RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
EAST HADDAM, CT – Yes, I enjoy driving silent and svelte electric vehicles such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N-Line. But sometimes living with them is not quite idyllic.
The N-Line is Hyundai’s factory performance series. It’s in the same vein as an AMG Mercedes or M-Series BMW. Ioniq 5-wise that means “With up to 641 hp and a host of track-ready features, it’s the most powerful, most fun to drive Hyundai ever,” according to the company.
For the most part, that is.
The Ioniq 5 N is clearly a performance powerhouse. In stock form, it set a Pikes Peak record of 10 minutes and 49 seconds in covering the demanding and considerably dangerous 12.42-mile mountain course.
For daily driving, 0-60 mph times are factory quoted at 3.25 seconds with 221 miles of rated range which, as usual, diminishes a bit as the thermometer drops. It’s also comparatively quick at recharging.
Hyundai is obviously taking EV output seriously. The Ioniq 5 “underlines the Hyundai N’s dedication to continuously challenging its electric vehicle (EV) technologies to advance its performance capabilities. Hyundai N is committed to expanding the possibilities of high-performance EVs…”
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With some compromise, however. To similarly achieve all-out chassis response, Hyundai altered the Ionic 5’s front suspension geometry on the N-Line by reducing the turning radius between the inner and outer front wheels. The normal difference in steering angles is referred to as the Ackermann angle and allows a car to glide smoothly through low-speed turns.
In the Ioniq 5’s case, the N-Line’s ultra-aggressive 275/35 ZR 21’s instead slip sideways and scrub through such turns and transit a horrible shudder feel like a four-wheel drive vehicle with locked differentials. It’s so irritating that I’m amazed Hyundai actually released the car for production with such dialed-in distraction. It’s forced the company to issue a Technical Service Bulletin (No. 24-ST-001H) to address the concern.
Notice that I didn’t use the word “fix,” because the bulletin reads, “This shudder or vibration at parking lot speeds is normal, and no repairs should be performed.”
Sorry, I beg to differ. And it gets even worse as “…the shudder or vibration [is] more pronounced in cold ambient conditions.”
Like Connecticut’s.
Otherwise, the dual-motor Ioniq 5 N-Line is a blast behind the wheel. Lightweight, N-Line sport bucket seats ensure that you remain planted in place through the twisties. Particularly with their grippy, Alacantara trimmed seating surfaces.
Speaking of that steering wheel, it, too, is another area of extreme. The wheel includes 18 (!) kind of gimmicky control switches and buttons. Beyond the usual radio, cruise control and telephone interface, there are a couple of exclusive N-Line accoutrements.
There’s e-Shift, which simulates the behavior of an eight-speed Dual Clutch transmission, complete with shift points and throttle blips. Because it further features an artificial exhaust note out of this all electric express, which is called N Active Sound+. N Grin Boost allows those 641 horses to gallop for a sustained 10 seconds.
There’s also a Launch Control system, Torque Distribution capability and a tail-hanging Drift Optimizer which can turn what is an everyday sportscar into a weekend racetrack warrior. The Ioniq 5 N-Line is truly a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde experience because it can be both docile and simultaneously defiant.
High performance cars like the Hyundai N-Line are also a challenge to stop. Particularly when they weigh a beefy 4,861 lbs. like this EV does. The Ioniq 5 is thankfully blessed with huge, four-piston 15.7-inch front disc brakes and 14.2-inch rears. It’s all-wheel drive and has an electronically-controlledlimited slip rear differential.
The Ioniq 5 is certainly tech laden. It includes a host of Forward Collison-Avoidance Assist enhancements such as Junction Crossing, Lane Change and Evasive Steering. There’s also Highway Driving Assist and Smart Cruise Control along with such connectivity features as Digital Key and Bluelink+ for remote, smartphone activation.
There at five N-Line color choices and they’re all highlighted with high octane, Soultronic Orange accents. Along with wider fenders and a revised front fascia, it’s a subtle tipoff to easily identify what is a rip roaring, under-the-radar barn burner. The only interior choice is black.
Pricing starts at $66,100, and the amped up Ioniq 5 N-Line EV certainly provides unparalleled bang-for-the-buck. Hyundai’s best 10 Year/100,000 Mile Warranty backs up what is truly a “sport” utility.
(Photos unless otherwise noted are courtesy of Hyundai.)
