2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Debuts: 641 HP, Drift Mode, Simulated Shifts

This is the N sub-brand's first all-electric offering, with over twice the horsepower of any previous N model.

To kick off this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai on Thursday debuted the 2024 Ioniq 5 N. The first EV from the performance sub-brand, the Ioniq 5 N packs in plenty of unique features over other E-GMP models, including but not limited to more power, more battery capacity, and a bevy of performance-minded driver assists to wring out every bit of the car's increased capabilities.

The headline figure is 641 horsepower, comfortably more than even the 577-hp Kia EV6 GT. That's with N Grin Boost engaged; regular driving modes peg output at just 601 hp. Hyundai did not provide torque figures. Both front and rear electric motors are more powerful than before, with the rear motor alone making 378 hp, more than the combined figure of the current top-level Ioniq 5. The run to 62 mph (100 km/h) now takes just 3.4 seconds with the boost mode active, and one of the three (yes, three) launch control traction settings.

If there's anything that sums up Ioniq 5 N, it's that: the customization of settings available. The press release comes with the mention at least a dozen N-badged features, from N e-shift to N Race. How about N Pedal, which repurposes the Ioniq i-Pedal one-pedal driving feature for more aggressive weight transfer tipping into corners, which Hyundai says improves turn-in? Maybe N Drift Optimizer is more your speed, which not only helps drivers maintain their slideways antics, but includes a Torque Kick Drift function to simulate the eponymous technique from ICE cars to encourage quicker rotation. Let's not forget N e-shift's ability to introduce simulated gearshifts modeled after N's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, or N Active Sound+, which lets users pick from three simulated soundtracks: the N 2.0-liter turbo ("Ignition"), one inspired by the RN22e rolling lab ("Evolution"), or even fighter jets ("Supersonic"). Hyundai says both of these features are intended to provide a more interactive driving experience for those used to the cues from ICE vehicles. The active sound system uses eight internal speakers as well as two external sources.

In Europe, there will even be a feature that encourages drivers to switch to N Mode when the traffic sign recognition software catches a curvy road sign. The name? N Road Sense, naturally.

There are yet more N settings, targeting specific track use purposes. The Ioniq 5 N will offer N Battery Pre-conditioning, allowing drivers to prep the battery pack to the most efficient temperature for their goals. Drag mode is made for quick burst of full power, while Track mode aims for "the lowest possible battery temperature for more laps." Similarly, N Race offers up Endurance or Sprint modes, prioritizing longer stints (and thus, limited power) or more hot-lap power, respectively.

Speaking of the battery, the N debuts an 84-kWh battery pack. It's a denser unit than any previous E-GMP model, but fits in the same space as before. How this affects range is currently unknown.

The huge brakes—15.75 inches (400 millimeters) up front, 14.2 in (360 mm) in back—promise increased stopping power, a boon for a hefty EV. Hyundai's N engineers have also rejigged the regenerative braking system to handle more of the stopping on-track, which it says should limit the brake fade of the friction braking.

It isn't all programming trickery, either. Hyundai has spent time under the skin optimizing the E-GMP platform for the additional rigors of the Nürburgring. The body-in-white benefits from 42 additional welding points and over six feet of adhesives. Both front and rear subframes boast increased rigidity, along with the motor and battery mountings. There's also a uniquely tuned electronic power steering rack with a higher ratio, too. Hyundai has dropped in integrated drive axles at both ends, both to handle the additional torque, and reduce unsprung mass.

There are naturally changes to the exterior, too. There is a wholly unique bodykit, utilizing plenty of contrasting black and Luminous Orange along the lower sections of the Ioniq 5. The whole package is then dropped on gorgeous, spindly 21-inch forged alloys, wrapped in wide 275/35ZR21 Pirelli P-Zero tires. All together the Ioniq 5 N is 0.8 inches (20 mm) lower, a full 2.0 inches (50 mm) wider, and 3.1 inches (80 mm) longer, the latter largely the result of the much more dramatic rear diffuser. There is a large rear spoiler as well, with a triangle-shaped brake light which calls back to the Veloster N. RIP original N hot hatch. There are new exterior color options, including a matte version of N's Performance Blue, and an unseen hue with the intriguing name of Soultronic Orange Pearl.

Inside, Hyundai has fitted the Ioniq 5 N with a redesigned steering wheel, complete with N buttons for quick access to custom drive modes. There are knee pads and shin supports to handle the additional lateral forces of track driving. Heavily bolstered N bucket seats sit nearly an inch lower than the standard thrones, and come with the same light-up logos as the seats found in other N products. Like the regular model, the N features sustainable materials throughout the interior, including the door garnish, eco-processed leather, and recycled tire pigment paint.

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will make its debut at Goodwood this weekend. Expect details like pricing and range to come closer to each region's specific launch.

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