Hyundai Motor has unveiled its first high-performance electric vehicle (EV), the IONIQ 5 N, a sport variant of its IONIQ 5 crossover SUV. The company announced that the new model will be available at dealerships in March 2024 and will be followed by more electrified N models in the future.
The N brand represents Hyundai’s high-performance lineup, similar to Mercedes’ AMG and BMW’s M series. The IONIQ 5 N will be powered by dual motors producing 641 horsepower, nearly double the output of the most powerful variant of the standard outgoing model.
The performance EV was unveiled in Los Angeles on Wednesday, ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show opening on Friday. This move comes as automakers like Audi, Porsche, and Tesla are redesigning traditionally efficient EVs with sporty design cues and tougher components to attract car enthusiasts who generally prefer higher-performing combustion vehicles.
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Hyundai expects the IONIQ 5 N to reach an electronically limited top speed of 162 mph (260.7 kmph), but did not reveal an estimate on the range offered. The company, founded in 1967, launched the IONIQ 5 midsize crossover based on its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) in 2021 to capitalize on strong global EV demand.