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The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N isnt a normal electric car.
Its sporty aesthetic is matched by how fast and fun it is to drive.
But the Ioniq 5 N is different to most EVs because, realistically, its a toy.
And practicality be damned, Hyundai has actually aced this.
Does an EV need gears?
Absolutely not, theres no gearbox needed in an electric design.
Is this system that mocks a combustion engine car useful in any way?
Not in the slightest.
Does it make the car even more of a joy to drive?
Definitely and when youre driving a sports car, you cant discount the fun element.
Full speed ahead
Electric cars arent known for being particularly amusing to drive.
Without gears, EVs also lack an element of interactivity that traditional manual cars have by default.
The car feels brilliant on the road, going around corners or accelerating to full speed.
Besides all of this, N mode also comes with two features that are intended to lasso in revheads.
This setting is off by default but can be activated and deactivated anytime.
When you fire up the artificial gearing system, the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel will be reassigned.
On the road, it serves no practical purpose, but its such a thrill.
Sure, its got some fun but gimmicky features, but is it a goodcar?
The criticism that the Ioniq 5 N is most deserving of is its range estimate.
The car is rated at 448 km on the WLTP cycle, or 221 miles EPA.
Alleviating this is the phenomenal charging capacity that Hyundais high-end EVs are capable of.
Finally, the car is just gorgeous.
Im not confident that a market for track-loving EV drivers is too big, but this is for them.
This car craves the track, and Hyundai has built a phenomenally fun EV here.
