The biggest change, though, is the inclusion of a fixed center console whereas the standard version may seek to boost interior volume, the N variant would rather give you a place to brace your body as the lateral g's ramp up.Ītop a slick, mostly frozen lake amid unseasonably mild weather, with Pirelli Sottozero winter tires sans studs, slipping sideways is all but guaranteed. Inside, the 5 N's steering wheel picks up four extra buttons for shuffling through its drive modes and enabling various features. Outside, there's a massive rear diffuser, large wheels with a clever design, bigger brakes, fatter fenders and tires, and a more aggressive front bumper. Presenting Car and Driver's 2022 EV of the YearĪesthetically, the Ioniq 5 N retains the dedication to theater we see on the Kona and Elantra N models.Tested: 2023 Kia EV6 GT Scrambles Perceptions.There are fewer underlying components in common than you may think-many of its underpinnings were tweaked just for the N division. This is no mere facsimile of the 576-hp Kia EV6 GT, despite the pair sharing the E-GMP platform. All we know right now is that the Ioniq 5 N's dual electric motors combine for a net output of 600-ish horsepower.

The Ioniq 5 N will be the first performance EV in this parade, and after spending some time sliding across a frozen lake or two, we're happy to report that the future of N is about as bright as can be.Īt its winter proving grounds in Arjeplog, Sweden, Hyundai admitted it's not quite ready to divulge full specs. These settings let owners settle into a groove that better aligns with their personal tastes, and it helps sets N apart from less configurable competitors. Every vehicle under this banner carries all manner of user adjustability, from damping stiffness to tailpipe volume. Hyundai's hopped-up N lineup is one of the most interesting corners of the affordable-car universe.

Ioniq 5 review