Hyundai's new electric crossover — which we've already tested on video — is much more focused on comfort than pure performance, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have the potential for a more “focused” variant in the form of a IONIQ 5 N.
For the time being there is still no absolute certainty that this test prototype, to be properly “stretched” on the most famous German circuit of all, the Nürburgring, will actually be an “N”.
However, the wider and smaller tyres, the occasional “additions” to the wheel arches, the lower ground clearance and the increased brake discs, show that this IONIQ 5 is prepared for “other flights”.
Is that, moreover, this test prototype does not reveal any visual differences to the other IONIQ 5, dispensing even with a camouflage, as usual. This visual differentiation is, however, set to take place — it will certainly receive decent enlargements to contain the new wheels.
Predictably, the suspension will be revised to deal with the expected increase in performance, not least because the IONIQ 5, like any other electric, is far from being a light weight — it is to be expected that this probable IONIQ 5 N will surpass two tons.
Will it have the 585 hp of the Kia EV6 GT?
No figures regarding its power or performance have yet been advanced, but Kia, a brand belonging to the Hyundai Motor Group, has already shown the EV6 GT, which uses the same base as the IONIQ 5, the E-GMP.
The EV6 GT is equipped with two electric motors — one per axle, therefore, all-wheel drive — that deliver a maximum of 430 kW or 585 hp of power. It's the most powerful road Kia ever and the fastest to accelerate, taking just 3.5s to 100 km/h, reaching a top speed of 260 km/h.
It would come as no surprise that the future Hyundai IONIQ 5 N would adopt the same configuration, with identical or similar numbers. Numbers that would also make the IONIQ 5 N the most powerful and fastest Hyundai ever.
This new variant, whether an “N” or not, is expected to arrive during the next year.