Ioniq 5 N Wins Car & Driver's Top EV Award
The automotive world is no stranger to the innovation and excitement brought about by electric vehicles (EVs). Yet, even within this rapidly evolving landscape, certain vehicles stand out, capturing the essence of what the future of driving could and should be. The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is one such vehicle, earning the prestigious title of Car & Driver's EV of the Year for 2024. This accolade marks a historic third consecutive win for Hyundai, following the victories of the Ioniq 5 in 2022 and the Ioniq 6 in 2023. However, the Ioniq 5 N is no ordinary EV—it’s a testament to how electric vehicles can deliver not just efficiency and sustainability, but also pure, unadulterated driving pleasure.
The Rise of the Ioniq Dynasty
When Car & Driver inaugurated the EV of the Year award in 2021, the criteria were designed to recognize the best in electrification—vehicles that pushed the boundaries of technology, design, and performance. Little did they know that Hyundai would establish a dynasty with its Ioniq series. The Ioniq 5 took the crown in 2022, followed by the Ioniq 6 in 2023. These models were celebrated for their consumer-friendly design, efficiency, and innovation. But with the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has shifted gears, delivering an EV that not only meets the demands of the everyday driver but also satisfies the cravings of driving enthusiasts.
A New Benchmark in Performance
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is not just another electric SUV; it's a sports car in disguise. Equipped with a staggering 641 horsepower, this EV can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, and it blitzes through the quarter-mile in 11.1 seconds at 123 mph. These are figures that rival some of the best sports cars on the market, yet the Ioniq 5 N does it with the practicality of a five-seat SUV. Despite its hefty 4849-pound curb weight, largely due to its 84.0-kWh battery, the Ioniq 5 N handles with agility and precision, posting a commendable 0.96 g on the skidpad and stopping from 70 mph in just 153 feet.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. What truly sets the Ioniq 5 N apart is its ability to deliver a driving experience that stirs the soul. Car & Driver describes it as a "glowing North Star in a midnight-black parking lot of electric cars," an EV that transcends the usual expectations of silent, emotionless driving. The Ioniq 5 N is built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, proving that electric vehicles can be as engaging and fun to drive as their internal combustion counterparts.
Value and Accessibility
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Ioniq 5 N is its value proposition. Priced at $67,495, with an additional $1,000 for matte blue paint, this EV offers a level of performance and technology that is typically reserved for vehicles costing six figures. It's not just an impressive EV; it's an impressive car, period. This affordability, combined with its exhilarating performance, made it an easy choice for Car & Driver's EV of the Year in the value category.
Fun-to-Drive Factor: The Heart of the Ioniq 5 N
The Ioniq 5 N is not just fast; it’s fun. In a world where EVs are often criticized for their lack of driving engagement—no engine noise, no vibrations, no gear shifts—the Ioniq 5 N goes against the grain. Hyundai has injected a sense of theater into the driving experience with features like N Active Sound+ and N e-shift, which simulate engine sounds and gear shifts, respectively. While these features may be considered gimmicky by some, they add a layer of excitement that is often missing in electric vehicles.
N Active Sound+ allows drivers to choose from various sound profiles, including one that mimics the growl of a high-revving four-cylinder engine. N e-shift, on the other hand, simulates gear shifts, complete with the sensation of a power shift that sends a shockwave through your back. These features may be artificial, but they’re so well-executed that it’s easy to forget you’re driving an EV. The Ioniq 5 N’s ability to entertain the driver, not just with speed but with sound and sensation, is what makes it truly special.
Mission Fulfillment: A Track-Ready EV
Car & Driver’s EV of the Year award isn’t just about straight-line speed or high-tech features; it’s about how well a vehicle fulfills its mission. The Ioniq 5 N was designed to be more than just a fast EV; it was built to be a true performance vehicle. To prove this, Car & Driver took it to the track, where it excelled in every aspect. The Ioniq 5 N is not just capable of handling a track day; it thrives in that environment, offering the kind of performance that can replace a gas-engine sports car.
With a top speed of 163 mph and a range of 190 miles at 75 mph, the Ioniq 5 N is not just fast; it’s practical. It can charge from 10 to 90 percent in just 35 minutes on a fast charger, ensuring that even after a spirited drive, you’re not left stranded waiting for your EV to recharge.
Advancement of Technology: A Glimpse into the Future
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is built on the same 800-volt architecture as its predecessors, making it one of the fastest-charging EVs on the market. But Hyundai didn’t stop there. The Ioniq 5 N is packed with technology that enhances the driving experience, from its customizable drive modes to its advanced driver-assistance systems. It’s a car that showcases how far EV technology has come, and it gives us a glimpse into the future of performance vehicles.
While some may argue that the sound and shifting simulacrum are more about nostalgia than innovation, they represent an important step in making EVs more engaging for a broader audience. The Ioniq 5 N proves that electric vehicles can be more than just appliances; they can be exciting, emotional, and fun.
The Competition: Standing Out in a Crowded Field
The Ioniq 5 N wasn’t the only contender for Car & Driver’s EV of the Year. It faced stiff competition from a field of 17 other vehicles, including the Acura ZDX, Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW i5, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Tesla Cybertruck. However, while these vehicles offered impressive features and performance in their own right, none could match the Ioniq 5 N’s combination of value, driving excitement, and technological advancement.
The Ioniq 5 N’s victory is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what an EV can be. It’s a car that doesn’t just excel in one area; it excels in every area that matters, making it a deserving winner of the 2024 EV of the Year award.
A New Era of Electrification
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is more than just an electric vehicle; it’s a symbol of how far the automotive industry has come in the quest to electrify transportation. It’s a car that delivers on every front, from performance to technology to value. Most importantly, it’s a car that reminds us why we love to drive. With its win as Car & Driver’s EV of the Year, the Ioniq 5 N has set a new standard for what electric vehicles can achieve, and it gives us hope that the future of driving is not just electric, but exhilarating.
