Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: A New Benchmark in Electric Performance, Even for Porsche
For years, the automotive world has been captivated by the relentless pursuit of exhilarating driving dynamics, a realm tra
ditionally dominated by established titans like Porsche. However, the landscape of automotive innovation is constantly evolving, and the very definition of performance is being rewritten with the advent of electrification. In a remarkable testament to this shift, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has not only captured the attention of enthusiasts but has also earned grudging admiration from one of Germany’s most revered sports car manufacturers. Reports indicate that Frank Moser, Vice President of Porsche’s 718 and 911 model lines, has publicly acknowledged the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as a profoundly influential vehicle, an “eye-opening” benchmark that has provided invaluable insights for Porsche’s own engineering endeavors.
This acknowledgement, particularly concerning the Ioniq 5 N’s sophisticated simulated gear-shifting system and its meticulously crafted internal combustion engine (ICE) soundtrack, signals a significant paradigm shift. It suggests that even the most storied performance brands are now looking to electric vehicles (EVs) not just as a compliance necessity, but as sources of inspiration and technological advancement. As we delve into the implications of this high praise, it becomes clear that the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N price and its innovative features are setting new standards, potentially influencing the very DNA of future performance vehicles, including the eagerly anticipated Porsche 718 EV.
The automotive press and internet forums have, for some time, harbored a degree of skepticism, perhaps lingering from an era when Hyundai was perceived as a budget-focused manufacturer. However, any seasoned driver who has experienced Hyundai’s recent output, particularly its electric offerings, can attest to the dramatic leap in quality, performance, and driver engagement. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N performance is a prime example of this evolution, demonstrating a level of engineering prowess that has evidently impressed even the most discerning automotive minds at Porsche.
Frank Moser’s candid remarks to Australian publication Drive paint a vivid picture of his experience with the Ioniq 5 N. He described the high-performance electric SUV as “eye-opening” for the Porsche team, indicating that the vehicle’s innovative approach to mimicking traditional driving sensations was exceptionally well-executed. Moser reportedly spent considerable time behind the wheel, specifically appreciating the effectiveness of the Ioniq 5 N simulated gearbox and its convincing exhaust note. “We learned a lot from that [Ioniq 5 N],” Moser stated, emphasizing the extent of his positive assessment. “I drove it several times. They made it really, really good.” This level of praise from a senior executive responsible for iconic models like the 911 is not merely complimentary; it represents a profound acknowledgment of Hyundai’s ability to innovate and captivate in the performance EV segment.
The impact of the Ioniq 5 N’s innovations extends beyond Moser’s personal endorsement. He revealed that Andreas Preuninger, the formidable head of Porsche’s GT and RS divisions—the custodians of the brand’s most extreme performance machines—was equally taken aback. Initially harboring reservations, Preuninger’s perspective reportedly shifted dramatically upon experiencing the Ioniq 5 N’s capabilities firsthand. Moser recounted initiating the car’s “N Grin Boost” feature, a function designed to unlock maximum performance, eliciting an astonished “Wow” from Preuninger. This reaction underscores the significant engineering achievement represented by the Ioniq 5 N, proving that it can impress even those accustomed to the pinnacle of automotive performance.
Moser’s sentiment was not just about appreciating the Ioniq 5 N’s features; it was about recognizing its potential to inform Porsche’s future direction. When questioned about whether Porsche had incorporated learnings from the Hyundai, Moser reportedly responded with an emphatic, “This is the way.” This statement strongly suggests that the development of the upcoming Porsche 718 EV will indeed be influenced by the lessons learned from the Ioniq 5 N, particularly regarding its simulated driving dynamics. Crucially, Moser highlighted a key condition for the adoption of such features: drivers must retain the option to enable or disable them, ensuring that the ultimate control and the purity of the driving experience remain paramount. While Porsche remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the 718 EV, Moser’s comments leave little doubt that we can expect to see a sophisticated fake exhaust and a simulated transmission system integrated into its design, aiming to bridge the gap between electric propulsion and the visceral engagement of traditional sports cars.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review landscape is replete with accolades for its groundbreaking approach. It’s not merely about brute acceleration; it’s about creating an engaging and emotionally resonant driving experience within the electric realm. The Ioniq 5 N adaptive suspension and its intelligent torque distribution systems work in concert with the simulated gearbox and audio feedback to deliver a sensation that actively mimics the thrill of an internal combustion engine, but with the instant response and environmental benefits of an EV. This multifaceted approach is what has evidently impressed Porsche, a company renowned for its mastery of driver engagement.
Beyond the simulated elements, the core performance of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N battery and its electric powertrains are formidable. It boasts dual motors producing a combined output that rivals many high-performance gasoline cars. The sophisticated battery management system ensures consistent power delivery and impressive thermal management, crucial for sustained performance during spirited driving. This robust foundation allows the Ioniq 5 N to deliver not only straight-line speed but also the agility and responsiveness that Porsche drivers have come to expect.
For potential buyers considering the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N deals or exploring Hyundai Ioniq 5 N lease options in major metropolitan areas like New York City or Los Angeles, the Ioniq 5 N represents a compelling proposition. It offers an unparalleled blend of cutting-edge technology, exhilarating performance, and daily usability, all wrapped in a distinctive and futuristic design. The ability to choose between a pure EV experience or one that actively evokes the sensations of a traditional sports car provides a unique level of personalization that appeals to a broad spectrum of drivers.
The implications of Porsche’s acknowledgment of the Ioniq 5 N extend beyond mere curiosity; they point towards a future where the lines between traditional and electric performance vehicles blur significantly. As automakers globally grapple with the transition to electric mobility, the challenge lies in replicating the emotional connection and visceral feedback that have long defined the joy of driving. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N features that mimic gear shifts and exhaust notes are not gimmicks; they are sophisticated engineering solutions designed to address this very challenge. They offer a bridge for enthusiasts accustomed to the familiar sensory inputs of combustion engines, making the transition to electric power more palatable and, dare we say, exciting.
This success story also highlights the evolving perception of the Hyundai brand. Once relegated to the budget segment, Hyundai, through its N performance division and its dedicated EV lineup, has firmly established itself as a serious contender in the performance automotive space. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N cost is certainly reflective of its advanced technology and performance capabilities, positioning it as a premium offering. However, when compared to some of its high-performance EV rivals, it offers a compelling value proposition, especially when considering the sheer breadth of its innovative features.
The conversation around electric performance cars is no longer solely about horsepower and 0-60 times. It’s about the holistic driving experience. The Ioniq 5 N, with its focus on driver engagement through simulated feedback, has effectively raised the bar. For consumers in cities like Chicago or Miami looking for an electric vehicle that doesn’t compromise on driving fun, the Ioniq 5 N presents an attractive option. It proves that an electric car can be as thrilling, if not more so, than its gasoline-powered counterparts.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N availability is steadily increasing, with dealers across the country reporting strong interest. For those who have always associated performance with the roar of an engine and the mechanical engagement of a gearbox, the Ioniq 5 N offers a glimpse into the future without sacrificing the familiar joys of driving. It’s a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to push boundaries.
As the automotive industry continues its rapid electrification, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has not just arrived; it has made a resounding statement. Its recognition by a brand like Porsche is more than just a feather in Hyundai’s cap; it’s a validation of a new philosophy in electric performance. It suggests that the future of driving pleasure lies not solely in raw electric power, but in intelligently engineered systems that connect the driver emotionally to the machine, regardless of its powertrain. This is a trend that will undoubtedly shape the development of performance EVs for years to come, making the Ioniq 5 N a truly benchmark vehicle.
If you are intrigued by this revolutionary approach to electric performance and eager to experience a vehicle that is redefining driving engagement, we invite you to explore the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for yourself. Visit your local Hyundai dealership to schedule a test drive and witness firsthand how this groundbreaking electric vehicle is setting new standards and influencing the future of automotive performance.
