"2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Electric Performance Redefined, 0-100 in 3.4 Seconds"

The origin of the Hyundai name traces back to the Korean term 'hyeondae,' symbolizing the essence of the present age. In the realm of automotive innovation, nothing embodies the present era quite like an electric car—especially one boasting 641 horsepower and the dynamic flair favored by enthusiasts.

Whether consciously or instinctively, speed aficionados drawn to high-performance vehicles with formidable power outputs often seek more than just straight-line acceleration. For those of us whose passion is fueled by speed, the thrill lies in a dynamic blend of g-forces, tire grip, and visceral feedback—a symphony of sensations that electric vehicles traditionally lack. Hyundai recognizes this sentiment, investing extensive research and development into imbuing the Ioniq 5 N with the tactile engagement cherished by enthusiasts.

N e-shift and N Active Sound+ systems

Central to these endeavors are the driver-selectable N e-shift and N Active Sound+ systems. The former aims to replicate the exhilarating sensation of gear shifts and rev-matched downshifts characteristic of a high-performance transmission, while the latter endeavors to emulate the distinctive auditory profile of an internal combustion engine. Working in tandem, these systems are meticulously crafted to deliver vehicle responses and sensations that are both exhilarating and beneficial for achieving optimal performance on the track.

And it seamlessly accomplishes this feat. By replicating the visceral jolt of a rev-matched downshift or the exhilarating upshift sensation upon exiting a corner, complete with a discernible pause in power delivery and a pronounced shift motion reminiscent of engaging another gear, Hyundai has seamlessly introduced the types of performance-enhancing cues traditionally associated with internal combustion cars to the realm of electric vehicles. The inclusion of a tachometer, estimating conventional engine speed rather than displaying revolutions of the dual electric motors capable of reaching up to 21,000 rpm, further enhances the driving experience.

This tactile feedback is complemented by meticulously tuned sound engineering, meticulously honed over nearly a decade by Joon Park, the esteemed architect of the N division. The result is impeccably timed exhaust pops and crackles upon lifting off the accelerator or engaging one of the finely crafted metal paddles on the steering wheel—reminiscent of a turbocharged gasoline-powered engine meticulously tuned for track performance. The sound is meticulously directed, creating a surround sound effect akin to a high-quality home theater system, with exhaust burbles emanating from behind the driver rather than a speaker in the door by one's feet.

Yes, strictly speaking, it's artificial. But so is the hazelnut flavoring in those beloved Ferrero Rocher chocolates we indulge in during the holiday season—and yet, no one seems to mind. This is far more than a mere imitation sound being piped through a tinny speaker, especially when paired with the dynamic shifting program to produce a synchronized real-world disruption in power delivery and vehicular movement. It represents an entirely novel—and highly successful—approach to engaging with electric performance. Of course, for those who prefer a more purist experience, the option to disable these features is always available.

What drives the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N's exhilarating performance? 

Positioned beneath the Ioniq 5 N and accounting for a substantial portion of its 2,200-kilogram weight is a brand-new 84-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack. This unit, destined to be adopted by other variants of the Ioniq 5 in due course, mirrors the dimensions of the existing 77-kWh battery, showcasing the company's strides in enhancing energy density. The battery's capabilities are harnessed through various driving modes: Track mode optimizes battery temperature for short-term peak performance, Race mode manages battery temperatures to maximize range during extended driving sessions, while Sprint mode unleashes the full power of the battery in a burst for an accelerated rush to the finish line. Gone are the days of discreetly stowing a bottle of NOS in your roll cage.

At the heart of the Ioniq 5 N lie electric motors positioned both at the front and rear, working in tandem to deliver a formidable 601 horsepower. However, should the driver press a red button on the steering wheel, an additional 40 horses are temporarily unleashed for 10 seconds, followed by an equal duration of cooldown. Power delivery is immediate, typical of electric cars, complemented by the dynamic N e-shift and N Active Sound+ systems mentioned earlier. Traction is ensured by grippy 275/35R21 Pirelli P Zero tires, many of which were intentionally sacrificed during rigorous testing of the N Drift Optimizer program, allowing for thrilling controlled drifts on closed circuits. Hyundai boasts of 42 new reinforcements in the body and frame, along with alterations to select suspension mounting points, resulting in improved handling and a 50-millimeter increase in track width compared to non-N trims.