2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai has revealed its all-new 2025 Ioniq 5 N EV. The car is notable in part because it’s the first electrified N-brand Hyundai. The N is Hyundai’s sub-brand of performance cars. The company says the cars are created for enthusiasts who crave high performance. It appears that the Ioniq 5 N will deliver. The Ioniq 5 N blends the standard Ioniq 5’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform with Hyundai N’s motorsport expertise. This motorsport expertise is honed through the development of electrified “Rolling Labs” like the RM20e, RN22e, and N Vision 74. The result is an incredible AWD car that has the chops to race on the track or carry you to work. Here are a few technical highlights of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

Beefed Up, From Body to Drive Axles

The Ioniq 5 N’s body-in-white (BIW) structure has been reinforced with 42 additional welding points and 6.9 feet of additional structural adhesives. The motor and battery mounting have also been reinforced. Additionally, the front and rear subframes have been enhanced for lateral rigidity. Hyundai engineers took inspiration from the World Rally Championship when designing the integrated drive axles. These axles are reinforced to handle the higher electric motor torque while decreasing unsprung mass with the use of 21-inch forged aluminum wheels. The steering system is also reinforced to ensure rigidity and responsiveness. The vehicle boasts a specially calibrated N R-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system that features a quicker steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback logic. Hyundai says these refinements translate into a more direct and communicative steering experience, which creates greater driver confidence and feel.

Big Horsepower and N Grin Boost

An array of technical advancements contribute to the Ioniq 5 N’s performance. Its dual electric motors can reach a blistering 21,000 rpm, unleashing an estimated 641 horsepower (478 kW) when N Grin Boost3 is activated. This surge in power is made possible by a two-stage inverter with enhanced energy efficiency, drawing from a new 84 kWh battery. Several exclusive features further enhance the Ioniq 5 N’s track prowess. N Grin Boost delivers an extra burst of power for 10 seconds, while N Launch Control seamlessly integrates N Grin Boost during launch. N Launch Control offers three traction levels for the fastest possible start. Hyundai says this allows drivers to experience the exhilaration of professional-level acceleration. Track SOC (state-of-charge) intelligently calculates battery consumption per lap, ensuring optimal performance.

Ioniq 5 N Thermal Management

Ioniq 5 N sets a new standard for thermal management in hammer-down racetrack conditions. Compared to its competitors, the vehicle boasts a higher resistance to heat-induced power degradation. The thermal management system uses an increased cooling area and volume, a battery chiller, and enhanced motor oil cooling. Furthermore, engineers minimized the heat transfer route from the battery to the cooling channel and there’s a new gap filler with high thermal conductivity. Additionally, the battery and motors have independent radiators. These help to maximize the car’s resistance to performance degradation both before and during intense track driving. N Battery Pre-conditioning can be used prior to driving to optimize battery cells to the most power-efficient temperature. Drivers can choose between Drag mode for a short burst of full power or Track mode that optimizes the lowest possible battery temperature for sustained lapping.

N Pedal Offers Responsive Handling

N Pedal is designed to overcome the weight and size of an electric powertrain. It delivers the handling characteristics that have become synonymous with Hyundai’s championship-winning i20 N WRC cars. This intelligent software function prioritizes fast cornering, ensuring instant turn-in and enhanced throttle sensitivity. It’s inspired by the I-Pedal’s regenerative braking system. N Pedal strategically utilizes decelerating force to create an aggressive weight transfer to the front axle, resulting in sharper, more confident cornering maneuvers.

N Drift Optimizer

The N Drift Optimizer helps maintain a desired drift angle by combining multiple vehicle controls in response to real-time inputs. The integrated Torque Kick Drift function allows drivers to mimic the clutch-kick maneuver of rear-wheel-drive ICE vehicles. This facilitates immediate drift start when desired. The system works via sophisticated, high-speed electronic control technology that’s capable of reacting within milliseconds.

N Torque Distribution

The Ioniq 5 N’s N Torque Distribution delivers fully variable front/rear torque adjustment via 11 levels. The rear electronic limited-slip differential helps to optimize cornering performance and control. Additional wheel sensors and a broader damping range (along with larger dampers) give a wider overall tuning envelope for the electronically controlled suspension. Settings range from Everyday Sportscar through full Racetrack Capability.

N Race

N Race enhances racetrack endurance and driver control over energy consumption. It draws inspiration from motorsport strategies to maximize performance. With two distinct modes, “Endurance” and “Sprint,” drivers can optimize for lap longevity or short bursts of power. N Race simplifies energy management via selecting the mode from a menu.

N-Tuned Brakes

The Ioniq 5 N uses Hyundai’s most powerful braking system to date. It features 15.75-inch front rotors with four-piston monobloc calipers and 14.2-inch rear rotors. These brakes are made from lightweight materials and feature optimized airflow ducting to deliver improved cooling efficiency. Additionally, the regenerative braking system has been recalibrated to enhance braking performance. It serves as the primary source of braking force. Mechanical brakes provide supplemental braking force when needed, ensuring extended endurance on the track, and maximizing energy regeneration.

N Brake Regen

To help conquer the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife, Hyundai developed N Brake Regen. It’s an N-specific regenerative braking system developed for the Ioniq 5 N. It’s capable of up to 0.6 g of deceleration force. The system engages even when the ABS engages, maintaining a maximum deceleration of 0.2 g through N Brake Regen alone. Maximizing regenerative braking power minimizes brake fade, reducing wear on mechanical brakes. The seamless transition between N Brake Regen and hydraulic brakes ensures a smooth braking experience. Moreover, left-foot braking allows for simultaneous application of the brake and accelerator pedals on the track.

N E-Shift and N Active Sound+

N e-shift simulates a traditional gearshift, providing a sense of control over power delivery and shift feeling. Whereas, N Active Sound+ delivers an electrified sound with customizable ICE-like engine and exhaust notes. Together, these features replicate the power-shift feel, rev-matching downshifts, and powertrain notes of an ICE vehicle. They address the lack of feedback in many EVs, providing greater driver engagement and precise control. N e-shift simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while N Active Sound+ offers three distinct sound themes: Ignition, Evolution, and Supersonic. The designers of these sounds intended to provide drivers with an audible reference point to gauge power use and speed.