I drove a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. These 11 features make it one of the coolest EVs money can buy.

Despite being labeled an SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a hot hatchback in the truest sense. It evokes classic rally racers from the 1980s and early 90s, like the Lancia Delta Integrale.

The N’s revised front fascia features aerodynamic elements like wings and active air flaps for improved cooling. Out back, the N is equipped with a large spoiler up top and a diffuser that protrudes from the bumper to optimize airflow.

Compared to the standard Ioniq 5, the N is about an inch lower, two inches wider at the bottom due to wider tires, and over three inches longer due to the rear diffuser.

The N is equipped with a 233-horsepower permanent management synchronous electric motor up front and a more powerful 378-horsepower unit out back. Together, they produce 601 total system horsepower, nearly double the 320 horsepower of the regular AWD Ioniq 5.

The Ioniq 5 N features an ‘N Grin Boost’ feature that unleashes a temporary boost of extra power. By pushing the orange “NGB” button on the steering wheel, the Ioniq 5 N’s total power output jumps from 601 to 641 horsepower in 10-second bursts.

The Ioniq 5 N takes everything that’s wonderful about high-performance EVs, instant torque, and mind-bending acceleration and stuffs it into a package with the visceral pleasures of an internal combustion rally car.

When the right performance settings are engaged, a tachometer appears, and the car revs like it has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, thanks to Hyundai’s N Active Sound+ system.

Launch the EV, and its N e-shift feature allows you to work your way through simulated gears designed to mimic the feel of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It delivers a simulated ICE experience that feels slightly surreal but is like no other vehicle on the market.

Hyundai claims the 4,900-lb SUV can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.25 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph. Motor Trend was able to go even quicker with a 0-60 time of just 2.8 seconds.

According to Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 N can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes at a rate of over 250kw. With a 240V level-two charger, its batteries can charge from 10% to 100% in about 7 hours.

The SUV also has bi-directional charging capability, which means it can power small appliances outside the vehicle.

The N gets upgraded 21-inch wheels with sticky 275mm wide Pirelli P-Zero tires. Behind the rims are massive 15.75-inch front brakes and 14.2-inch units in the rear.

Hyundai loaded its EV with an extensive array of tech that was designed to maximize the Ioniq 5’s performance potential on the race track.

For example, drivers can manually tune torque distributed between the front and rear axles. There’s also an electronic limited-slip differential for improved cornering performance and an upgraded thermal management system for its battery pack to limit power loss due to excessive heat.

The battery management system also allows drivers to pre-condition their batteries before driving for different types of racing, like a “Drag” mode for short bursts at full power or a “Track” mode that prioritizes sustained performance lapping a race course.

The Ioniq 5 N also has N Brake Regen, which maximizes the regenerative braking ability of its EV drive system to assist the vehicle’s mechanical brakes to limit brake fade.

Finally, there’s the N Drift Optimizer, AKA drift mode, which helps the driver maintain a drift through a corner.

The Ioniq 5 N’s special lightweight sport bucket seats come with light-up “N” logos. The heated and ventilated faux leather bucket seats are well bolstered and proved exceptionally supportive in the corners. However, they are manually adjusted, which can be a bit of an annoyance when getting into and out of the vehicle.

The Ioniq 5’s 12.3-inch touchscreen runs the latest version of Hyundai’s corporate infotainment system, which is easy to navigate and loaded with features.

The screen also houses the N’s many performance feature menus and a surround-view camera.

The Ioniq 5 N comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Ioniq 5 N comes standard with pretty much every piece of safety and driver’s assistance tech in Hyundai’s arsenal, including a surround-view monitor, blind spot view monitor, blind spot collision avoidance, navigation-based smart cruise control, lane-following assist, and lane-keeping assist.