We’re finally getting to the exciting part of automakers’ journey to offer electric versions of their car lineups. For decades, high-performance versions of regular cars have been something consumers expect from the auto industry. While we’ve seen electric vehicles (EVs) with impressive stats and extra power, such as the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply this concept to an electric car.
The Ioniq 5 N isn’t simply a faster variant of the Ioniq 5. Sure, it has more power, but it also seeks to mimic the immersive experience of Hyundai’s internal combustion N performance cars, complete with simulated gearshifts and engine sounds. These unique features also help justify its steep base price of $67,475, which is $8,700 more than the fully loaded dual-motor Ioniq 5 Limited.
Hyundai made sure to give the Ioniq 5 N a performance car look. It features flared wheel arches that widen the car by 2 inches to fit bigger summer performance tires on 21-inch forged aluminum wheels. The car sits 0.79 inches lower than the standard Ioniq 5, further countering Hyundai’s marketing that this is a crossover SUV rather than a hatchback.
It also has aerodynamic features like front and rear spoilers and a rear diffuser extending enough to make the N 3.2 inches longer than a standard Ioniq 5. Hyundai claims these elements optimize airflow over the car’s body. The front bumper also has prominent air intakes to cool the battery pack and motors.
You can’t see the structural reinforcements, but they’re there to make the body more rigid, which improves handling by providing tougher mounting points for the suspension. The body shell includes 42 extra welding points and an additional 6.9 feet of structural adhesive. The motor, battery pack, and steering rack mounts were also strengthened. While aftermarket tuners might eventually replicate the N’s power, matching its sturdy structure will be a challenge.
Inside, there are changes like a steering wheel with added buttons and paddles to control different drive modes and features. The seats have extra bolstering and are mounted 0.79 inches lower for better weight distribution. The center console even has kneepads to keep small items in place during sharp turns. Importantly, the N offers the same passenger and cargo space as the standard Ioniq 5, making it practical for everyday use.
Most of the tech features from the standard Ioniq 5 carry over to the N. This includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that together span nearly half the dashboard. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi, digital key functionality, and the Hyundai Pay in-car payment system.
The screens in the Ioniq 5 N display more information than those in the standard model. The instrument cluster can switch to an N-specific layout showing motor and battery temperatures, steering, suspension, and power output settings. The main touchscreen can show front and rear torque distribution, throttle or brake usage, and lap times.
Despite its performance focus, the Ioniq 5 N doesn’t skimp on driver-assist tech. It includes lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, Hyundai’s blind-spot camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a Highway Driving Assist 2 system with automated lane centering. There’s also an advanced rear occupant alert system using radar to detect even subtle movements, such as a baby’s heartbeat.
All these driver aids can be deactivated by switching to one of the track-oriented drive modes, so you won’t get forward-collision warnings when braking at high speeds. This ensures that the N is not just a track-capable car but also practical for everyday road use.
The Ioniq 5 N is powered by an 84-kilowatt-hour battery pack, larger than the 77.4-kWh pack in the standard model. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 601 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque, or up to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft with the N Grin Boost function, which is available for 10-second bursts. With N Grin Boost and launch control engaged, Hyundai estimates it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 162 mph.
Unlike most electric cars, the Ioniq 5 N doesn’t have a multi-speed transmission. However, Hyundai has included N e-shift to simulate the feel of its eight-speed dual-clutch gasoline N cars, plus N Active Sound+ for an internal combustion-like soundtrack. These features provide a more familiar experience for those new to EVs and offer drivers more feedback.
Hyundai chose California’s Laguna Seca Raceway for the Ioniq 5 N media drive, a famous track often featured in video games like Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport, which added to the immersive feel. Though the artificial sounds and simulated shifts were overdone to the point of feeling like a video game, the Ioniq 5 N still delivered an exhilarating track experience with its powerful performance and impressive handling.
During our track session, performance didn’t degrade, thanks in part to Hyundai’s measures to control battery overheating. This includes a preconditioning system to get the battery to its ideal temperature for charging. Drivers can choose between settings for short sprints or longer track sessions, in a long list that even covers drag racing and drifting.
On regular roads, the Ioniq 5 N is still practical but not as comfortable as some daily drivers. It retains some entertainment value on twisty roads, thanks to its precise steering and well-tuned suspension, though its considerable weight is more noticeable at legal speeds.
The Ioniq 5 N’s range is less than other Ioniq 5 models, with an estimated 221 miles compared to 260 miles for non-N dual-motor versions. However, Hyundai expects it can still charge from 10% to 80% in the same 18 minutes if using a 350-kilowatt charging station.
After our roughly 20-minute track session, starting with about a 90% charge, we had 58% remaining. While this is typical for a track day, range might be a concern if you plan to drive home afterward, especially since not all racetracks have high-power chargers.
Hyundai offers the Ioniq 5 N in a single, fully-equipped configuration. Unlike some performance brands, Hyundai N includes all critical hardware and major tech features from the standard Ioniq 5, justifying the higher price to some extent.
If you’re not planning on taking your car to the track, options like the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT (with the Performance Upgrade) or Tesla Model Y Performance offer sporty driving dynamics for less money and greater range. While they’re not as hardcore as the Ioniq 5 N, the difference is mainly noticeable in track situations.
The Ioniq 5 N stands out as an electric alternative to traditional performance cars. It’s slightly cheaper than a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, more practical, and still fun to drive. Although it may seem like an unusual comparison, the Ioniq 5 N’s mission isn’t to be the best EV for everyone, but to be the best EV for car enthusiasts. Mission accomplished.