The Hyundai N brand has used the Nürburgring Nordschleife to validate its vehicles, and the Ioniq 5 N is no exception. However, the challenges for an EV are unique for two reasons: first, it’s because it requires advanced software implementation, and second, because to extract maximum performance from an EV, it requires a focus on heat management.

With that, the Ioniq 5 N will have an enlarged cooling and radiator packaging complete with a battery chiller. Moreover, hardware cooling techniques are reinforced by software including modes such as “N Battery Preconditioning” and “N Race.”

N Battery Preconditioning pre-sets the temperature of the battery cells to their most power efficient temperature. The battery preconditioning function is split into two modes: ‘Drag’ mode and ‘Track’ mode to accompany different performance driving scenarios. In ‘Drag’ mode, the optimum temperature is set for immediate use of maximum power, while in ‘Track’ mode, the lowest possible battery temperature is optimized for increased number of laps.

N Race gives drivers more direct control on the car’s energy usage, prioritizing ‘Sprint’ or ‘Endurance’ driving. ‘Sprint’ is the default state of the Ioniq 5 N prioritizing full power on demand for the driver. ‘Endurance’ is a setting that maximizes Ioniq 5 N’s range on the racetrack. This is achieved by limiting sudden power spikes that slows temperature build-up and increases endurance.

The Ioniq 5 N also has enhanced regenerative braking offering a maximum of 0.6 G of decelerative force—an industry-leading figure. Regenerative braking remains engaged even under ABS activation with a maximum of 0.2 G decelerative force. This is together with larger diameter disc brakes (400 mm) with new lightweight materials and optimized cooling.

Delivering more engagement and driver feedback, the Ioniq 5 N also comes with N Active Sound + N e-Shift.

N Active Sound + consists of a 10-speaker system (eight internal, two external) that provides three different sound themes available for drivers: Ignition, Evolution, and Supersonic. Ignition simulates the turbocharged engine of Hyundai N cars (complete with pop and bang sound effects), while Evolution is a N signature electronic sound inspired by the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Concept and RN22e. Supersonic simulates a fighter jet to give the drivers the sensation of a fighter pilot. All sound options are customizable for drivers to uniquely tailor to their preference.

N e-Shift works closely with N Active Sound + to simulate the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of ICE N cars. N e-Shift simulates a gearshift by controlling motor torque output and simulates the jolt feeling between shifts. The goal is to allow drivers to seamlessly utilize driving techniques honed with ICE cars for a more immersive driving experience that feels closer to ICEs than EVs.

The first-ever Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will make its global debut on July 13 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. By that time, it would have done 10,000 kilometers worth of endurance testing and another 10,000 kilometers of durability testing.