Hyundai introduces inaugural high-performance electric car IONIQ 5 N

Hyundai Motor has revealed its inaugural high-performance electric vehicle (EV), introducing the N sport variant of the IONIQ 5 crossover SUV. The South Korean automaker announced that the IONIQ 5 N, set to be available at dealerships in March 2024, marks the beginning of a series of electrified N models in the company's future lineup.

Positioned as Hyundai's high-performance brand, comparable to Mercedes' AMG and BMW's M lineup, the IONIQ 5 N boasts dual motors generating 641 horsepower—nearly double the power of the most potent variant in the standard outgoing model. The performance EV was unveiled in Los Angeles ahead of the city's Auto Show opening on Friday.

In an industry trend seen with manufacturers like Audi, Porsche, and Tesla, Hyundai aims to captivate car enthusiasts by infusing sporty design elements and robust components into traditionally efficient EVs. 

Last year, Stellantis, a key competitor, unveiled a concept electric Dodge Charger, leveraging the heritage of the nearly 60-year muscle car brand to attract EV-wary enthusiasts.

Hyundai anticipates the IONIQ 5 N to reach an electronically limited top speed of 162 mph (260.7 km/h), although specific details about the vehicle's range were not disclosed. 

Established in 1967, Hyundai launched the IONIQ 5 midsize crossover in 2021, leveraging the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to meet the growing global demand for electric vehicles.

(With Reuters Inputs)