Hyundai busy testing Ioniq 5 N protoype in the Arctic

Ioniq 5 will be the N brand’s first model

Like the Genesis, the N high-performance variant of Hyundai will splinter into its sub-brand under the Korean automaker’s lineup of vehicles. The very first model will be an electric vehicle (EV).

It's called the Ioniq 5 N, and it has been spotted testing under extreme arctic winter conditions in Arjeplog, Sweden. The weather and terrain have been brutal thus far, with icy surfaces and deep sub-zero temperatures (as low as -30° Celsius). As harsh as it sounds, these are perfect elements to determine if your next high-performance model will live up to its billing.

To make the Ioniq 5 N capable of delivering power, grip, and stability, Hyundai has blessed it with several features starting with the Electrified-Global Modular Platform with a dual-motor architecture.

“Just as our N models are honed at the sharp corners of the Nürburgring, our N models are also honed at the sharp corners and icy surfaces of our proving ground in Arjeplog, ensuring maximum performance in the most extreme winter conditions. We’re proud to demonstrate the Ioniq 5 N perfectly meets our broad performance criteria, ensuring N Brand success as our first EV production N model,” said Till Wartenberg, vice president of N Brand Management & Motorsport sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company.

The Ioniq 5 N will be the first N brand production vehicle with an all-wheel drive that takes the brand’s learning from over eight years of World Rally Championship (WRC) participation, including winning two world championships.

It also has the N Drift Optimizer that integrates front and rear torque distribution, torque rate, suspension stiffness, and e-LST (electronic-Limited Slip Differential) to give it the capability to deliver the perfect drift every single time. The e-LSD improves handling during cornering and high-speed driving on the racetrack and during adverse driving conditions, such as slick ice and deep snow.

Finally, it also gets an N Torque Distribution optimized for a variety of drive modes. It allows the driver to select the torque level for both front and rear wheels, so power is distributed in varying ratios.

Winter is coming, and the Ioniq 5 N is leading the way.