I Drove an EV That Could Convert Even the Most Stubborn Gas Gearhead

Electric vehicles (EVs) are edging closer to the mainstream, but they still have one big obstacle: emotion. Specs and range matter, sure, but for many diehard gearheads, nothing compares to the sound, feel, and connection of a gas-powered engine.

I say that as someone who actually owns an EV, and still gets why some drivers cling to their ICE cars. So when Hyundai’s UK PR offered me an Ioniq 5 N for a week, I jumped at the chance to see if an EV could genuinely deliver the same grin-inducing thrills.

What I discovered might just shock the purists. This hot hatch-inspired EV, priced under $70,000, didn’t just hold its own—it might actually make diehard gas gearheads rethink everything they thought they knew about electric driving.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Autocar, Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla.

Say Hello to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Part SUV, Part Hot Hatch, and Fully Loaded With Award-Winning Performance and Style

Americans call the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N an SUV, while Europeans lean toward calling it a hot hatch, but whatever the label, one thing’s clear—this EV is a serious head-turner. Its retro-futuristic design blends bold angles and sleek lines, making it stand out where it goes.

Looks aside, the Ioniq 5 N has been making waves since its 2023 debut. As Hyundai’s first all-electric N model, it’s racked up a bunch of awards—including nods from our colleagues at CarBuzz and TopSpeed. Rumor has it that even supercar maker Lamborghini used it for benchmarking during a test run.

But what really sets the Ioniq 5 N apart isn’t just its looks or awards. It’s what’s under the hood where this EV packs a serious punch.

An EV That Delivers Serious Performance and Style—All for Under $70K

If you’re after an EV with real character—something that stands out from the usual electric crowd—the Ioniq 5 N is it. Built by Hyundai’s performance-focused N division, this EV blends the best of both worlds: the practicality of a crossover with the heart of a hot hatch.

Starting at $66,200, the only extras you’ll need to consider are the paint options. Want that eye-catching matte blue? It’s just an extra $1,000.

Power on Tap…

Everything else comes standard, including a dual-motor AWD system delivering 601 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. Activate N Grin Boost mode, and the power jumps to 641 horsepower, launching this crossover-hot-hatch hybrid from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.3 seconds.

To put that into perspective, here’s how the Ioniq 5 N stacks up against its main rivals.

… And No Shortage of Standard Kit

Being a Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 N comes loaded with features you’d normally have to tick boxes (and spend big) for elsewhere. Aside from the matte paint option, there’s nothing extra to add.

A Bose surround sound system? Standard. Hyundai’s SmartSense driver-assistance tech? Standard. Even the 21-inch forged aluminum wheels are included—and they’re not just for show, they cut unsprung mass too. If this were a German luxury badge, those wheels alone would probably be on the options list.

Packs More Personality Than Your Average EV

Hyundai’s N division clearly pulled out all the stops when developing the 2025 Ioniq 5 N, and it shows the moment you push it hard. Mimicking the character of a gas-powered car won’t win over everyone, but in the Ioniq 5 N, it feels spot-on.

An EV With a Gas-Car Attitude

The Ioniq 5 N’s gas-car impersonation starts with N Active Sound+, which pumps simulated hot-hatch noises into the cabin—pops, bangs, and all. You won’t hear it outside, but from behind the wheel, it’s surprisingly convincing.

Of course, you might be wondering how that works without a multi-speed gearbox. That’s where N e-Shift comes in, pairing paddle shifters with a simulated transmission that even lets the revs bounce off a fake redline.

And if you’re feeling playful, you can “clutch kick” into a slide using the Torque Kick Drift function, then let N Drift Optimizer fine-tune everything so holding that drift feels almost too easy.

Electric, but Not Here to Mess Around

Having fun with the Ioniq 5 N is one thing, but if you’re serious about hitting fast lap times, this EV can hold its own.

It’s packed with performance gear like an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers to control body roll, and Hyundai’s most powerful brakes yet. The chassis is tuned tight, and those specially optimized Pirelli EV tires have even helped the Ioniq 5 N set lap records at the Nürburgring.

Every Detail in the Ioniq 5 N Counts

What’s really impressive about the Ioniq 5 N is that it was shaped by Albert Biermann, who spent 30 years at BMW’s M division.

With his experience behind the wheel, every detail was carefully crafted to create an electric crossover that’s practical for daily use but still delivers a grin every time you drive it.

When a Family Car Is Born From Racing DNA

The standard Ioniq 5 is basically a rolling living room, and much of that comfort carries over to the Ioniq 5 N. The sliding center console is gone, but the spacious cabin, smart storage, and fun magnetized panels for personal touches all remain.

Of course, this is still a high-performance EV, so a few creature comforts have been swapped for track-ready gear. The lounge-like front seats are replaced by supportive buckets, the bright white interior gives way to a sporty black, and yet you still get goodies like a Bose sound system and a powered tailgate.

Smart Tech That Keeps This EV in Control

Making an EV fast is one thing, but keeping it running strong lap after lap is a whole different challenge—and Hyundai nailed it with the Ioniq 5 N. That aggressive front grille isn’t just for show; it helps cool the battery and electric motors, working alongside the liquid cooling system Hyundai built in.

You can even tweak the battery cooling with the N Race system’s drive modes. Endurance mode dials back power to manage heat, while Sprint mode lets you blast short bursts of full throttle.

Don’t expect this powerhouse to be a fuel sipper. Its 84-kWh battery is bigger than other Ioniq 5s, and with that kind of muscle, efficiency takes a backseat. But charging is quick thanks to an 800-volt system that supports up to 350 kW DC fast charging, plus a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature that lets you use the car as a mobile power source—so it’s still practical, even while it’s tearing up the track.

The EV That Could Change Your Mind

The Ioniq 5 N isn’t just quick—it’s got style, attitude, and enough clever tech to keep you grinning long after the novelty wears off. It’s the kind of EV that makes you want to take the long way home, just because you can.

For anyone who thinks electric cars are all soulless appliances, this one’s a bit of a reality check. It’s proof you can go green without giving up the fun, the flair, or the everyday usability that makes you actually want to drive.