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Is Hyundai’s $66K EV a Gem or Just ‘Eh’? Fans Say Yes, Critics Aren’t So Sure

Is Hyundai’s K EV a Gem or Just ‘Eh’? Fans Say Yes, Critics Aren’t So Sure

Hyundai Motor Company’s high-
performance
electric
vehicle, the
Ioniq
5 N, is making a significant impact on the global
automotive
market. This model secured the title of 2024 Korean Car of the Year and received the prestigious Car of the Year award from the renowned British automotive program,

Top Gear

. This reflects a remarkable turnaround, given that Top Gear previously dismissed Korean cars as rolling refrigerators.

The Ioniq 5 has amassed numerous accolades worldwide, including the titles of the 2022 German Car of the Year, 2023 Singapore Car of the Year, 2023 Canadian Car of the Year, 2023 MotorTrend Car of the Year, and 2022 World Car of the Year. These achievements underscore its strong global position in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Building on this success, the high-performance Ioniq 5 N has generated significant buzz since its launch.

Global Reception of the Ioniq 5 N

Are everyday drivers as enthusiastic about the Ioniq 5 N as automotive journalists and experts? Unlike previous Hyundai models, such as the EV9 and Santa Fe, which faced criticism abroad, the Ioniq 5 N has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Some users claim it deserves the title of World Car of the Year, while others are excited about its performance, suggesting it would be thrilling to race against the EV6 GT. The N e-shift button has been praised for providing manual transmission-like engagement in an EV. Notably, it has garnered acclaim for its 7-minute 45-second lap time at Germany’s Nürburgring, a groundbreaking achievement in EV history.

Range and Efficiency Concerns

However, potential buyers should be aware of some limitations. The real-world range of the Ioniq 5 N is approximately 355 km (221 miles) on a full charge, which is less than the standard Ioniq 5’s range of 512 km (318 miles). Users report typical daily ranges of 180 to 250 km (112 to 55 miles), which can drop to 100 to 120 km (62 to 75 miles) during high-performance driving.

Some critics argue that the interior and exterior quality do not justify the steep price tag. With a base price of about 66,400 USD, some feel it lacks competitiveness against luxury EVs in its class. The base model is noted for missing features like power seats, a panoramic roof, a head-up display, and parking assist, with users describing the interior materials as feeling cheap and rough.

Feature Overload and Operational Complexity

The Ioniq 5 N features 12 driving modes, an N Drift Optimizer, and Torque Distribution, among other features. However, some drivers find this overwhelming. Features like N e-Shift, Active Sound+, and voxel engine sounds, designed to mimic the sound of gas-powered vehicles, are viewed by some as excessive or gimmicky, with a few dismissing them as artificial or even annoying.

Users have reported noticeable motor noise at high speeds, particularly around 65 mph (105 km/h). The 21-inch wheels have been criticized for poor shock absorption and increased road noise, and the wide turning radius makes city driving and parking challenging. The sensitive wheel edges are also prone to curb rash.

Another common complaint is the non-functional seat memory feature during driving; the SEL trim lacks this feature entirely, and some trims include buttons that do not function properly. Additionally, audio and communication connectivity issues have been reported, such as interruptions in music and calls due to Bluetooth problems.

While the Ioniq 5 N delivers impressive performance and track-day thrills, it may not be ideal for those prioritizing practicality and comfort in daily driving. Potential buyers should carefully weigh these factors before making a decision.

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