- Judges hail N model as a game changer that is “huge fun to drive”
- Award follows a string of accolades throughout 2024 for EV trailblazer
Serial winner the Hyundai IONIQ 5N has claimed yet another high-profile honour by being named Best Performance Car in the 2024 Autocar Awards.
The prestigious awards are held annually by the world’s oldest motoring magazine and recognise the very best cars on sale today in a variety of key areas of the market.
The ground-breaking IONIQ 5 N was up against a number of traditional internal combustion models from established high-performance brands, as well as an array of ultra-powerful electrified cars, but won over the expert judging panel thanks to the sheer enjoyment it delivers for drivers.
"The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N changes the game for performance cars and for electric vehicles as a car that is huge fun to drive on the road and track. Instant electric power joins forces with a very cleverly tuned rear differential to make it more interactive than many lighter ICE powered cars, and it feels completely natural from behind the wheel, and not intimidating at all. But as well as being absorbing and engaging when you want to have fun, its completeness makes it a car that you want to drive as often as you possibly can. It is genuinely comfortable, has truly usable range and benefits from the same rapid charging as the IONIQ 5. It’s a revelation."
- Mark TisshawAutocar Editor
The high-performance model is based on the same Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as the standard IONIQ 5 – the 2022 World Car of the Year – and integrates the motorsport-bred technologies and expertise of Hyundai’s N division to take driving enjoyment to a new level.
Among a host of key technical advances is a powertrain which delivers greater power output and enhanced performance in battery cooling and braking. The IONIQ 5 N’s electric motors spin up to 21,000 RPM, providing up to 609 PS in normal conditions, or 650 PS when the car’s N Grin Boost (NGB) feature is engaged, maximising acceleration for up to 10 seconds. 0-62mph is achievable in 3.4 seconds, while a top speed of 161mph is attainable on tracks.
Other upgrades include a strengthened steering column for improved feedback, Electronic Controlled Suspension that adapts suspension stiffness according to the drive mode, and a suite of sophisticated electronic control technology in the E-GMP platform. Highlights include N Pedal, an intelligent software function that provides instant turn-in and enhanced throttle sensitivity for exhilarating cornering, and fully variable front and rear N Torque Distribution.
The IONIQ 5 N also sets a new benchmark in terms of emotional engagement for a performance EV, courtesy of N e-shift, which simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission of internal combustion engine N cars, while the addictive soundtrack comes via innovative N Active Sound+ technology. N e-shift and N Active Sound+ were praised by Autocar, with Mark Tisshaw adding:
"There are a lot of settings menus to experiment with, and the IONIQ 5 lets you tailor the driving experience to your driving preferences. Within reason, it can be whatever you want it to be."
- Mark TisshawAutocar Editor
The recognition from Autocar is the latest in a series of accolades for the IONIQ 5 N, including being crowned 2024 World Performance Car in the World Car Awards. In December it was named TopGear.com’s overall 2023 Car of the Year, following that up in May as Best EV Hot Hatch in the TopGear.com Electric Awards. In the same month, CAR hailed it as the world’s best electric performance car following a definitive seven-car test, while earlier in June it won Auto Trader’s Rory Reid Award as the finest model tested by the presenter over the past year.
The IONIQ 5 N has also made history at the Nürburgring, where it recorded the fastest electric SUV lap time with Germany’s Sport Auto.
"The awards just keep on coming for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, a car we have consistently described as a game changer for electrified performance. It is pleasing to see that the experts at Autocar agree, and also recognise that as well as being a great car to drive, the IONIQ 5 is comfortable and extremely user friendly, making it an exceptional ownership proposition."
- Ashley AndrewPresident of Hyundai & Genesis UK
