The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has been unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking the N division's first all-electric model. Among of the key features highlighted were the N e-shift system and the N Active Sound+ system that mimic the characteristics of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, but more on that later.

Visually, the Ioniq 5 N features a revised front end with improved cooling capabilities, along with distinctive black trim and contrasting Luminous Orange accents. At the rear, a model-specific wing-type spoiler and rear diffuser add a touch of sportiness. The electric vehicle (EV) sits on 21-inch forged aluminium wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires

Inside the cabin, there’s a newly designed steering wheel adorned with the N logo, featuring dedicated buttons for selecting drive modes and engaging N Grin Boost. The interior also benefits from an extended lower center console, N bucket seats with reinforced bolsters, and chequered flag motifs found on various elements such as the door scuff plates and metal pedals.

As for the performance, with N Grin Boost activated, its dual electric motors deliver 650 PS and 770 Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The powertrain is powered by an 84-kWh lithium-ion battery though specific range figures are yet to be announced.

Its enhanced thermal management system prevents power loss from overheating, aided by improved cooling, a better motor oil cooler, and a battery chiller. The N Battery Pre-conditioning system optimizes battery temperature for maximum performance, offering Drag and Track modes.

It features the N Torque Distribution system that offers fully variable front and rear torque distribution with 11 levels of adjustment. There’s also an electronic limited slip differential (e-LSD) at the rear axle.

Hyundai has also made significant enhancements to the Ioniq 5 N's structural rigidity. The body-in-white structure features 42 additional welding points and 2.1 meters of additional adhesives, resulting in improved overall rigidity.

The motor and battery mountings have been reinforced, and the subframes have been enhanced for enhanced lateral rigidity. These upgrades ensure a solid foundation for the increased power and performance of the vehicle.

In terms of braking, the front axle boasts 400-mm diameter rotors paired with four-piston monobloc calipers, while the rear axle features 360-mm discs and single-piston calipers.

To handle the EV's weight effectively, Hyundai has introduced N Brake Regen, a regenerative braking system that offers up to 0.6 G of deceleration force. Hyundai claims that the seamless integration of regenerative and hydraulic brakes provides a smooth and predictable braking experience.

To enhance the driving experience, the Ioniq 5 N features N e-shift system, which emulates gearshifts of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), providing a noticeable jolt between shifts through torque control.

It also has the N Active Sound+ system with ten speakers that generates three distinct sound themes, including Ignition, which replicates the engine sound of Hyundai's N division's 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.

All these efforts to make an EV feel more akin to an ICE car. It’s like having a vegan steak, it may taste great but you know it’s not what it’s trying to be.

Also read: Launching in Malaysia soon: Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV, we predict its price range