I first encountered the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N during its global launch at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. There it was, shredding tyres and exuding the kind of audacious energy that suggests Hyundai’s engineers had been on a strict diet of adrenaline and madness.

Its fantastically bonkers nature brought much fanfare to both the brand and the car, and I always longed for the time I would be able to wring this beast around a proper track.

Fast forward to 2024, and I found myself in Lombok, Indonesia, piloting this electrified beast on the Mandalika International Circuit.

Happiness doesn’t even begin to describe the sheer joy I’ve experienced in the car.

Redefining Reality 

Forget quiet, smooth anonymity. This car dares to emulate an internal combustion engine, complete with synthetic gearshifts and a soundtrack that could fool your ears into believing a roaring petrol engine lurks beneath the bonnet.

But is this automotive sorcery authentic? To throw in a similar case study, when a CVT gearbox simulates gear ratios or a BMW pipes synthetic engine notes through its stereo, is that any less genuine?

Hyundai’s N division takes this concept and supercharges it. Their N Active Sound+ and N e-Shift systems replicate the behaviour of a traditional eight-speed dual-clutch automatic so convincingly that you’ll catch yourself forgetting the absence of a combustion engine.

The execution is so precise it’s almost unsettling. Leave the accelerator pinned in eighth “gear,” and the car bogs down, refusing to accelerate until conditions align. Downshift too eagerly before a corner, and the system denies the change until virtual revs match road speed. It’s an existential wake-up call to driving purists.

Power Play

On paper, the Ioniq 5 N’s dual motors produce 601hp, with an Overboost function (dubbed N Grin Boost or NGB) temporarily unleashing 641hp. That’s good for a century sprint time of 3.0 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.1 seconds at 197km/h.

This is all achieved despite its 2,200 kg heft, showing how the Ioniq 5 N delivers a relentless surge of power that’s matched by pinpoint handling.

Hyundai’s engineers have dubbed the Ioniq 5 N a “Corner Rascal”, and it’s not hard to see why. It pulls 0.96g in some corners, with a torque split system that lets you tailor the power delivery across 11 settings.

Fancy a drift? Engage Torque Kick Drift mode and revel in the kind of tail-happy antics usually reserved for rear-drive sports cars. Heck, you can even toggle between full front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) as you navigate a circuit. Absolutely mindblowing.

Big Brakes, Bigger Ideas  

Stopping power is courtesy of the largest brakes ever fitted to a Hyundai; 15.7-inch rotors paired with four-piston calipers up front. Add regenerative braking, capable of delivering 0.6g of deceleration on its own, and the result is consistent, fade-free performance even during intense track sessions.

Remarkably, all this complexity feels natural through the pedal, with no hint of artificiality as the system juggles regen and friction braking. We could even do full cooldown laps without ever touching the real brakes.

Theatrics on Demand  

If the driving dynamics impress, the theatrics dazzle. The Ioniq 5 N’s synthetic soundscapes come in three flavours: Ignition (mimicking an internal combustion soundtrack), Evolution (a sci-fi-inspired hum), and Supersonic (something akin to a fighter jet).

While the sounds are subjective, the execution is flawless, adding layers of engagement that are otherwise absent in many EVs.

But one creative decision puzzled us: Hyundai modelled the Ioniq 5 N’s synthetic character on the Elantra N. It’s a commendable car, but imagine being granted a blank canvas to emulate any vehicle in history and choosing your neighbour’s Honda Civic.

Why not draw inspiration from a screaming V-10 Formula 1 car or a championship-winning rally monster?

EV Revolution Meets Everyday Usability  

Beyond its track antics, the Ioniq 5 N remains a practical EV.

The 84.0kWh battery offers a real-world range of about 300km, and it supports 350kW fast charging, making it viable for both performance enthusiasts and daily drivers.

The cabin is spacious and tech-laden, with enough settings, modes, and adjustments to keep even the most discerning driver entertained. If we could powerslide as a posse of four in the car, rest assured you would have no problems having your family in tow.

Mindblowing Piece of Engineering

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a car that invites you to suspend disbelief. Yes, it’s an EV. Yes, its theatrics are contrived. But who cares? The result is a thrilling, engaging machine that redefines what electric performance can be.

Purists may scoff at the artifice, but cinema wouldn’t be the same without a little suspension of disbelief, and neither would the Ioniq 5 N.

Singapore is fortunate to be the home of a new Hyundai assembly plant (HMGICS), and we can proudly say most of the Ioniq 5s running around our little island are assembled locally (a term we couldn’t use for the longest time).

But, if you want to embrace the future without abandoning the soul of driving, the bonkers Ioniq 5 N is your car.

It proves that EVs can thrill, excite, and yes, make a bit of “noise” along the way.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

This year, it’s happening at Wheeler’s Estate in Seletar, from 31 August to 1 September 2024.

If you missed out last year, here’s your chance to jump behind the wheel of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Throughout the event, attendees can take these electric vehicles for a spin. Plus, there’s a little something extra for those who complete a test drive; complimentary Hyundai merchandise and free drinks and dessert to enjoy.

This year’s Ioniq Brews & Drives promises much more, blending technology, fun, and a bit of friendly competition. Explore interactive displays featuring the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and get your cameras ready because the Ioniq Brews & Drives photo contest is back.

Snap your best shot with any of the Ioniq vehicles or stations, post it on Instagram, tag @hyundai.innovation.sg, and don’t forget to include the hashtag #HMGICS.

Not only could you win bragging rights, but you might also walk away with some fantastic prizes. Make sure your account is set to public to qualify, and keep an eye out on 9 September 2024 for the winner announcement.

Attendees who decide to purchase an Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 6 during the event also stand a chance to win retail vouchers worth up to $300, along with exclusive Hyundai merchandise like Ioniq 5 diecast models and diffusers.

Event Details

Date: 31 August – 1 September 2024
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Venue: Wheeler’s Estate, 2 Park Lane, Singapore 798386
Parking: On-site visitor parking is available

And don’t worry about leaving anyone behind. Ioniq Brews & Drives is designed to be kid- and animal-friendly, so bring the whole family along for a weekend of entertainment and electric excitement.

For more information about the event, and to sign up for a test drive, visit this helpful bit of highlighted text.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

(article updated 13 November 2023)

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the first of a new family of EVs from Hyundai, which has since been followed by the Ioniq 6. Expect other Ioniq models in the near future. And expect those to be rather excellent machines, if this first effort is anything to go by.

This isn’t Hyundai’s first attempt at an EV either. Nope, the Koreans have been quietly making decent electric city cars for some time now. The previous generation Ioniq was available as a pure EV (although, you would have most likely seen its hybrid sibling), and for a few years now we’ve seen the Kona Electric grace our streets. You might have even driven or sat in one since they’re used for private-hire vehicle services too.

Worthy as those cars are, Hyundai soon realised it wasn’t going to get a bigger slice of the EV pie unless it placed everything that it had into something that could turn a few heads. And that is with the Hyundai badge adorned on it.

And so we arrive at this – the Ioniq 5. An EV you’ll want to own just from clapping eyes on it.

Let’s Talk About Looks

Our journey begins where all eyes converge – the design. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill EV; it’s an art piece on wheels. It’s as though the iconic DeLorean from Back to the Future hit the gym, emerged as a muscular hot hatch, and added a dash of Blade Runner’s futuristic allure.

Say goodbye to the commonplace ‘fake grille’ on EVs; instead, behold a luminous motif that appears to breathe life into the front fascia. The Ioniq 5’s front profile exudes purpose, its chiselled sides exhibit audacity, and the LED-adorned rear end resembles a futuristic autonomous vehicle.

This car is a design marvel, seamlessly meeting all aerodynamic and safety prerequisites while appearing to be a creation from a science fiction reverie.

And this is also where appearances can be deceiving. The Ioniq 5, while seemingly compact in photos, is an SUV with the bulk akin to that of a Range Rover Evoque. But that may not necessarily be a bad thing, and it all becomes clear as soon as you get in.

Spaciousness Redefined

Stepping inside, you’ll be shocked at just how much space there really is. The cabin exudes a sense of spaciousness, courtesy of its light tones and minimalist design, offering an ambience of serenity.

At the heart of the dashboard lies a symphony of screens – a pair of 12.3-inch displays that are as visually crisp as they are captivating. Since they are now built here, Hyundai provides the choice of either a luminous white interior or a more subdued dark option, and either way, the standard-fit sunroof bathes the cabin in natural light, creating the sensation of driving within your own sun-soaked sanctuary.

However, it’s worth noting that the steering wheel may initially overwhelm with its array of buttons. But once tamed, these controls prove to be intuitive, and the interface is a paragon of fluidity. True, physical climate controls would be preferable, but touch-sensitive panels are a marked improvement over the hidden depths of sub-menus.

Hyundai astutely leverages the ‘no engine equals more room’ card when it comes to space. The Ioniq 5 proudly flaunts a capacious 531-litre boot, accompanied by additional storage for your charging cable, neatly tucked below.

Concerned that your cable might be buried beneath a shopping spree? Fear not; an ingeniously designed 57-litre storage compartment up front provides a dedicated nook for it. Sporting a vast wheelbase with three meters of space between the axles, the Ioniq 5 offers more room than a typical BMW 5 Series – and that’s before you engage in rearranging the interior.

The rear seats themselves are adjustable, and Hyundai introduced the concept of the “Universal Island” which enables you to slide the armrest and its charging ports back and forth by 140mm, allowing you to choose between offering your screen-engrossed passengers convenient charging ports or indulging them with extra legroom.

Once this ‘island’ has undergone its tectonic shift towards the rear, the driver can gracefully exit via the passenger door – an invaluable asset when parking in a tight urban setting, without the need for in-cabin parkour shenanigans.

If anyone wants a visual definition of “you get more than what you paid for”, just ask them to step into the Ioniq 5’s cabin. 

Effortless Cruising 

Of course, being a “Cat A” EV, the Ioniq 5 isn’t out to break speed records; instead, it embodies style and comfort, promising a ride that’s both smooth and elegant. This isn’t a sports car by any means; it’s a car designed to make your daily commute feel like a pleasure cruise.

The suspension is tuned for comfort, ensuring that even uneven roads feel like a well-paved boulevard. However, it doesn’t shy away from handling tight turns, providing a sense of confidence to the driver. Sure, it is wide in proportions, but the car doesn’t feel too fat for local streets. A suite of reverse cameras and sensors come to your aid too when backing up into tight lots.

Even with just a single motor setup and 143bhp, the Ioniq 5 feels brisk off the line, and its good cabin insulation means you won’t notice you’re doing 100 until you look down at the instrument cluster. Should you need to overtake and claim territory on the roads, the 350Nm of torque available is more than adequate without inducing whiplash onto your passengers.

In order to classify it under category A of the COE structure, this Ioniq 5 has a 58kWH battery (smaller than the 77kWh Cat B variants). While it might not shatter records, the Ioniq 5 doesn’t disappoint either, promising a respectable 384 kilometres of range. Even with the aircon blasting on hot days, I managed to get close to that figure, meaning you won’t need to panic whenever the car’s charge starts to go below “safe” perimeters.

(update: 13 November 2023)

Plonking resident energy economy tester Vivek into the driver’s seat saw the IONIQ 5 return an average of 13.6kWh/100km or 7.3km/kWh over 461km, which topped Hyundai’s claimed 16.7kWh/100km or 5.99km/kWh average. This was with the aircon blowing nice and cool, and with the driver’s seat chiller going full tilt during the entire drive.

Around 400 kilometres on a single charge is entirely doable, but as usual, your mileage may vary depending on use case and driving style.

(/update)

Like camping? You can even tap into that massive battery using the Ioniq 5’s V2L system, allowing you to power portable electrical devices on the go. Portable steamboat session anybody?

It’s efficient, near-silent, and handles with calm finesse. Plus, you look damm good while doing so.

Stepping Into The Premium Space?

Badge snobs will scorn it, but with such sharp looks, you can clearly see why Hyundai is confident in taking the fight to the premium boys. The Ioniq 5 stands as a testament to Hyundai’s belief that an electric vehicle can be both functional and visually enticing. It challenges the traditional European approach of cautiously embracing electric mobility, proving that practicality can coexist with desirability. 

With its groundbreaking design and innovative features, the Ioniq 5 is a declaration of war in the electric vehicle arena, and it appears to find itself on higher ground.

So, if you’re contemplating the leap into the world of electric vehicles, why not do it with panache – the Hyundai Ioniq 5 kind of panache?

Technical Specifications

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric

Engine: Single Electrical Motor
Power: 107kW (143bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 185 km/h
Battery Capacity: 58 kWh
Drive Range: 384 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.99 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$211,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Hyundai Singapore 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

The made-in-Singpore Hyundai Ioniq 5 has caused quite a stir since its inception, debuting as the very first Singaporean-built model. Unveiled for the first time at the 2023 Singapore Motor Show and appearing at the recent Cars@Expo, the car is now featured in a pop-up store located at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza.

The Ioniq 5 pop-up store will be around till 21 May 2023, and visitors can take the Ioniq 5 out for test drives too. Those who register their interest on-site will also be enrolled in a lucky draw, allowing them to win a three-day test drive with the Ioniq 5.

Also present at the pop-up is Spot, Hyundai’s robot dog which is now additionally responsible for quality inspections on the made-in-Singapore Ioniq 5 cars.

Those who want to catch Spot in action will have to head down to the pop-up from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Thursday or Friday), or from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays).

The Made-in-Singapore Ioniq 5 pop-up is open to the public from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (weekdays) and 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (weekends), located at 391A Orchard Road (Singapore 238873). For those who wish to book a test drive, you may do so via this highlighted bit of text.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!