Butter and butter money

Would it be enough for an electric car to produce the sound of a combustion engine to surprise us? Certainly not. But if the “5 N” has the ability, unlike many of its electric counterparts, to give a mechanical sound with complete fidelity to that of a 4-cylinder sport, by simulating the speed change between gears, it does not end there. … Transmits small vibrations at each gear change, also false, and imitates the arrangement of the gearbox, with an increase in speed as the gears advance, up to eight numbers.

This N even has a bigger than life breaker. On the (false) rev counter, at the very top, close to 8,000 rpm, acceleration stops suddenly, like when the spark plugs are turned off, and explosions very similar to those of a real crack violently break the ears. Then, the driver’s head is gently pulled forward, until his right middle finger hits the paddle. Taste. But completely fake. And it doesn’t make sense?

Imitation

Difficult to answer this. If this device, which can also be heard from outside, obviously remains high and will probably be used frequently, for example to entertain the gallery while stationary, it contributes to the pleasure when you want to shoot the Ioniq 5, even allowing the exhaust. backfires when downshifting – which comes from the rear speakers. Imitation and warm mechanics are extensive: good vibrations are felt in the doors when it is stationary, at “idle speed”, while at low speed, at 50 km / h in the 7th or 8th gear, Hyundai seems to lack the image, giving only a little . speed up. Like in real life. Or rather, as before, and the gasoline car lacks torque. Another wink that might seem a little silly. But happy.

Sports car “like before”?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 NPhoto Credit – DR

Add to that incredible performance and, presto, you’re teleported to a vintage sports sedan. It is obviously very heavy, with 2.2 tons to move, and very hard, despite the controlled dirt whose adjustment can go from firm to very firm. According to Hyundai, this final version of the Ioniq 5 can enter the circuit, without fear of battery heat, mainly thanks to its ventilation shields more than the “normal” version, or a very rapid loss of autonomy. . For this, it has a multitude of adjustments to be made from the touch screen, not without some difficulty, to adapt the car to the driver’s wishes.

Great coping ability

Ioniq 5 N: modification of N Torque TransmissionPhoto Credit – DR

A drag race? Launch Control (which separates the false gear change system, for the benefit of performance) allows you to go from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.4 seconds. Similar to Ferrari Purosangue, give or take a tenth. Two short circuit cycles? The Sprint function promises to provide better performance. Have you passed? The NGB button, on the right thumb, triggers a power boost, to increase the total power of the two engines from 609 to 650 hp, in ten seconds. A little longer? The Endurance position will moderate performance and promote regeneration during fasting, for the benefit of freedom. Desire to surf? Drift mode – like N Torque Distribution – then it can improve the transmission between the two axles, and play with the small rear differential (mechanical, electronically controlled) to ensure the concert. Do not throw away, there is everything. So, for the crazy people who show up on the circuit with this Hyundai, it remains to offer utility stocks, smoking tires and pads in abundance. In addition, the brake proves to be surprisingly good and durable (we only managed to cover five laps of the track) even if, with such a weight, there is no magic: when it is properly launched, you have to press like a bear on the left pedal.

Want to track the test? Valid.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 2024Photo Credit – DR

However, on a perfectly smooth stretch of tarmac, with stringers and a few quick bends, this “N” is lovely. Its large 275 mm wide, 21-inch Pirelli tires give it a comfortable seat. Its stable steering – with a rack different from that of the Ioniq 5 – leads forward very well, the low center of gravity contributes to holding the road and the driving programs provided in the circuit make it possible to generate an agile, even playful behavior. , a form of propulsion, sometimes forcing you to resist. In short, it worked. But it is similar to the Land Rover Defender that does well in crossing, although customers (some of them) do not dare to put it on the grass. Knowing that he can perform feats in his natural element is a point. For this Hyundai, it’s fine.

Sports and strong

Ioniq 5 N – forwardPhoto Credit – DR

The front and rear tracks were widened by 25 and 55 mm compared to those of the Ioniq 5, the ground clearance decreased by 18 mm, the height increased by 8 cm, N faces its sports performances. But it becomes heavy at 230 kg! And if his looks reveal some of his intentions, this Korean also knows how to live in a non-exciting way. Depending on the driving mode selected at the wheel, it can move silently, like all sedans of its type, and provide up to 448 kilometers of autonomy, thanks to its new NMC battery with a capacity of 84 kWh, which will benefit from the year 2024. modified version of the “regular” Ioniq 5. It’s essentially the same collector block as before, with improved power density. It “fills up” (from 10 to 80%) in 1 hour 10 minutes from the 50 kW terminal, and in just 18 minutes through the fast station, due to the maximum charging power set at 240 kW.

Other strings to his bow…

Ioniq 5 N – rear seatsPhoto Credit – DR

This Hyundai also has a V2L reverse charging system, using the battery to, for example, supply various devices with electricity. And it can be opened and started from a smartphone. In short, everything you would expect from a modern electric car, including the i-Pedal function that effectively (and can be adjusted) slows the car down when approaching a red light, or a semi-automatic driving device. The novel, which still benefits from the generosity of the room and truly luxurious equipment (up to the heated rear seats), also offers a special taste, not satisfying, or even questionable.

What is the most exciting future of electronics?

Ioniq 5 N – steering wheelPhoto Credit – DR

But this great toy, which shows an incredible price/performance ratio, probably sets the standard for other projects. We are especially thinking of a small GTi like the Clio RS or the Hyundai i20 N, now defunct, which could, with this auditory and surprising trick, rediscover the soul of sports. 200 hp will be enough to provide performance, as long as the weight loss treatment is strong. What is missing is the smell of petrol at the charging stations…

In short, this Ioniq 5 N brings good ideas, which can attract enthusiasts in search of mechanical noise. We can also be surprised that the idea of ​​such a power and, above all, a fun electric device, using “easy” (from a theoretical point of view) and an effective solution to sharpen the mood, does not happen or Porsche, although the German company calls some of its electric cars “Turbo” …

Test Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – our opinion

Hyundai Ioniq 5 NPhoto Credit – DR

Funny machine! But a funny, tasty and versatile machine, offering comfort, performance, great seating capacity and rich equipment, at an unbeatable price.

We like

• The sound of honest machines
• Agile and pleasant behavior
• Habitability and equipment
• Price information/performance

We like a little

• Heavy weight
• A solid river
• Freedom in sports driving

Range provided

• Electric, from 168 kW to 478 kW, from €54,200 to €78,000

Ioniq 5 N – stealth technique

Below the dashboard, a central compartment used mainly as a storage space has been added to this N version, to help the driver and passengers stay in place.Photo Credit – DR

• From €78,000
• Consumption during the test (kWh/100 km) : 36.6
• Combined Conso WLTP (kWh/100 km): 21.2
• Manufacturer frequency (km): 448
• CO2 (g/km)/bonus : 0/0 €
• Financial power: 10 HP
• Country of manufacture: Korea
• Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
• Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000 km

Driving

• Motor: 2 x synchronous permanent magnet
• Transfer: important, reducing
• Power (kW/hp): 478/650
• Couples (Nm) : 370
• Battery: Lithium-Ion, 84 kWh capacity
• Payback time: (10 to 80%)
  • Has AC 11 kW : 7h35
  • Fast DC 50 kW: 1h10
  • Rapide DC 240 kW: 18 min
• Empty weight (kg): 2,230
• Long.xlarge.xhaut. (m) : 4,72×1,94×1,59
• Wheel base (m): 3
• Turning diameter (m): 12.4
• Max speed (km/h) : 260
• 0 to 100 km/h (s): 3.4
• Standard tires: 275/35 R 21
• Test tires: Pirelli P Zero Elect
• Width at front/back elbows (cm): 157/158
• Rear leg room (cm): 83
• 5/2 trunk (l): 480/1,540
• Price of the tested version: €78,900 (with matte paint)

Potential competitors

– Kia EV6 GT, electricity 430 kW, from €74,690

– Porsche Taycan 4S, electricity 400 kW, from €124,296

– Tesla Model 3 performance, electricity 460 kW *, available soon

* estimates

Summing up

Fun, surprising and powerful, the Ioniq 5 N shows that fireworks can be enough to please fans of GTi and hot sports cars. Some will say that it is “fake”, but this sassy 650 hp model gives a special taste …

Editor