2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N spied on the road, and imagined in new renders

UPDATE, March 2023: Ioniq 5 N Prototype driven!

Hyundai's first super-hot electric N model is getting closer. To see how it's coming along, we sent Carey to a big sheet of ice for some slidey fun. Get the full story at the link below.

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December 2022: New Ioniq 5 N rendered

As we move closer to the big debut of Hyundai's hero Ioniq 5 N, we've put together a pair of renderings that dig into its potential styling.

What do you think of the look? Most now know that the Ioniq 5 is a much bigger vehicle than it appears in images, so the performance-focused N variant is likely to cast an imposing image on the road.

We're expecting a fairly muscly appearance, although – like Audi's RS E-Tron GT – any sort of panel widening beyond bolt-on flares is looking unlikely. Instead, buyers should expect a lower ride height, bigger and wider wheels (under those added flares), and a unique bumper design at both ends.

Huge brakes will of course stand out behind those slim spokes, and battery cooling intakes will be an obvious addition.

Continue reading below for all we know about the Ioniq 5 N so far!

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August: 2023 Ioniq N gets out in its final production body

Hyundai's upcoming electric super-SUV, the 2023 Ioniq 5 N, has been spied in its production body for the first time.

This isn't the first time the flagship Ioniq 5 variant has been spotted on the road, but previous prototypes were merely 'mules' wearing modified bodywork from the regular model already on sale.

This new pre-production car, while still camouflaged, reveals that we can expect some significant new panel work at most points.

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Click any photo in this story for more images

The front bumper showcases a bolder and beefier design, protruding further forward before curving back into a wide new lower air intake.

The real story is at the corners, though, with the Ioniq 5's wider track and big new wheels demanding flared guards to match.

As a result, we see some properly rolled corners accommodating wide new rims and rubber, along with a large braking package.

For more on the new hero Hyundai, read our continuing story below.

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The story to here

July 15: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N confirmed

Hyundai has confirmed that its proliferating high-performance N brand will make its electric debut in 2023 with a range-topping and pumped-up version of the Ioniq 5 – and it’s coming to Australia.

The company’s first zero-emissions N model is yet to be revealed in full but the electrified N pioneer is expected to receive the same comprehensive suite of enhancements as the rest of the N family, including more aggressive chassis, body and powertrain upgrades.

While an exact reveal date is yet to be locked in, the Ioniq 5 N will break cover in 2023 and will arrive in Australian showrooms before the year is out.

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Details in all areas are light at this stage, but sources suggest the first electric N will have a ticket price in Australia around the $100,000 mark, making it the most expensive Hyundai to date – but the potent EV is expected to bring a significant amount of kit for the cash.

Power and torque will increase compared with the current model, which produces 225kW and 605Nm in dual-motor trim and it’s likely the N version will align closely with the recently announced (and mechanically very similar) Kia EV6 GT, which ups the amps to 430kW and 740Nm.

If the Hyundai is on par with its Kia sibling, Ioniq 5 N owners can expect a zero to 100km/h dash in just 3.5 seconds.

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However, while the Kia has a 77.4kWh battery, the existing Ioniq 5 range has a maximum battery offering of 72.6kWh. Unless the N version is upgraded to the larger capacity power pack, performance figures may be limited when compared with the most potent EV6.

The announcement comes as the South Korean company revealed a brace of high-performance N-badged EV concepts at events in Busan, bolstering its commitment to electrification – with both battery and hydrogen fuel-cell technology leading the charge in unison.

If production versions of the RN22e and N Vision 74 eventuate, Hyundai will have almost as many electric N models in its ranks as it does petrol powered machines.

Either way, the recent revelations galvanise the manufacturer’s plans to become an electric authority and the performance car market is set for a shake-up.