As Hyundai’s high-performance division, the “N” badge is no stranger to performance car enthusiasts. However, for a broader audience, “N” might still be unfamiliar. It’s similar to BMW’s “M” and Mercedes-Benz’s “AMG” divisions, which specialize in producing the brand’s most powerful performance models for automotive enthusiasts.
During early tests, the IONIQ5N claimed to be capable of completing two consecutive laps of the Nürburgring without performance degradation. This is impressive for a car that weighs over two tons. Continuous high-intensity track driving tests not only challenge the brakes but also the battery, motor, and electronic controls. As of now, no other pure electric vehicle on the market has shown similar performance.
Curious about the technology behind the IONIQ5N’s extraordinary performance, we conducted 30 consecutive acceleration and braking tests to see if there was any performance degradation during the process.
The testing environment consisted of regular asphalt with an ambient temperature around 10°C, and the vehicle’s battery was at 80% capacity. Throughout the 30 tests, the IONIQ5N consistently achieved 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 4 seconds, demonstrating remarkable stability and endurance. This highlights the advanced tuning of its motor, electronic controls, and battery.
In terms of power, the vehicle’s maximum output is 448 kW (609 horsepower), with a peak torque of 740 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Additionally, the car offers an e-N driving mode (NGB), which increases the maximum output to 478 kW (650 horsepower) and peak torque to 770 Nm, reducing the 0-100 km/h acceleration time to 3.4 seconds.
Similarly, in the 100-0 km/h continuous braking tests, the performance showed slight fluctuations, ranging from approximately 33 meters at the beginning to around 36 meters at the end. Although there was some degradation, it remained within an acceptable range, considering it’s a two-ton electric vehicle.
The reason for such strong braking performance is due to the N Brake Regen system. According to official claims, it provides a maximum deceleration of 0.6G. Whether after rapid acceleration followed by braking or while cornering, the IONIQ5N’s braking performance and the car’s posture remain excellent.
In 2024, when many new energy vehicles focus on comfort, smart features, and large-scale appliances, the IONIQ5N stands out by prioritizing extreme performance and handling. It caters to users who seek a pure driving experience. However, with a price close to ₹39 lakh, one might wonder whether its value still meets the expectations of potential buyers in today’s market.
