Hyundai Ioniq 5N Review: Is It the Most Fun EV on the Market?

content: Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5N Really the Most Fun EV?

If you’ve ever dismissed EVs as boring, the Hyundai Ioniq 5N might change your mind. A recent hands-on track test revealed this performance EV isn’t just fast—it’s genuinely fun, with modes that let you drift, tweak handling, and push limits like a traditional sports car. After analyzing the test, I believe this car could redefine what we expect from electric performance.

The video’s reviewer spent time on track and road, testing every feature from drive modes to drift optimizer. Let’s break down why this EV stands out.

Technical Specs That Make It Stand Out

The Ioniq 5N isn’t just a tuned version of the standard model. Hyundai’s N team added 42 spot welds and 2.1m of adhesive to stiffen the body, plus strengthened subframes and motor mounts. It uses an 84kWh 800V battery (charging up to 350kW) and two motors: 223hp front, 378hp rear, totaling 601hp—or 641hp for 10 seconds via the N Grin Boost.

This stiffness isn’t just for show. It reduces body roll, making the 2.2-ton car feel far lighter than its weight suggests. The 400mm front brakes and Pirelli P Zero tires handle track heat well, though thermal management limits long sessions (Hyundai claims it can do two Nürburgring laps under 8 minutes).

Track Performance & Drive Mode Deep Dive

The Ioniq 5N has seven drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N mode, and two custom modes. Custom modes let you tweak steering weight, damper stiffness, motor response, and the rear ELSD (limited-slip differential).

For track use, set custom mode to Sport Plus steering and dampers, and ELSD to aggressive lock-up—this maximizes corner exit traction. The torque vectoring (via braking and ELSD) helps the car turn sharply, with minimal understeer even in tight corners. The N Grin Boost cuts 0-62mph to 3.4 seconds, which feels explosive on straightaways.

The reviewer noted the car’s agility is surprising: “You would not know this car is 2.2 tons.” The synthetic engine noises (Ignition, Evolution, Supersonic) add to the fun, though you can turn them off for a quiet road drive.

Drift Mode: Can It Hold a Slide?

EVs are tricky to drift because instant torque can overwhelm tires, but the Ioniq 5N’s drift optimizer makes it possible. To activate it: switch to N mode, turn off stability control, and enable the optimizer.

There are three ways to initiate a slide:

1. Lift-off: Reach steady-state speed, then lift the throttle to nudge understeer and start the slide.
2. Clutch kick: Pull both paddles to coast (like a clutch), then release to send power to the rear.
3. Full throttle: On low-grip surfaces, just floor the pedal to break traction.

The optimizer balances power to keep slides controlled, but it still takes practice to avoid overdoing it. The reviewer found it easy to initiate slides but hard to maintain them—proof that EV drifting requires skill.

Toolbox for Ioniq 5N Enthusiasts

Actionable Checklist:

1. Try custom drive modes before track sessions to find your ideal setup.
2. Use N Grin Boost only for short bursts to preserve battery and avoid overheating.
3. Test drift optimizer on a safe, open area (not public roads).

Resource Recommendations:

• Hyundai N Website: For official specs and deep dives into the N team’s engineering.
• Autocar UK: For head-to-head comparisons with rivals like the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Final Thoughts & Your Turn

The Hyundai Ioniq 5N isn’t just a fast EV—it’s a fun one, with the track capability and customization to rival gas-powered sports cars. If you want an electric car that puts driver enjoyment first, this is worth considering.

When you test the Ioniq 5N, which feature would you try first—drift mode or the N Grin Boost? Share your thoughts in the comments!