQ 5 N takes all that is fun about driving ICE cars and uses technology to bring it to EVs. It lets you experience the tactile feeling of internal combustion, without the harmful effects. 

Of course, it will never be able to replicate the high octane high we get from internal combustion-powered cars, but, the IONIQ 5 N will at least get you close. Plus, keep in mind that the IONIQ 5 N is not only a more powerful IONIQ 5, but it’s also a competent track car thanks to upgrades in the chassis, suspension, and brakes. As a car, the IONIQ 5 N is a compelling choice for those who crave performance and fun in one package. That combination, hopefully, is a format for future performance EVs to come.

If you’re interested in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, then you’re in luck, the N brand has officially launched in the Philippine market. Check out the IONIQ 5 N’s specs and price on AutoDeal.com.ph and hit the ‘Get Quote” button to connect with professional Hyundai sales agents near you.

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