What better way to spend an afternoon than hooning the fantastically bonkers Hyundai Ioniq 5 N round a racetrack for an N Track Day?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has swiftly captured the imagination of performance car enthusiasts since its unveiling as the N division’s first fully electric model.
With numerous global track tests and comparisons already positioning it favourably against traditional sports cars, the new electric kid on the block has undoubtedly carved a compelling niche for itself.
Only a select few get to properly push the car to its limit on a proper racetrack, so imagine my excitement when I got called to Lombok, Indonesia to have a field day with it.
The Mandalika Playground
Stretching 4.3 kilometres, the Mandalika Circuit, originally designed for MotoGP, served as the ultimate proving ground for the Ioniq 5 N for our N Track Day. Its short straights and technically demanding corners tested the car’s agility, grip, and powertrain dynamics, making it an arena where Hyundai’s engineering could truly shine.
The tropical heat of Lombok also provided an ideal setting to push this high-performance EV to its limits, with sunny weather in Kuta Mandalika adding a touch of serendipity to the occasion.
Before we took to the track, a comprehensive briefing on the car and circuit prepared us for the session ahead.
Our instructors detailed the optimal racing lines and braking points while introducing the Ioniq 5 N’s features, including N Pedal, N Active Sound+, N Torque Distribution, and N e-Shift – all designed to enhance the driving experience and convert sceptics of electric performance cars.
Born to Corner, Built to Thrill
Developed under Hyundai N’s guiding philosophy – Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar – the Ioniq 5 N is engineered for extreme track versatility.
Whether carving through tight bends or cruising comfortably on a cooldown lap, this car is designed to evoke the same excitement as its petrol-powered predecessors.
On ignition, we activated N Active Sound+, which emulates the roar of an internal combustion engine, adding a visceral edge to the otherwise silent electric drivetrain. Coupled with N e-Shift, which simulates artificial but surprisingly compelling gear changes, the car delivers a uniquely engaging driving experience that bridges the gap between the future and nostalgia.
Power delivery from the twin electric motors is nothing short of ferocious, with a baseline output of 600hp and 740Nm of torque.
Activate the N Grin Boost or lovingly dubbed NGB button, and these figures jump to 631hp and 770Nm, propelling the car from corners with a force that firmly cements you into the semi-bucket seats.
Hitting 200km/h on Mandalika’s 723-metre pit straight felt effortless.
Handling Precision Meets Comfort
Despite its substantial weight of over 2.2 tonnes, the Ioniq 5 N handles spirited driving with surprising poise.
Hard braking into the first corner revealed the car’s robust setup, featuring high-spec disc brakes and callipers paired with a finely tuned chassis and suspension system.
The steering is precise, making rapid transitions through Mandalika’s technical corners (particularly turns 2, 3 and 16) enjoyable and controlled.
The innovative N Pedal feature adds another dimension to the driving experience. Acting as a regenerative brake, it stabilises the car when entering corners, delivering a balanced and seamless transition that enhances confidence during sharp manoeuvres.
Click it into its most powerful “Stage 3” regen mode, and I even could do a full lap without touching the brakes of the car. Ingenious.
For added fun, we switched N Active Sound+ to its Supersonic mode, which mimics the sound of a jet engine.
Throw in some pops, bangs, and sonic booms during gear shifts, and the drive turned into a symphony of speed and excitement.
Nothing Else Comes Close
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is without a doubt a marvellous product of insane engineering.
Combining cutting-edge electric technology with features that deliver genuine driving pleasure, it has successfully addressed the concerns of petrolheads who doubted the fun factor of EVs.
This is a car that delivers on multiple fronts, and I can guarantee that you’ll break out a smile as soon as you get behind the wheel.
For anyone ready to embrace the future of performance motoring, the Ioniq 5 N sets a new benchmark, one grin-inducing lap at a time.
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