[Update 12/2/2022: Hyundai has just teased the Ioniq 5 N for the first time, and it looks to be exactly what we expect — a more aggressive, lower, more performance-oriented EV crossover. For now all we have are some grainy screenshots, but we appreciate the small glimpse Hyundai’s offered us here. Read on to find out everything we know about the Ioniq 5 N.]
When the Hyundai Ioniq 5, a fully electric two-row crossover SUV, made its debut for 2022 we were instantly wowed. It’s packing concept-car looks that somehow made their way onto a production car. Once we got behind the wheel, we liked it even more. It’s the first EV from the South Korean automaker to be built on a dedicated electric platform, and it’s both refined and good to drive. But now Hyundai wants to turn the wick up a bit, and the best way to do that is to add more power. Cue Hyundai’s hot-hot-hot N division.
That’s right, Hyundai has confirmed that, for the first time, one of its electric vehicles will get a performance-oriented N-badged model. Hyundai has officially turned its attention to EV performance, and we expect big things given how much fun the Veloster N and Elantra N have proven to be. Hyundai has said the Ioniq 5 N will hit the global market for sale in 2023.
As for specifics, we don’t know too much about the new Ioniq 5 N — Hyundai is keeping most of the juicy details under wraps. Spy shots have revealed that the Ioniq 5 N will get some big wheels that look lighter than the rollers on the standard car, and we expect stickier tires to cover those new wheels. Power is expected to be near 576 horsepower, similar to the 2023 Kia EV6 GT.
On top of the expected extra power, addenda like beefed-up brakes, a stiffened suspension, and some sportier interior trimmings such as bucket seats all seem like a given. However, we’ll have to wait for the full reveal in the next few months to know for sure.