[TEST DRIVE] Ioniq 5 N puts the fun in EV driving

EVs are not as fun as conventional gasoline cars, say discerning gearheads. As an unskilled driver, I agreed with them — until I drove the Ioniq 5 N.

Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Motor's first high-performance EV [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

TAEAN, South Chungcheong — EVs are not as fun as conventional gasoline cars, say discerning gearheads.

As an unskilled driver, I agreed with them — until I drove the Ioniq 5 N.

The Ioniq 5 N is Hyundai Motor’s first high-performance all-electric model under the N brand, launched in early September. The N brand is Hyundai's high-performance line, targeting the same market as Mercedes-Benz’s AMG and BMW’s M ranges.

Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Motor's first high-performance EV [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

The Korea JoongAng Daily recently got behind the wheel of the Ioinq 5 N on four courses at the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) Driving Experience Center in Taean, South Chungcheong.

Exterior-wise, it resembles the Ioniq 5 but with a longer body and lower bumper, giving it more of a sports car vibe.

The most notable feature was the N Green Boost, which cranks the maximum horsepower from 609 to 650 for 10 seconds.

Press the red button on the right side of the steering wheel with your foot on the accelerator, and the car takes off, the thrust driving you into your seat. A screen counts down the 10 seconds of high-horsepower excitement.

However, drivers must wait 10 seconds to use the feature again.

Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Motor's first high-performance EV [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Despite weighing 2.2 tons, the car only takes 3.4 seconds to reach from zero to 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour. Hyundai describes it as its “fastest car ever.”

With the N Active Sound feature on, the car emitted an artificial engine sound like a fighter plane, a far cry from the decidedly undramatic engine sound of ordinary EVs.

This reporter tested the car's cornering dynamics on the slalom and gymkhana tracks, experiencing how it performed as she repeatedly accelerated and decelerated.

Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Motor's first high-performance EV [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

With wind gusts and heavy rain battering the track, this reporter felt like she was in “Fast & Furious” as she turned circles with the hammer down.

On the 4.7-kilometer oval track, an instructor took the driver's seat to make banked turns at 38.87-degree slopes.

This reporter was in the passenger seat wearing a helmet, but when the car made the turn, it felt like it was skidding off the track. This is when the reporter realized why Hyundai makes reporters list their blood types before participating in the program.

Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Motor's first high-performance EV [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

“The Ioniq 5 N is a fun EV, two words you don't often hear in the same sentence,” said an instructor. “It is a perfect car for the racetrack and city driving.”

It comes with a vehicle-to-lad (V2L) function that allows owners to charge and power other devices with interior and exterior power outlets, a plus for campers and outdoors people.

The vehicle has a multi-charging system that accommodates 400-volt and 800-volt charging. Using 800-volt charging, you can recharge the car from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 18 minutes.

The sticker price of the Ioniq 5 N starts from 76 million won ($56,400), pricier than the gasoline version but far cheaper than sports cars from brands like Lamborghini and Porsche.

The Ioniq 5 N may not be the right choice for general drivers, but it is a wise option for gearheads who want to do a bit of dynamic driving in their spare time but still need something for the daily commute.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]