Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: the Korean lesson

Let's say it straight away: the Ioniq 5 N doesn't have the looks for the job. It's a shame, because this family crossover is undoubtedly the most exciting demonstration of what the Holy Grail could be in terms of electric sports cars. Starting with the idea of reproducing the sensations experienced at the wheel of a sports model with a combustion engine, Hyundai engineers have developed a veritable laboratory of technologies that deserve to be placed in a coupe. Around widened tracks (+ 55 mm at the rear) to accommodate 21-inch wheels, side skirts and a rear diffuser, the 4.71 m long crossover puts paid to preconceived ideas.

To the impressive power, similar to that of a Porsche 911 Turbo S - up to 650 hp with boost mode - but so easy to obtain with electric motors, the engineers have combined a system (N e-Shift) that perfectly simulates the sensations of an eight-speed gearbox, including the jolts when changing gears and the rev limiter, a sound repertoire incorporating the decibels of a sports car with a combustion engine, and a system that manages the distribution of torque on both axles, on 11 levels. This will be added to a limited-slip rear differential and an electronically controlled suspension.

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While the engineers can't be blamed for pushing the demonstration to the limit, in practice, the 5 N would benefit greatly from simplifying the modes and configurations. The sensations delivered, such as acceleration - from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds - and pick-up, are of a very high level but ultimately not very usable, unless you accept a modest autonomy for an 84 kWh battery (338 km recorded). Fortunately, with its 800 V platform, the 5 N goes from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes.

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