The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Is the Stuff That Electric Dreams Are Made of

I’ve driven every Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis model that currently rides on Hyundai’s E-GMP EV platform, and they’re consistently great vehicles. Now, the Korean automaker is getting ready to release not only its fastest E-GMP car but the fastest production car it’s ever made. The 2024 IONIQ 5N has dual motors and an upgraded 84 kWh battery pack, giving the car 641 horsepower, with motors spinning up to 21,000 RPM. Take that, internal-combustion engines!

In the hands of Hyundai’s N performance division, the IONIQ 5 N has been refined for track performance, corner-carving prowess, and everyday sporty driving. With its “N Grin Boost” mode and “N Launch Control” engaged, it can launch from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering-fast 3.4 seconds. An enhanced thermal management system helps ensure the motor oil and battery stay cool during and after spirited driving. The car’s top speed is an impressive 260 km/h or 161 MPH. Like other E-GMP-based electric vehicles, the IONIQ 5 N supports fast DC charging at up to 350 kW and can go from 10% to 80% charge in as little as 18 minutes.

This special IONIQ 5 has an upgraded aero kit, including a front lip spoiler, rear diffuser, and a wing-style rear spoiler. The car rolls on 21″ forged aluminum rims wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires. It has massive 400 mm (15.75″) front disc brakes and 360 mm (14.17″) discs in the back. The braking system is designed to prefer regenerative braking to recapture energy, while the mechanical braking force kicks in to supplement stopping power.

Its chassis has seen numerous upgrades in terms of stiffness, while its adaptive suspension has been tuned for precise handling. It has an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, which should help with cornering. To increase driver engagement with the IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai’s engineers devised an active sound system that pipes in satisfying audio feedback both inside and outside the car. You can hear a bit of what this sounds like in the video below:

You’ll also find a variety of unique performance-oriented technology on display, including adaptive torque distribution offering 11 levels of front-to-rear power split. There’s also a “Drift Optimizer” system that can automatically simulate the clutch kick of traditional RWD sports cars to help initiate powerslides.

Inside, there are form-fitting N sport seats with reinforced bolsters and a 20 mm lower seating position than the standard IONIQ 5. Even the pedals have been tweaked for optimal positioning and posture during aggressive maneuvers, and the center console now has knee padding, shin support, and a sliding armrest.

I’m super excited to see Hyundai applying its N performance skills to its electric vehicles, and I am dying to drive one of these bad boys. On paper, it’s near the top of my list for my next car purchase. I expect that it’ll be hard to find one at dealerships when it arrives in 2024 and that dealers will likely add significant premiums onto what is likely to be a mid-60K sticker price.