Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – electric sports car for petrol fans

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 electric cars from the Korean car group Hyundai Motors have already shown that the 800-volt electric architecture can also provide high speeds at the charging station in small cars. Now another model from this group is coming to the market: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

The five-door sports model not only has 800-volt technology, but also offers great power and a wide range of driving and driving modes.

With two permanent magnet motors, the electric power sends a maximum of 448 kW (609 hp), and even 478 kW (650 hp) for ten seconds in boost mode, to four 21-inch wheels. Not only this performance of a very high peak, but also a great torque of 770 Nm in a short time accelerates the five-door car, which weighs 2305 kg with the driver, from a standstill to 100 km / h in 3.4 seconds and activates the top. speed of 260 kilometers per hour.

The Ioniq 5 N is the first fully electric model from the Hyundai N sports brand. The N model differs from the standard Ioniq 5 through changed proportions: it is 80 millimeters longer and 20 millimeters lower. The car is 50 millimeters wider to accommodate the wider 275/35 R 21 tires. The large 3.00 meter wheelbase is also impressive.

800-volt technology is subject to change

The Ioniq 5 N is certainly also a pioneer in the democratization of the 800-volt electrical system on board, which will bring shorter charging times and increase efficiency for the compact class. Even if, for cost reasons, most electric vehicles in the world currently operate at a voltage of 400 volts, the 800 volt standard may soon become more widespread.

The path to the new stage of development is paved with the Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform, which models from Audi and Porsche will benefit from in the past, but also with the Neue Klasse from BMW, the MMA architecture from Mercedes-Benz and several Chinese guests.

However, doubling the system voltage requires greater insulation and protection efforts, and more complex electrical wiring is required. This results in higher costs. On the other hand, the advantages include, on the one hand, higher charging power and shorter charging times, and on the other hand, smaller cable sections, which reduces the need for copper and also saves installation space and weight. .

The 84 kWh battery of the Ioniq 5 N ensures a WLTP range of up to 448 kilometers and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes at a fast charging station with up to 350 kW.

The car shows its two faces

However, the maximum performance of the reserve must be kept under control so that the new N model can move seamlessly in everyday traffic and deliver amazing results on the race track. The fact that the Ioniq 5 N masters of both professions was also confirmed during the first driving contact with the guest, because the vehicle specified by the software makes it possible to adjust the driving performance as desired.

As a well-behaved car for everyday use, the Ioniq 5 N, like any normal electric car, passes through the 30 speed zones in the city without being heard easily and feels very secure at higher speeds outside the city. In Eco, Normal or Sports mode, five people are guaranteed a comfortable ride. The 5 N is based on the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) platform of the Ioniq 5, but also uses motorcycle technology and know-how from the N.

All-wheel drive with a collection-inspired design and improved body design make it a safe everyday vehicle with great performance potential. With N-Pedal you can drive perfectly in urban areas and on dirt roads, even without using the brake pedal. The rate of deceleration at which energy can be recovered can be adjusted in several steps using a rocker on the steering column.

But if it wants, the e-Hyundai can also drive at high speeds with a cheeky synthetic sound in the style of an internal combustion engine. But opinions differ here: Is a car that is almost silent without gears still not confident? Or you don’t want to suddenly say goodbye to the tried and tested charms of a gasoline engine with vibration and exhaust sound? The transition to the new values ​​of e-mobility does not seem to be fully resolved yet. The Ioniq 5 N won’t need that at all.

The Ioniq 5 N shows its sporty side especially on the race track. With enough driving power, it can make you forget about the heavy weight and the lack of natural sound of a racing car. There are many ways to enjoy N driving apps.

As mentioned, the car behaves somewhat inconsistently with “N e-Shift” and “N Active Sound” like a networked combustion engine with shift steps and deceptively realistic acoustic accompaniment. After all, you should enable both features, but you can also leave them off.

Steering response and feedback have been significantly improved compared to the base model. A detailed modification was also necessary to combine regenerative braking with hydraulic braking, so that the driver has a safe driving experience in all conditions. This turns out to be a success; the car can be driven around the roundabout quickly and safely without getting used to it.

The other two functions, on the other hand, are not suitable for public roads: “N Drift Optimizer” allows you to force the 4×4 vehicle to slide through a curve, and “N Launch Control” allows you to run from 0 to 100. kilometers per hour in 3.4 seconds. For 10 seconds, the electric then increases the peak power from 448 to 478 kW (from 609 to 650 hp).

To handle all these disciplines with confidence, an improved battery temperature control system and improved engine oil and battery cooling are used.

Due to its driving characteristics in everyday traffic and on the circuit as well as the many driving functions of the N, the new N-Hyundai may be a problem for many buyers of modern sports cars – with the sound of a combustion engine or without. Its price is 79,900 francs, which is much cheaper than other powerful cars. The first delivery will take place in the summer.