Let’s make the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N higher

• The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the Motor Authority Greatest Automotive To Purchase 2025

• The Ioniq 5 N might be much less flashy, inexpensive, and go farther

• The Ioniq 5 N is rattling enjoyable

Simply 48 hours in the past the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was named Motor Authority Greatest Automotive To Purchase 2025. It gained decisively in opposition to largely battery-powered competitors. Hyundai’s latest sports activities automotive, which additionally occurs to be an EV, gained our group over with thrilling efficiency, a strong worth, and an interesting driving character. It pushes EV sports activities automobiles into the mainstream market, and that’s a win for lovers.

However nothing’s good, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N might be higher. Right here’s how.

Go on a a weight loss plan

EVs are heavy. It’s the batteries. The bonus right here is that usually the burden is ready low and centered within the automobile, making them the equal of mid-engine automobiles. Nonetheless, weight is the enemy of dealing with, and the Ioniq 5 N checks in at a portly 4,861 kilos. We’d like to see this factor go on a 1,000-pound weight loss plan. That will have it test in below the Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency’s curb weight of 4,054 kilos. Use some high-strength metal, or aluminum, or boron metal, no matter it takes, Hyundai. Don’t shrink the battery pack as a result of that would cut back vary. Don’t cut back the cooling as they might hurt efficiency. And don’t go along with  carbon-ceramic brakes as that will improve the worth. After all, Hyundai has carried out its finest and lighter, sportier EVs will seemingly have to attend till solid-state batteries are prepared for automotive use.

Decrease the worth

Batteries aren’t low cost, and neither is the Ioniq 5 N at $67,685. However with the common transaction worth of a automotive hovering about $48,000, a $68k sports activities automotive or fanatic automobile isn’t far fetched. We reside in an period of $65,000 Mustangs and $90,000 Broncos and Wranglers. Nonetheless, the Honda Civic Kind R prices $47,047 and a Hyundai Elantra N prices $35,445. After all neither do 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds or have as much as 641 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque. A $45,000 Ioniq 5 N could be a sizzling hatch efficiency discount.

Supply a T or Touring package deal

Similar to the Honda Civic Kind R, the Ioniq 5 N is flashy. There’s nothing stealthy about that entrance splitter, facet sill extensions, or the huge rear wing and rear diffuser. This factor screams take a look at me, and our tester’s Soultronic Orange paint did little to assist the scenario (as would the extra frequent Efficiency Blue Matte). Hyundai ought to provide a T or Touring package deal that strips off the (visually) loud bits. Ditch the rear wing and swap it for a lip spoiler. Tone down the rear diffuser, shrink the facet sill extensions, and possibly shrink the wheels an inch or two in the event that they’ll clear the brakes. That might make it a efficiency sleeper.

Repair the rear seat packaging

One of many Ioniq 5’s flaws is its rear seat packaging. The battery pack within the ground mixed with the rear seat design, creates a knees-up seating place for these within the again. It’s not uncomfortable, however occupants would get uncomfortable on a highway journey with out thigh assist.

Give it extra vary

I do know that’s a tall order and simpler mentioned than carried out. The Ioniq 5 is an environment friendly electrical automotive in our ebook. The warmer Ioniq 5 N isn’t essentially an vitality guzzler. In combined driving we’ve averaged 2.7 mi/kwh. The battery pack isn’t notably small at 88.4 kwh. The difficulty turns into the sticky 275/35R21 Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. These 4 items of rubber are (half) of what helps the Ioniq 5 N stick and rip round corners, however additionally they harm its vary. EPA-rated vary checks in at simply 221 miles, however our 2.7 mi/kwh calculates to 238 miles. That’s not unhealthy, however we’d like to see 300 miles of vary.

All of those complaints are minor. No automotive’s good, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brings enjoyable to the electrical age. That alone is value celebrating. The long run doesn’t need to be boring, it doesn’t need to be silent, and it might probably nonetheless be participating regardless of electrical energy. Thanks for the huge efficiency with little compromise, Hyundai.