Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Review

When I first laid eyes on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it was with a healthy dose of skeptical curiosity.

I'd heard whispers about some electric Hyundai that could supposedly match a Ferrari in a quarter-mile dash, but I figured that sounded like a tale you'd spin around a campfire with a torch late at night or the sort of underdog story you might read to children before bed.

Then I got behind the wheel.

Turns out, the story isn't just true – it's perhaps even wilder than I'd imagined. An electric family-friendly machine that looks like it came from a 90s computer game, with enough grunt to embarrass supercars if you prod it the right way?

If that doesn't make you blink, I'm not sure what will.

What's the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N like to drive?

When Hyundai launched the original Ioniq 5, it turned heads with its edgy design, roomy cabin and refined drive.

Now, the Ioniq 5 N takes that formula and cranks it up to 11 with a dual-motor setup pushing 478kW and 770Nm on N Grin Boost (accessed via a bright red button on the steering wheel).

That's enough to rocket from 0 - 100km/h in around 3.4 seconds – a territory once reserved for pricey supercars. In fact, Car Expert put it up against a Ferrari 812 in a quarter-mile drag: spoiler alert, the Hyundai won!

Impressively, it also kept pace with all sorts of exotic brutes including Lamborghinis. Wrap your brain around that.

On the road, it's near-silent outside but with the press of a button, can pump synthetic engine noise into the cabin, so your neighbours remain blissfully unaware.

Fancy turning your EV into a manual? Flick the paddle shifters for "fake gears" and watch your passengers do a double-take, not only will it sound like a petrol powered performance car, but the powertrain will also mimic the jolts of gear shifts.

It's mind blowing, but also a bunch of fun and an appreciated way to break up that usual EV monotony.

So it's quick, but does it handle?

Handling is more agile than any two-tonne machine has a right to be, thanks to a low-mounted battery and clever chassis tuning. Keep it in normal mode for Aussie roads that feel like the moon's surface – your spine will thank you.

For more thrills, there's drag mode (with multiple traction settings) and even a drift mode for those brave enough to risk a chat with the local constabulary.

Despite the bonkers power though, it's surprisingly docile in everyday use.

The steering's not too heavy, visibility's decent and you can tweak the regenerative braking to taste, almost doing one-pedal driving if you're feeling eco-conscious.

Range wise, in my experience, you'll get about 360km if you behave, though the official WLTP figure is 412km.

Lean on all that performance and you'll watch the battery gauge plummet. Still, if you want to embarrass supercars at the lights and then ferry the family around, the Ioniq 5 N makes a very loud (yet still quiet) statement.

What's the Ioniq 5 N like inside?

Inside the Ioniq 5 N's cabin you'll find twin 12.3-inch displays facing you – one showing crisp digital gauges, the other handling infotainment. They're bright, straightforward to use with everything just a swipe (or tap) or two away.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on board, though you'll still need a trusty cable for CarPlay.

The N-badged seats hug you nicely without crushing your ribcage and the materials feel premium and overall, well bolted together.

Thanks to a flat EV floor, there's plenty of legroom in the back for you to avoid those awkward "knees-under-the-chin" moments. You also get a surprisingly open atmosphere, helped by a clean dash layout and panoramic windows.

Storage is solid, with a centre console that can swallow your phone, wallet, or half a bag of snacks.

Between the cushy seats and user-friendly tech, it's a genuinely comfortable place to spend your commute – or a cross-country road trip.

What's the boot like on the Ioniq 5 N?

With 527L of boot space, the Ioniq 5 N is hardly tiny, but it won't threaten larger SUVs.

You can still fit your groceries or a few suitcases, but if you're hauling bulky prams or heaps of sports gear, expect to play boot Tetris. The tailgate is wide, which helps loading awkward items and folding the rear seats opens up more room, though it still won't match spacious family SUVs in the same price range.

But then again, most of those can't chase down a Ferrari on a drag strip.

It is also worth noting that while the normal Ioniq 5 gets a frunk, the N version does not.

The verdict on the Ioniq 5 N

For a Hyundai to match or even outpace high-end supercars in a straight line is jaw-dropping.

Throw in the fact that the South Korean brand has managed to infuse genuine personality – complete with synthetic engine noises and a cheeky attempt at replicating gear shifts – and you've got a machine that truly stands out.

Yes, the price is a tough one to swallow, hovering around $125,000 driveaway.

But you're getting a proper performance car that's easier to live with than an exotic, all while offering the practicality of a five-door layout and comfy back seats.
If you can afford it, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N delivers a combination of everyday usability, bonkers performance and a decent dose of fun.

The boot could be a bit bigger and the sticker shock might cause a few gasps, but it's a glimpse into how electric cars can be anything but dull.