Hyundai high-performance Ioniq 5 N set for 2023 local launch

Hyundai has confirmed a high-performance version of the Ioniq 5 will be launched in Australia in 2023 following a global debut.

The Ioniq 5 N falls under the South Korean carmaker’s sport-focused N sub-brand. Confirmation that the Ioniq 5 N will be commercially produced was confirmed at the Ioniq 6 launch on Wednesday, though little else was revealed other than it will be built on the same e-GMP platform as the all-electric Ioniq series and Kia’s EV6.

However, with pricing for the Ioniq 5 N speculated at more than $100,000, customers can expect some serious specifications over and above that of the renamed RWD Dynamiq and AWD Techniq variants unveiled in early July.

Technical details are likely to be equal or close to that of the high-performance and hotly anticipated Kia EV6 GT which has also been confirmed for entry into Australia in early 2023.

This means the Ioniq 5 N will likely have acceleration from 0-100km/hr in the vicinity of 3.5 seconds (perhaps a little slower given the vehicle’s less aerodynamic design), plus 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque from a 160kW front and 270kW rear motor, paired with a 77.4kWh battery pack.

Hyundai Australia would not be drawn on any further specifications, but as with all N sub-brand vehicles expect a dedicated racetrack capability, and tight cornering.

This means the Ioniq 5 N will likely include Hyundai’s e-LSD (electronic limited-slip differential), which applies torque separately to the rear wheels for improved handling on corners via a twin-clutch rear axle.

Of course, basic e-GMP features such as 800-volt ultra-fast charging, and vehicle-to-load features are all expected.

How many will be made available for Australia is very much an unknown, however: The Ioniq 5’s more affordable variants have been restricted to just hundreds in 2022.

See also: New Hyundai “rolling labs” EVs include hydrogen-battery hybrid