By Matt Bird \/ Thursday, 26 October 2023 \/ Loading comments<\/p>\n
We\u2019re all intrigued by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, right? Here\u2019s a hot hatch that adheres to all the fundamentals of making a great one – stiffer body, better suspension, more power, some good gimmicks – while also being powered by electricity. And making 650hp in the process. So the Ioniq isn\u2019t a hot hatch in the conventional sense, really, but with features like the N e-shift (imitating DCT gearchanges), N Grin Boost and N Drift Optimiser (with Torque Kick Drift) it\u2019s easy to get excited. The Hyundai appears to be a properly driver-focused EV. <\/p>\n
Now we know what it\u2019ll cost in the UK: \u00a365,000, or about bang on original estimates. For that amount, buyers are also going to get Hyundai\u2019s updated CCnC navigation with faster processing, wireless phone mirroring for the first time in an Ioniq, a head-up display with N-specific layouts, 21-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero tyres and the N bodykit. That\u2019s in addition to all the kit that comes in an Ioniq 5 usually (loads of active safety, the big screens, enough charge ports to keep a brood happy) – there aren\u2019t likely to be any complaints on the equipment front. <\/p>\n
Though it may seem hard to believe given all of the Ioniq 5 N pics so far, colours other than gloss Performance Blue will be offered. There\u2019s matte Performance Blue as well, for example. But also seven others: pearl Abyss Black, Atlas White (matte and gloss), Ecotronic Grey (pearl and matte), metallic Cyber Grey or – very interestingly – Soultronic Orange. That could be cool, especially as the only standard paint colour. All the other metallic, pearl and gloss shades are \u00a3665 extra, with matte adding \u00a3885. <\/p>\n
As is often the case with Hyundais, there\u2019s not a great deal to add to the N\u2019s \u00a365,000 price other than the paint. There\u2019s a \u00a31,250 Vision Roof also available, but that\u2019s it, so the most this Ioniq 5 will cost in the UK is \u00a367,135. A lot for a Hyundai, sure, but not a great deal for 650hp\u2026<\/p>\n
The closest conventional hot hatch rival is the \u00a363,285 Mercedes-AMG A45 S, though that seems a very different prospect. There are also the Genesis and Kia alternatives with which the Hyundai shares so many vital bits: a 585hp EV6 GT is \u00a362,645, a Genesis GV60 with the dual-motor 490hp setup from \u00a367,705. As for similarly driver-focused EVs, the BMW i4 M50 is obviously a different shape (and down on power, at 544hp) but in a similar ballpark – its OTR price is \u00a371,085. <\/p>\n
Ashley Andrew, Hyundai UK\u2019s President, said: \u201cIoniq 5 N is truly the first EV for the driving enthusiast, combining not just high performance and precision handling but also using state-of-the-art technology to provide an emotional connection so far missing in performance EV\u2019s. Ioniq 5 N uses an array of tools to provide a driver-centric driving experience whenever desired, as well as the ability of becoming a quiet, comfortable and efficient zero emission family SUV at the flick of a mode button\u201d. Let’s hope the car lives up to that billing – and its asking price. <\/p>\n