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Here’s a glimpse into the life of a car critic: certain professionals are tasked with transporting vehicles to and from journalists. These individuals possess knowledge about cars comparable to renowned experts you see on television or read about online (Hello there!). They are also remarkably good at maintaining composure.
Automakers hire companies that handle the upkeep and servicing of vehicles, ensuring they are presentable for publications like ours. These companies also manage the logistics of delivering and retrieving the cars.
The drivers employed by these companies often have a wealth of experience behind the wheel, rivaling that of Cars.com editors. Their clients prefer that they remain neutral and do not express opinions that might influence our reports. As a result, they maintain a friendly demeanor but reveal nothing about their preferences, whether they are delivering an economical sedan or an extravagant six-figure convertible. Instead, the conversation might drift to local gardening.
I share these insights to emphasize a point: The driver who arrived with the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for my evaluation wore a broad smile but shook his head in disbelief as he handed over the keys. This vehicle had clearly made an impression, breaking through his normally stoic exterior.
About the Ioniq 5 N
The Ioniq 5 N represents a high-performance, race-ready iteration of Hyundai’s midsize electric SUV, the Ioniq 5. Previously, I remarked that the Ioniq 5 might be the best all-around electric vehicle (EV) to date.
However, the Ioniq 5 N takes it to another level. This performance-oriented model delivers up to 641 horsepower, features a drift mode, a drag mode, and even options that allow it to emit sounds resembling those of a traditional engine. It is a remarkable automobile that comes with only a few trade-offs for everyday driving. After a week behind the wheel, I believe it suits only a niche group of enthusiasts. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, I cannot recommend it unless you intend to spend considerable time at a racetrack.
The model I tested featured two optional upgrades: Atlas White paint ($470) and carpeted floor mats ($210), bringing the total price to $68,175, including a $1,395 delivery charge.
A Daily Driver and a Track Toy at the Touch of Many Buttons
Many automakers offer a high-performance variant of their models. If you are aware of the distinctions between a BMW 3 Series and an M3, you understand this concept well.
What’s distinctive about the Ioniq 5 N is its capability to toggle performance features on and off. Hyundai capitalizes on the technologically advanced nature of electric vehicles to allow customization for its inaugural true track car, offering adjustments for everything from horsepower to grip levels.
During my week of testing, I didn’t delve into all its extreme features. I’ll allow my colleagues Lyn Woodward and Mike Danger to take on that adventure at the racetrack:
However, I did assess its performance credentials as much as prudence allowed.
The Ioniq 5 N delivers a startling level of acceleration, achieving zero-to-60 mph in a mere three seconds—an impressive feat at this price range. Technically, you could rely on that power just to merge into highway traffic. But that approach would be akin to using a racehorse merely to stroll in your backyard.
But You Need to Familiarize Yourself to Utilize It
To access that remarkable acceleration, you’ll need to navigate various settings using buttons on the steering wheel, a touchscreen menu for preconditioning the battery, other touchscreen sequences to engage launch control and modify grip settings, and one more button on the steering wheel to activate “N Grin Boost” for a brief 10-second surge of power. Then, you simply press the accelerator.
Other options allow you to engage race mode, alter torque distribution, switch to a drift setting, create spaceship-like sounds, and explore a multitude of functions that I couldn’t completely cover in a week’s time. From engine sounds to simulated gear shifts using paddle shifters, you can even monitor battery temperatures and power output in real-time.
Hyundai has creatively dubbed some of these settings “N Grin Shift” and “Corner Rascal,” but make no mistake: this vehicle has as many settings as a fighter jet has dials and switches. It will require a significant amount of time behind the wheel just to become familiar with a portion of them.
The thrill of driving a high-performance version of a family vehicle lies in being able to handle mundane chores with ease, and then switch to channeling your inner Lewis Hamilton on winding roads. However, with the Ioniq 5 N, you’ll also need to step into the role of an engineer.
Should you intend to purchase this car for weekend racing, that falls into the “pros” column. If you’re merely seeking a speedy family car, its complexity could be a drawback.
That said, despite its many controls and functions, the Ioniq 5 N can readily serve as a standard family vehicle for everyday use.
I did encounter one minor inconvenience: a droning noise emanating from the front axle at low neighborhood speeds. After exploring the displays, I discovered that this sound occurs only when the rear motor is active while the front motor is not. A quick acceleration engages the front motor and eliminates the noise.
Perhaps These Should Be Reserved for Weekend Racers
My week with the Ioniq 5 N was thoroughly enjoyable, and I returned the keys with a smile.
However, I wouldn’t advise the Ioniq 5 N for the average driver. This isn’t due to the lack of fun stemming from its impressive power and performance. Rather, the standard Ioniq 5 is already a thrilling ride.
An all-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 in sport mode can reach 60 mph in under five seconds, featuring responsive steering and excellent grip. This level of performance is more than sufficient for most drivers, and it’s priced below $56,000.
Thus, I urge potential buyers to consider reserving these high-performance versions for those who will fully exploit their capabilities. My experience with the Ioniq 5 N proved it can function as a family car, but Lyn and Mike’s racetrack outing highlighted its true purpose.
Ultimately, the Ioniq 5 N serves a specialized market targeting a select group of enthusiasts. If you’re intrigued but know you won’t utilize its advanced features like drift mode, a more budget-friendly Ioniq 5 without the “N” would be the smarter choice. This way, drivers can ensure these performance vehicles fulfill their intended purpose on the racetrack.
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