2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brings enjoyable to electrical age

Clutching your pearls since you’re scared the automotive future is boring? That is mishegoss.

I do know this as a result of I screamed round Laguna Seca final week within the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, shifting through paddles and hitting the rev limiter.

Because the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N rolls into dealerships for $67,475, together with a $1,375 vacation spot cost, shoppers are going to seek out an electrical sports activities automobile in contrast to every other EV on sale immediately. It snaps, pops, oversteers, and crackles with enthusiasm even when it is not on a observe.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N shifts, snaps, crackles, and pops

We’d have three classes the Hyundai staff stated as we walked to the automobiles “idling” within the pits at Laguna Seca. For the primary session we might run in N mode with e-Shift set to “automated.” Hyundai stated the powertrain’s e-Shift software program had been programmed to really feel like a gas-powered automobile with an 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. This programming contains simulated shifts, proper right down to the torque curves, and the related jolts to your physique with the interruptions in energy circulate.

Pulling onto the observe, the Ioniq 5 N’s electronically composed powertrain noises growled by the audio system, doing a stunning impression of what I might hear in an Elantra N. The snaps, crackles, and pops have been all there because the powertrain digitally revved with a max output of 85 decibels. For reference, an Elantra N at full tilt checks in at 100 decibels. All of it sounded convincing and pure.

That’s as a result of it’s been programmed to make use of audio system positioned below the hood, beneath the automobile on the rear passenger aspect, and contained in the cabin. The sound programming makes use of all of the audio system and locations the proper tones in the suitable locations inside and outdoors the car. The “exhaust” observe comes from the again of the car each in and out, the “engine” noise comes from beneath the hood and the entrance of the car, and the assorted different noises come from across the cabin. All of it sounds fairly pure within the Ignition mode. The Evolution setting sounds futuristic with a better pitch that replaces the snaps, crackles, and pops with extra of a jet wind-up noise. Then there’s the Supersonic soundtrack that sounds such as you’re headed into warp velocity within the starship Enterprise earlier than it unleashes an enormous “increase” by audio system when the automobile “shifts” at redline. I couldn’t assist however snort on the silliness of the increase, which I may truly really feel from the woofers.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

In a left into flip 2, referred to as the Andretti Hairpin, the automobile executed a tough downshift that my total physique felt because the digital revs climbed and energy constructed as it could if a fuel engine have been below the hood. Wild. Squeezing the accelerator pedal as I crossed the nook’s apex despatched energy to all 4 wheels whereas pushing and pulling the automobile across the nook.

“Shockingly impartial,” I blurted out loud to nobody as I began guffawing.

Hyundai stated each piece of the Ioniq 5 N’s suspension has been modified from the usual automobile, together with however not restricted to, stiffer parts and bigger adaptive dampers at every nook which have a wider vary of adjustability. The complete construction’s been strengthened because of 42 further weld factors and an additional 6.9 toes of structural adhesives. The result’s an 11% enhance in stiffness.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Linking the following 9 corners collectively, together with the notorious corkscrew, confirmed my preliminary impression that the dealing with is impartial. The burden can be nicely balanced and it sits low because of the 88.4-kwh battery pack situated beneath the cabin. The automobile rotates with ease. As I got here round flip 11 I hit the brakes and swung the rear finish out, however the automobile didn’t lose composure. Because the rear finish kicked to the suitable and I countersteered and squeezed the throttle, the automobile rapidly corrected the slide and shot ahead.

Shifts got here quick and livid because the powertrain banged by its digital first, second, and third gears with energy constructing progressively and rapidly by every. Heading down the entrance straight, the overgrown hatchback hit 112 mph as I crested the hill at flip 1. The automobile lifted, even perhaps absolutely off the bottom, the suspension dropped, and the steering went gentle. The automobile got here right down to earth and for the primary time I used to be keenly conscious of the automobile’s 4,861-pound curb weight. That’s 813 kilos greater than a Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency and 1,565 kilos greater than an Elantra N.

In Flip 2, the Andretti Hairpin, I took the racing line, and I may really feel the electronically managed limited-slip rear differential shift energy aspect to aspect to rotate the automobile by the nook. Seemingly nothing actually upset this factor. Time to fiddle.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

As I approached the corkscrew, I purposely went off the racing line, which put me too far inside for flip 8A instantly after. The Ioniq 5 N didn’t care that I ran over the within curb as I practically pushed to the runoff heading towards flip 9. The entrance Pirelli P Zero Elect tires, which Hyundai labored with Pirelli for extra two years to develop for this automobile, gripped the pavement and flung me ahead as I steered the place I wished to go and the rear sorted itself out.

Again to show 11. I wasn’t fairly as sideways as I used to be the primary time, however the tail was nonetheless out. It rapidly recovered and I blasted down the entrance straight hitting 121 mph because the automobile crested the highest of flip 1. The whole lot went gentle once more and when it got here again down I instantly hit the brakes exhausting. The entrance dove and the rear finish wiggled, however then figured itself out with out ever feeling unstable. The automobile has as much as 1.6 g of brake power, with as much as 0.6 g of regen baked into that. The power comes from 4-piston monobloc calipers clamping 15.7-inch rotors up entrance and single-piston items grabbing 14.2-inch rotors within the again. That’s extra regen functionality than a Rimac Nevera or Porsche Taycan Turbo, which every goes as much as 0.4 g. I couldn’t inform the place the friction brakes began and the regen stopped. All of it felt pure each on the observe and road, and the brakes by no means smoked throughout our observe use.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N could be manually shifted

The Hyundai crew informed me for the following lap session we have been going to make use of the wheel-mounted shift paddles within the e-Shift function’s handbook mode. As I pulled onto the observe, the gauge cluster confirmed inexperienced, then orange, after which rapidly crimson bands across the tachometer indicating I wanted to shift as if I have been in a BMW M automobile. Out of the blue, the automobile lurched and hit an influence wall as a result of I had maxed out first gear. Issues transfer rapidly with a 0-60 mph time of three.3 seconds. Clicking the suitable paddle immediately shifted to second gear and the automobile surged ahead. I shifted to 3rd, after which with two clicks of the left paddle, again right down to first getting into Andretti nook.

On the primary of 4 laps, I quickly realized the automobile was slower across the observe with the handbook shifts than it was in full auto mode. I by no means ran the observe with out the e-Shift engaged, handbook or auto, so I can’t remark how the automobile feels on the observe with out it.

On the twisty again roads of Carmel Valley the paddle shifters and pure energy bands added to the driving expertise. But it surely felt bizarre to be driving an electrical automobile that was doing its greatest to imitate a gas-powered automobile. The handbook shifts make issues slower on the observe, however you may solely go so quick on the road, to allow them to add to the enjoyable. Shifting manually in visitors would make no sense, however on a twisty again highway it is entertaining.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – Emme Corridor

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s overboost is overblown

For the third session we have been informed to make use of the N Grin Increase button, which is a crimson button on the suitable aspect of the steering wheel. Pushing it delivers a 40-hp increase for as much as 10 seconds, then it wants one other 10 seconds to get better.

As I got here out of flip 11 heading down the entrance straight I hit N Grin Increase. A round countdown appeared on the highest proper of the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster: 10…9…8…7…my increase was already working out. Did it even work? I didn’t really feel something.

With 601 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque (N Grin Increase doesn’t change torque output), an additional 40 hp didn’t ship a kick within the pants. I waited and saved my increase for an uphill portion to see if I may really feel it extra. After flip 6 heading up Rahal Straight I hit the crimson button, the counter appeared, and…nothing. I didn’t really feel a surge of energy. Between the automobile’s weight and solely 40 further hp, the N Grin Increase button type of seems like a gimmick. It’s simply not sufficient energy to note.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N tuned to deal with observe days

The staff at Hyundai gave the Ioniq 5 N a bigger 84.0-kwh battery pack versus the usual Ioniq 5’s 77.4-kwh pack. The pack’s footprint didn’t change, however the vitality density and cell chemistry modified to extend the quantity of vitality within the pack and maintain increased thermal masses.

The automobile’s cooling system has been upgraded with a brand new front-end design that includes extra airflow, two bigger radiators (one low temp and one excessive temp), and the power to make use of the air-con to assist cool the powertrain.

These adjustments permit the Ioniq 5 N to run two full laps of the Nürburgring at full tilt with out the powertrain derating its energy. A Hyundai spokesperson informed Motor Authority the automobile may in all probability run three to 4 laps on the ‘Ring if not going at full tilt.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

My first 4 laps round Laguna Seca used 11% of the battery, my second 4 laps used one other 15% and my ultimate 4 laps used 19% of the battery. After 12 laps the battery had a 53% state of cost, and I began with 98%. Motor temperatures by no means crested 144 levels for the entrance motor and 171 levels for the rear, whereas the battery temp by no means went above 99 levels.

Hyundai stated the Ioniq 5 N is able to a peak charging fee of about 235 kw. This implies it may well nonetheless cost from 10-80% in 18 minutes. That’s useful as a result of it solely has 221 miles of vary, and far much less on a racetrack the place it would must be charged extra typically and at a slower tempo as a result of it will not be optimized. Hyundai’s in talks with racetracks about putting in devoted quick chargers so Ioniq 5 Ns can cost between classes throughout observe days.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai 5 N seems like a sizzling hatch

Hyundai calls the Ioniq 5 N a crossover SUV, however it sits decrease to the bottom with floor clearance checking in at a car-like 5.6 inches versus the usual automobile’s 6.1 inches. It’s 2.0 inches wider than the usual Ioniq 5 because of flared fenders to suit the broader 275/32R21 tires in any respect 4 corners mounted on solid wheels. With a entrance splitter, a rear wing, and a rear diffuser, this doesn’t appear like a normal Ioniq 5, however it doesn’t have a boy racer appear like the Honda Civic Sort R with its large rear wing. Let’s face it, although, it’s a sizzling hatch, not a crossover.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Inside, the Ioniq 5’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen carry over, as does the dashboard. However the open console space has been changed by a middle console that comes out from the sprint. Its sides are padded to guard your knees throughout exhausting cornering. The cabin feels much less open, but additionally extra conventional. N sport bucket seats hug the physique up entrance however aren’t terribly constricting. Like the usual automobile, the motive force has a knees-up seating place because of the battery pack within the flooring. Metallic pedal and footrest covers are adorned with a race flag design. Hyundai’s trademark N blue coloration is splashed everywhere in the cabin from the stitching to the lighting.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai 5 N overwhelms with customization

Ioniq 5 N homeowners will have the ability to select their very own driving really feel because of quite a few settings. The menu system is huge, from varied levels of steering increase, suspension firmness, and steering weight, three totally different (for now) sound generator decisions, quantity decisions for that sound generator, driving modes, and extra. It might take fairly a while to find out the very best settings for varied conditions. Hitting N mode simply cranks the whole lot to the max, together with the sound output.

That is earlier than addressing the torque distribution, which may favor the entrance or rear for some wild rear-wheel-drive burnouts. There’s even a drift mode.

The simulated shifts and handbook shifts with e-Shift, together with the energetic sound generator, could be turned off for individuals who suppose an EV shouldn’t impersonate a gas-powered automobile. It received’t be simple, although, because it’ll take at the least one swipe and three faucets, minimal, inside the infotainment system.

For everybody else, Hyundai has confirmed an electrical sports activities automobile could be quick, enjoyable, participating, and visceral, in addition to interactive. None of this can be crucial, however it reveals enjoyable received’t die with the shift to electrical automobiles.

Hyundai paid for journey and lodging for Motor Authority to convey you this firsthand report.