Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: E-athlete with sound effect

You’re probably thinking: “They’ve all tried, it always looks like shit!” And now comes the famous “Okay, but…”

How does it work? The answer is N e-Shift. Like previous DKG models, the sporty Ioniq has two paddle shifters on the steering wheel that can be used to simulate an eight-speed transmission. Complete with shift sticks, torque converter and even DSG fluids with a design from the non-existent exhaust.

The whole structure is so harmoniously integrated and coordinated in nature that we were surprised by the first test of the car at the Circuit Castelloli.In Spain we had to remind ourselves several times that we were sitting in an electric car that had no gearbox or exhaust system.

In terms of sound, in addition to the usual roar, Hyundai also offers two futuristic sounds, one that sounds like the Starship Enterprise and the other like a U3 heading to an airport. We will stick with the model called “Ignition”.

And now we have talked so much about the acoustic light of the Ioniq 5 N that we almost forgot about another technology – because it is not very interesting: two electric motors drive Korean, one on the front axle, the other on. rear axle.

Together, this creates an all-wheel drive with 609 hp and 740 Newton meters of torque. By switching “N Grin Boost” on the steering wheel, an additional 41 hp can be activated in ten seconds to reach a semi-circular 650 hp. That’s good for a 0-100 time of 3.4 seconds, the top speed is limited to 260 km / h.

The battery pack on the floor has a capacity of 84 kWh and, with the 800-volt charging technology, it should reach 80 again in just 18 minutes from a 10 percent charge rate. The bottom line is that this should be good for the range of 448 km. If you always move in this fast charging range, in practice you have a range of more than 300 km available.

Visually, Hyundai has clearly differentiated the N from the regular Ioniq 5. The sports version is eight centimeters long, five centimeters wide and sits two centimeters closer to the pavement. At the front it retains its diagonal design language, but is drawn more aggressively. Large cooling openings and flexible intake flaps always allow air to flow as needed, depending on the situation. When driving calmly, the flaps close to improve aerodynamics.

The rest of the body kit also has its function. Air curtains in front of the wheel arches, roof damage – nothing to show, everything has an aerodynamic advantage. Different orange elements also stand out. On the combustion models these were still red. By the way, “Soultronic Orange” is also available as the only free exterior color – it also looks very stylish and is something different from the ubiquitous Performance Blue (660 euros).

There are also effectively supportive sports seats, although the mounted headrest presses uncomfortably between the shoulder blades of tall drivers. Space is large, especially in the back seat thanks to the three-meter wheelbase. The trunk volume is 480 liters and can be expanded to 1540 liters by folding the rear seats. What is unusual, however, is the high sill of the internal loading, caused by all the electric technology in the floor of the car.

And on the race track it would definitely eat the 80s luxury car in peace – despite its 2.2 tonnes. The Ioniq 5 N shows unexpected talent, especially in curves, boosting inward precisely to the apex and only starting towards the middle of the curve to push out a little more than is usual with lighter competitors. However, the back always turns to help, so that the burden never falls under the weak.