Hyundai Insists The 641-HP Ioniq 5 N Will Be A 'Corner Rascal'

It can hit 60 mph in a claimed 3.25 seconds but should be a hoot to drive even in the canyons

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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai

On paper, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N shouldn’t be particularly fun to drive. It makes up to 641 hp and can hit 60 mph in a claimed 3.25 seconds, so straight-line speed shouldn’t be a problem. If you want to smoke a Challenger from a stoplight, go ahead. Still, with an 84-kWh battery pack and dual-motor all-wheel drive, there’s no way the Ioniq 5 N should be something you want to take canyon carving or to a race track. Hyundai, however, insists that’s not the case.

Hyundai just revealed the North American-spec Ioniq 5 N in Los Angeles, and right out of the gate, it’s clear that Hyundai wants to convince prospective buyers that, unlike the Kia EV6 GT, the Ioniq 5 N is legitimately fun to drive. As Till Wartenberg, Hyundai’s vice president and head of N Brand and Motorsport said in a statement:

IONIQ 5 N was developed to take driving fun to a new level by utilizing the latest technologies available. Starting with IONIQ 5 N, N brand aims to deliver its signature fun driving experience regardless of petrol, electric or hydrogen. To accomplish this, we’ve closely monitored the voices of our N fans in order to fine-tune our first all-electric N with the goal of electrifying the driving passion of our most demanding N-thusiasts.

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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai
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Get it? Enthusiasts? N-thusiasts? Someone in the communications department deserves a raise for coming up with that one. And yet, considering Top Gear’s early review of a prototype, we’re inclined to believe it. That’s due in large part to making sure it’s, as Hyundai puts it, a corner rascal. Compared to the regular Ioniq 5, the N version gets 42 more welds and 6.9 feet of extra structural adhesive. The motor and battery mounts are reinforced, as are the rally-inspired integrated drive axles. And to reduce unsprung mass, the 21-inch wheels are made from forged aluminum.

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The steering system is also stronger and has a quicker steering ratio that Hyundai claims makes it more direct and communicative. Meanwhile, software that prioritizes quick cornering over maximizing energy efficiency is said to improve turn-in and throttle sensitivity. Oh, and there’s an intelligent drift mode that Hyundai says helps you maintain your drift angle while you’ve got the tail out and a special mode that lets drivers simulate a clutch kick.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai
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There are also 11 different torque distribution modes and an electronic limited-slip differential at the rear to improve driver control. And when it’s time to slow things down, there are 15.75-inch rotors up front with four-piston calipers and 14.2-inch rotors out back, as well as a sport-tuned regenerative braking system that’s designed to be the primary braking source, which should keep brake fade to a minimum on track. Upgraded cooling should also keep the battery pack at a healthy temperature even while driving aggressively.

Hyundai’s N division added a few more controversial features that it claims will make the Ioniq 5 N more engaging as a daily driver. That includes N e-shift, which, when turned on, simulates the feel of a dual-clutch transmission, as well as three different sound modes, one of which simulates the sound of a gasoline engine. We’re not entirely convinced those are necessary, but at least no one’s forcing anyone to use them.

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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai

The Ioniq 5 N also sits 0.79 inches lower than a regular Ioniq 5 and is 2.0 inches wider. Thanks to its rear diffuser, it’s also 3.2 inches longer. It also gets an aero kit that includes a rear spoiler and 275/35R21 Pirelli P Zero tires. Additionally, the center console gets knee pads and shin support for improved driver comfort during hard cornering.

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Will all of that be enough to win over the skeptics? We’re not sure. You’ll have to wait until we get to drive the 2025 Ioniq 5 N to get a better idea of just how fun it is to drive. Still, it’s clear that Hyundai didn’t just throw more power at Ioniq 5 and call it a day. And considering how great previous N models have been to drive, we’re inclined to believe Hyundai’s N division knows what it was doing. It’ll still be a heavy car, but we wouldn’t be surprised to find out that the Ioniq 5 N hides its weight better than you’d expect.

Exactly how much the Ioniq 5 N weighs is still a mystery, as is the base price. We shouldn’t have to wait long to find out both, though, since Hyundai says the 2025 Ioniq 5 N will hit dealers in March 2024. Oh, and did we mention that you’ll be able to order it in a real color? Yep! In addition to more pedestrian choices, you’ll also be able to order it in Soultronic Orange Pearl. We can’t wait.

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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai
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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai
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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Photo: Hyundai