The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Will Set You Back £65,000

It’s rare for us to get overly excited about EVs at CT, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is one of those exceptions. With 641bhp, 568lb ft of torque and the promise of the same engagement we’ve come to expect from the N division’s previous offerings, it’s hard not to be intrigued. Now, Hyundai has confirmed how much it’ll cost.

£65,000 grabs you the keys to the Korean firm’s first performance EV. It’s punchy on paper - a £10k increase on the current Ioniq 5 range-topper and just shy of £30k over an i30 N - but you do get a lot for your pounds. Options are limited to paint choices ranging from £665 to £885, and a panoramic glass roof for £1,250.

More importantly to us, the stats are impressive for the cash. The Ioniq 5 N takes care of 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and tops out at 164mph. Hyundai hasn’t just slapped bigger motors in and called it a day, either -  the bones of the car have been reinforced to add rigidity, including the steering column and subframes. It’s also been given rack-mounted motor-driven power steering which has a higher steering ratio and improved torque feedback.

A retuned regenerative braking system is said to apply up to 0.6G of force, with uprated hydraulic brakes added coming in handy when that’s not enough. As a result of the former, the latter should be less susceptible to brake fade too.

There’s some extra (arguably gimmicky) tech aimed at replicating the feel of an ICE car. We’re particularly keen to give ‘e-shift’ a go - said to mimic an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox with a noticeable jolt between gears. 

An electronic limited-slip differential is fitted to the rear axle, along with an 11-stage variable front and rear torque distribution system. You’ve got N Drift Optimiser too, which aims to make drifting easier by replicating clutch kick.

Of course, there are synthetic engine sounds to pick from. Make of that what you will, but at least Hyundai is having fun with it. As well as a soundtrack replicating the N divisions 2.0-litre four-pots, there’s the electronic soundtrack found in the RN22e concept and even a fighter jet - in case you’re feeling particularly Tom Cruise on your commute.

You can get your orders in now for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.