A bit of inside information on how being a automotive critic works: there are individuals whose job is to deliver vehicles to and from journalists. They know as a lot about vehicles as any professional you see on TV or learn on-line (Hello!). And so they have poker faces.
Automakers pay firms to keep up and clear vehicles, schedule them for publications like ours, drop them off, and decide them up.
The drivers who work for these firms are among the solely individuals who have pushed as many vehicles as KBB editors have. Their purchasers don’t need them to say something that influences what we’d write. So, they’re nice poker gamers, by no means revealing a choice. They might be dropping off an financial system automotive or an unique six-figure convertible; all they’ll touch upon is your backyard.
I let you know this to let you know this: The driver who dropped off the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for me to check smiled. He shook his head. He reluctantly handed me the keys. The Ioniq 5 N broke his skilled cool.
In regards to the Ioniq 5 N
The Ioniq 5 N is a track-ready, ultra-high-performance model of Hyundai’s midsize electrical SUV, the Ioniq 5. I’m on document saying the Ioniq 5 could also be one of the best all-around electrical car (EV) anybody has constructed but.
However the Ioniq 5 N is one thing else totally. The high-performance model boasts as much as 641 horsepower, a drift mode, a drag mode, and a setting that makes it burble and snarl prefer it has an engine. It’s an automotive marvel with just a few — and only a few — compromises as an on a regular basis automotive. However per week driving it left me pondering it’s the proper alternative for only a choose few. I beloved it. I don’t suggest it except you intend to order time at a neighborhood observe repeatedly.
My take a look at mannequin had solely two added-cost choices: Atlas White paint ($470) and carpeted flooring mats ($210). The whole sticker was $68,175, together with a $1,395 supply price.
A Day by day Driver and a Monitor Toy on the Contact of Many Buttons
Many vehicles have a high-performance model. If you realize the distinction between a BMW 3 Collection and an M3, you get the thought.
What’s new about this one is you can flip the efficiency on and off. Hyundai used the computer-on-wheels nature of electrical vehicles to make its first true observe automotive customizable. It has settings for the whole lot from horsepower to grip stage.
In my week driving it, I didn’t get to discover its wildest capabilities. I’ll go away that to my colleagues Lyn Woodward and Mike Hazard, who took it to the observe:
However I did discover its efficiency credentials — not less than as a lot as one can with out risking their license.
The Ioniq 5 N has stunning quickness. A zero-to-60 time of three seconds flat is astonishing at this worth level. Technically, you would simply use that acceleration to stand up to freeway velocity. Nevertheless, that’s like utilizing a thoroughbred racehorse to canter round your yard.
However You Must Examine as much as Use It
To get that blistering acceleration, you employ buttons on the steering wheel to pick out the right driving mode, a touchscreen menu to precondition the battery to the proper temperature, one other touchscreen menu to interact launch management and modify the grip setting, after which one other steering wheel button to set off “N Grin Enhance” for a 10-second punch of horsepower. Then, you step on the accelerator.
Different menus set off race mode, torque distribution modifications, a drift setting, spaceship noises, and possibly one million different capabilities I didn’t discover in per week’s time. You’ll be able to activate engine sounds and faux shifting (utilizing paddle shifters). You’ll be able to examine the temperature of the battery and every of the 2 motors. You’ll be able to see what number of Newton meters of energy every axle is at present producing. You’ll be able to examine how exhausting you’re miserable the brake pedal at a stoplight.
Hyundai gave them playful names like “N Grin Shift” and “Nook Rascal.” It doesn’t change the truth that this automotive has settings like a fighter jet has dials and switches. You’d have to commit loads of seat time simply to be taught half of them.
The enjoyment of driving a high-performance model of a household automotive is you can run errands in it casually after which faux to be Lewis Hamilton on a freeway cloverleaf. With the Ioniq 5 N, although, you need to be taught to be his engineer, too.
In case you’re shopping for the automotive for weekend observe days, that matches into the professional column. In case you simply desire a fast household automotive, although, its complexity might be a con.
That’s practically it for compromises, although. Ignore the numerous buttons and menus, and the Ioniq 5 N can simply be an odd household automotive for day-to-day use.
I discovered one minor annoyance — a droning noise off the entrance axle at neighborhood speeds. Paging by way of the numerous shows, I discovered that the noise solely occurs when the rear motor is powering the automotive and the entrance one is alongside for the experience. Speed up for a second, and the entrance motor engages, ending the whine.
Possibly We Ought to Go away These for the Weekend Racers
I totally loved my week within the Ioniq 5 N. Once I handed again the keys, I used to be smiling.
I nonetheless wouldn’t suggest the Ioniq 5 N for many drivers. Not as a result of its astonishing energy and sporty dealing with aren’t enjoyable. However as a result of an Ioniq 5 with out an N on it’s already enjoyable.
An all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ioniq 5 in sport mode will get from zero to 60 mph in below 5 seconds. It has gentle, responsive steering and loads of grip. It’s extra efficiency than the common driver wants. And it’s obtainable for below $56,000.
So, a plea — go away these for the individuals who will use them for the whole lot they’re able to. Per week within the Ioniq 5 N confirmed me that it’s straightforward to dwell with as a household automotive.
However Lyn and Mike’s day on the observe confirmed me that that’s not what this automotive is. Superman shouldn’t be caught within the Clark Kent position for all times. Thoroughbreds must be allowed to race.
The Ioniq 5 N arrives as a really area of interest automotive meant for a distinct segment set of patrons. In case you suppose you need one however know you’ll by no means interact that drift mode, you’re higher off with a extra reasonably priced Ioniq 5 with out the N subsequent to the identify. Select that so these can dwell the life they have been constructed for on the observe.
