The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and 6 N make their local debut costing RM 443,888 and RM 449,888 respectively.
While the rest of the world may have had their fun with them for a few years already, Hyundai has nevertheless finally brought its high-performance N brand into Malaysia for real this time (in a meaningful fashion anyway). The South Korean automaker launched the electric IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS), with the latter also making its first official appearance here.
The IONIQ 5 N is priced at RM443,888 on-the-road without insurance, while the IONIQ 6 N is only a little dearer at RM449,888. Both figures include an eight-year/160,000 km warranty covering not just the battery, but the entire vehicle.
For a limited time, buyers will also receive a launch package consisting of either a free AC wallbox charger or RM1,800 in JomCharge credits, N merchandise worth up to RM2,000 and interest rates as low as 1.97% per annum.
Both models are powered by dual electric motors producing a combined 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque… or 650 PS and 750 Nm with the N Grin Boost (NGB) mode engaged. Turn on N Launch Control and the hot hatch is capable of blitzing its way to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 260 km/h, while the sleeker sedan completes the century sprint in just 3.2 seconds, though its top whack is curiously a little lower at 257 km/h.
As for enthusiasts wanting to turn the fun up to 11 once the road starts to get twisty, there is incidentally an 11-step N Torque Distribution system that variably shunts power between the front and rear axles, along with an N Drift Optimiser that essentially turns these EVs into drift cars on command. An N Pedal function is also on hand, using regenerative braking to simulate left-foot braking.
And for those who still want to pretend they are burning jungle juice meanwhile, there is N e-Shift, which apes the gearshifts of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, paired with N Active Sound+ that can mimic the sound of the i30 N’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or even a fighter jet. The noise is piped through an eight-speaker Bose sound system and dual exterior speakers.
These toys go hand-in-hand with some far-reaching chassis tweaks too, with both N models gaining bespoke suspension tuning and an electronic limited-slip differential to enhance agility, alongside larger 400 mm front brake discs hidden behind forged alloy wheels measuring 21 inches on the 5 N and 20 inches on the 6 N, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres.
Not that range is a big consideration for EVs of this purpose, but the 84 kWh NMC battery in the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N enables up to 448 km and 487 km of WLTP-rated range respectively. The battery can also be topped up from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes via DC fast charging, while AC charging at up to 11 kW takes a little over seven hours for a full charge from empty.
Visually, what sets the Hyundai N models apart from the regular IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 are flared fenders housing the aforementioned forged alloys. There are also more aggressive front and rear bumpers and red accent detailing, while the IONIQ 6 N further gains a prominent swan-neck rear wing.
Inside, both models receive a bespoke N steering wheel with additional buttons for the various performance functions, along with leather and Alcantara bucket seats featuring illuminated N logos and “chequered flag” pedals. Befitting its performance intentions, the 5 N also gains a fixed centre console with knee pads to support occupants under hard cornering, while the 6 N in turn receives a built-in roof mount for an action camera, along with a Track Manager lap timer and performance analyser.
Hyundai N’s signature Performance Blue is perhaps the most distinct way to show everyone that this is no ordinary IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 6. The former can nevertheless also be had in Atlas White, Cyber Grey Metallic, Abyss Black Pearl, Ecotronic Grey Pearl and Soultronic Orange Pearl among the gloss options, as well as matte Atlas White, Gravity Gold and Ecotronic Grey. The palette for the 6 N meanwhile consists of Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Abyss Black Pearl, as well as matte Nocturne Grey and Gravity Gold.
