Hyundai fires up its first hot EV

OFFICIAL After great success with i20 and i30, N division reveals performance Ioniq 5

- Sean Carson

THE loniq 5 N is Hyundai's first performance EV, and the company says this new hot all-electric crossover puts the focus firmly on driving fun.

A host of new systems and tech aim to boost driver engagement - something that some brands have struggled to achieve with their hot EVs. With that in mind, Hyundai's N division has developed a new system, called N e-shift, which replicates the feel of a performance petrol engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

It's paired with Hyundai's N Active Sound+ feature, and together the systems simulate a more conventional combustion-engined powertrain, with N e-shift adjusting the Ioniq 5 N's torque output from its two motors to replicate the feel of a car with gears.

The tech will also deliver a small jolt to give the impression of gearshifts, and the driver can take manual control using the steering-wheel mounted paddles, or run the car in automatic mode. Toggle the system off and the loniq 5 N's character returns to that of a single-speed automatic EV.

N Active Sound+ works alongside this tech to deliver a soundtrack reminiscent of a petrol-powered Hyundai N car, while drivers can also pick a more futuristic soundtrack.

With a new N Grin Boost function engaged (in effect a power hike limited to 10-second bursts), the Ioniq 5 N's dual-motor set-up produces a total of 641bhp. Select N Launch Control, too, and the car will rocket from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed stands at 161mph, while the loniq 5 N is powered by a new 84kWh battery, which accepts charging at up to 350kW for a minimum 10-to-80 per cent top-up time of just 18 minutes. However, Hyundai has not yet revealed the car's claimed range and says it will outline this at "regional market launch".