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We took the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N on the track at Laguna Seca and it’s something special [Video]
As Hyundai’s N performance arm approaches the launch of its first-ever track-friendly EV, we got the chance to visit the world-famous Laguna Seca raceway in California to test drive the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. Be sure to check out the full video review below.
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The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has finally arrived
It’s been nearly two years since we first learned of an N-brand version of the relatively new Hyundai IONIIQ 5 EV when it was featured in a teaser video shared by the Korean automaker during the global premiere of the IONIQ 6.
As the first all-electric Hyundai model to adorn the “N” performance badge, a lot has been leading up to our recent test drive, but the details Hyundai has shared along the way have been quite encouraging.
First, we saw footage of a camo’d Hyundai IONIQ 5 run at Nürburgring, followed by its official public debut in July 2023 during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. By November, the performance EV model had made its official debut in North America, followed by shared pricing this past March before deliveries began.
While first customers await their own track-capable IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai invited some media out to Monterey, California, to experience the unique EV and its various drive elements where else but Laguna Seca.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N kicks the door in on EV motorsports
As you’ll see in my first-drive review video below, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is more than just an EV that can corner and simulate gear shifts. Its reinforced structure, low profile, and boosted specs compared to the standard crossover make the N model the first true all-electric racing car beyond the 0-60 mph straightaway.
The Hyundai N team was clever in essentially utilizing the same footprint as the original IONIQ 5 but optimizing it for tight maneuvers and aerodynamics. For example, the N model is slightly longer, wider, and lower in height than the original 5, with larger wheels and wider tires (custom Pirelli P ZEROs).
The 5 N features an integrated drive axle, the same as in the Elantra N, which was also available to drive at Laguna Seca on an autocross course. Hyundai N also implemented rack-type motor-driven power steering, which is more rigid. Lastly, the suspension layout is precisely the same as the IONIQ 5, but each component in the new EV variant is entirely unique to the N variant.
N-Brand exclusive components decorate the EV’s exterior, from a new custom front bumper and grille with active air flaps to wheel arches and a rear spoiler that allows air to flow more easily. In true Hyundai fashion, the (speedy) devil is in the little details. The IONIQ 5 N features a unique black aluminum badge, a bright orange racing stripe, and “N” logos throughout.
I loved the subtle nod to the racetrack by implementing checkered flags in unassuming spots like the rear reflectors, door panels, and base frames. If you’ve driven the original IONIQ 5, you won’t notice a massive veer from its interior in the N-version. However, those few changes are quite an upgrade, especially from a racing comfort perspective.
The seats are sportier buckets styled with Alcantara, resembling more of a track car while still offering air conditioning for those whose backs tend to sweat when they’re trying the corkscrew at Laguna Seca for the first time. The center console was also completely redesigned for function and more comfort. By that, we mean it has more cushioning and padding with fewer moving parts, so if your leg keeps bumping it during hot laps, it won’t bother you.
The steering wheel is the centerpiece of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N’s interior. It provides a comfortable grip and easy access to drive modes and other vehicle functions, such as regenerative braking and N e-Shift.
Navigating Laguna Seca in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Before I took to the famous raceway in California, I got the chance to take the 5 N out in streets around the area and get feel for it… you know, at regular speeds. First impressions were that it was definitely an IONIQ – smooth right, that recognizable EV hum, and excellent i-Pedal regenerative braking.
Once I got out around some curvy roadways, I switched through the 5 N’s drive modes using the new steering buttons. That’s when I first experienced the EV’s N Active Sound+. I recommend checking out my initial reaction in the video below. This feature is wild and never something I thought I’d like, but I truly did.
I did three runs at Laguna Seca in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, each consisting of a lead lap behind a professional driver (both of which will be racing up Pike’s Pike for Hyundai this summer), followed by three hot laps.
Each run, we explored a different drive style the IONIQ 5 N had to offer, including N Race mode that enables the use of N Grin Boost for 10 seconds of maximum horsepower, and N e-Shift, where the driver can manually “shift gears” from the steering wheel – both of which are accompanied by the Active Sound+.
I’m admittedly not much of an experienced track driver, so the looming thought of racing around Laguna Seca in someone else’s shiny car had me a little anxious, but as a passenger EV that can essentially double as a track car, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was the perfect vessel for me to test drive the famous track, and I was immediately hooked.
I genuinely felt the rear electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) and N electronically controlled suspension (ECS) components in the 5 N’s chassis, which helped keep the BEV super sticky around corners while still giving me the freedom to whip that tail end around if I wanted… or a couple of times when I wasn’t trying to (came in a little hot on turn six the first couple runs!)
While I was a fan of the simulated engine noises, I didn’t like N e-Shift and turned it off halfway through the first lap. I could see how a more traditional racing enthusiast could have more fun with this. Still, as a younger person who (don’t kill me) has never driven a manual, I don’t see the need to pretend like you’re switching gears, especially since the car just buzzes at you but doesn’t have a clutch or anything. It also significantly slows the EV down in that mode, pass for me.
By my third run, I had those tires squealing and got to use N Grin Boost a couple of times on straightaways to really feel the full 641 horsepower of the 5 N. I felt like I was in a Fast and Furious race or something, hitting my “NOS” button to break someone’s heart and take their pink slips. I definitely would have kept someone’s Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, that’s for sure.
Specs, pricing, and our video review
Overall, I think the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a genuinely superb vehicle. Is it going to be for everyone? Absolutely not. Most consumers will be more than happy with an SEL or Limited version of the standard IONIQ 5 and save a little cash.
However, if you come from the racing world and like cornering and track days, this might be the perfect car for you. You get all the same design features as the award-winning IONIQ 5 (albeit significantly lower range because of all its power – 221 miles), but also a slew of N-specific add-ons included from both a performance and aesthetic level.
Keep in mind that this is still an 800V platform and can recharge 10-80% in just 18 minutes. I personally like that Hyundai is selling the IONIQ 5 N as an all-in-one package model with everything included. It costs $66,100 before taxes and fees and includes everything mentioned above and then some.
At that price, it is Hyundai’s most expensive version of the IONIQ 5 (about $8,500 more than the Limited AWD trim), but that’s still a pretty reasonable price if you compare it to other crossovers on the market – none of which you can actually take to a track and do more than drag race and maybe some autocross.
I’ve never really had any interest in visiting racetracks, let alone driving on them, but now that there’s a viable BEV option that not only looks cool as hell but can also perform, I’m digging it. I finally see what all those combustion fans get so excited about. I feel the IONIQ 5 N is an excellent bridge between both groups of enthusiasts, providing a vehicle that both traditional race fans and clean energy BEV enthusiasts can get excited about together.
This car will definitely have a crowd around it on track days, and I think that’s an awesome idea for the future of electric motorsports. As promised, here’s my video review, including some loud drive footage of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N at Laguna Seca.
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Tesla is telling new Model S and Model X buyers that they won’t have access to Steam gamin inside their electric vehicles.
Even though Tesla has been investing heavily into integrating video games into its in-car entertainment system, it still surprised many when Tesla said earlier this year that it planned to go as far as integrating Valve’s Steam, an online video game store and distribution platform, in its vehicles.
Steam has such a large library of games, including high performance games that haven’t been integrated into Tesla vehicles before.
In late 2022, Tesla officially launched its Steam Beta native app in new Model S and Model X vehicles.
However, we now learn that Tesla is dropping the feature. The automaker wrote to people taking delivery of new Model S and Model X vehicles:
Tesla is updating the gaming computer in your Model X and your vehicle is no longer capable of playing Steam games. All other entertainment and app functionalities are unaffected.
It doesn’t sound like current owners are affected by the change.
Tesla has been known to drop existing apps in new vehicles while keeping them vehicles already delivered, like the Disney Plus app.
Electrek’s Take
I’m not so surprised. While it was an interesting idea, I’ve always maintained that if you want to game inside your Tesla, you’re better off with a mobile gaming device, whether it be a gaming laptop or Steam Deck or something like that.
Some games are enjoyable inside the Tesla, but it is a limited gaming rig. Maybe it is because it is a car.
I assume that Tesla saw that very few people were using Steam inside its vehicles and dropped it.
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Environment
Toyota preps first electric pickup, the Hilux BEV, following BYD Shark PHEV truck launch
Following the launch of BYD’s first pickup, the Shark PHEV, Toyota is testing an all-electric Hilux BEV model. Toyota is preparing to produce its first electric pickup in Thailand by the end of next year.
Toyota to launch its first electric pickup in Thailand
As one of the top-selling pickups globally, the Toyota Hilux is the perfect model to go all-electric. It’s already sold in 180 countries and regions with a wide-reaching market of buyers.
Toyota has been teasing an all-electric version for some time. Although its first “electrified” Hilux Hybrid 48V was introduced last December, it still has a 2.8L diesel engine for a modest 5% fuel efficiency improvement.
The automaker even unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux prototype last year, so where is the all-electric version?
Speaking to reporters at the Bangkok International Motor Show in March, Toyota Thailand president Noriaki Kamashita confirmed the Hilux EV would roll out by the end of 2025.
“Our intention is to be producing the Hilux BEV over here,” Pras Ganesh, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia, confirmed to Reuters this week.
Although the first electric Toyota pickup will be aimed at the Thailand market, Toyota is considering exporting the model, according to Ganesh.
Toyota is still working out the kinks ahead of its debut.”The more range I have to put on it, the more battery I have to put on it, which means the weight of the vehicle also becomes significantly heavier, which means the loading can be much less,” Ganesh explained.
“So is it going to meet the customer’s usage needs?’ is always our biggest issue. We are always trying to understand what they do.”
BYD, Chinese automakers are taking over
Meanwhile, Chinese rival BYD launched its first pickup this week. BYD introduced the Shark, a plug-in hybrid pickup with 100 km (62 mi) NEDC all-electric range. Combined, the Shark PHEV can travel 840 km (522 mi) NEDC range.
BYD launched the Shark in Mexico but plans to take the pickup globally. Available in two versions, the GL model starts at $53,400 (899,980 pesos), while the GS costs $58,100 (969,800 pesos).
According to BYD, the Shark’s fuel consumption (7.5L per 100 km) is 40% lower than that of a full gas-powered engine truck.
At 5,457 mm long, 1,971 mm wide, and 1,925 mm tall, the BYD Shark is a direct rival to Toyota’s top-selling Hilux pickup (5,325 mm long X 1,855 mm wide X 1,815 mm tall).
Electrek’s Take
After traveling across Thailand for my honeymoon over the past few weeks, I can confirm that Toyota Hilux models are everywhere. Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda are still the most popular on the road.
Having said that, BYD and other Chinese automakers like MG and GWM are making a strong push. Most of the Grab (Thailand’s Uber) that I took were electric MG or BYD vehicles. The most popular models during my travels were the MG4, BYD Atto 3, Ora Good Cat (and Funky Cat), and BYD Dolphin. I also saw a bunch of Teslas and a handful of Volvo EVs.
I even saw a bunch of them on the smaller, less developed islands. Signs everywhere (Airports, highways, markets, etc.) were promoting BYD, MG, XPeng, and other Chinese EVs.
BYD was Thailand’s best-selling EV brand last year, with the Atto 3 being the top-selling electric model. Over 19,200 were delivered, and you can start to see the shift.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s sales are down over 25% in Thailand this year (133,406) after falling another 32% in March.
After breaking ground last March, BYD is expected to finish construction on its first car plant in Thailand. Once up and running, the plant is expected to produce 150,000 vehicles a year as BYD looks to grow its brand in the region.
Toyota will need to hurry to keep up with Thailand’s rapidly evolving auto market, or it risks falling further behind BYD, MG, and GWM.
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The first model of NIO’s new low-cost Onvo brand, the L60 electric SUV, could lead to a sales surge, according to at least one analyst. Aimed at Tesla’s best-selling Model Y, the NIO Onvo L60 could boost sales to over 20,000 per month as an even more affordable ($30K) option.
NIO’s new $30K Onvo L60 could lead to a sales surge
After launching the first EV under its new mass-market Onvo brand this week, starting at $30,500 (219,900 yuan), NIO’s new electric SUV is already attracting analysts’ attention.
In a statement sent to investors overnight, Deutsche Bank (via CnEVPost) analyst Wang Bin’s team said: “Onvo L60 SUV will officially start delivery in Sep. 2024, and the company is targeting Onvo L60 monthly delivery volume of ~10,000 units.”
However, the analyst agreed NIO’s previous target of 20,000 deliveries per month is doable. “Thus we think Nio’s expectation of monthly >20,000 unit delivery is achievable with boost from Onvo.”
At 4,828 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,616 mm tall, the Onvo L60 will directly rival the Model Y (4,750 mm long X 1,921 mm wide X 1,624 mm tall).
A true Tesla Y rival?
Starting at $30,500 (219,900 yuan), NIO’s new electric SUV undercuts the Tesla Model Y in China. Tesla’s base RWD Model Y starts at $34,500 (249,900 yuan) with up to 554 km (344 mi) CLTC range.
| NIO Onvo L60 vs Tesla Model Y trims | Range (CLTC) |
Starting Price |
| NIO Onvo L60 (60 kWh) | 555 km (341 mi) | 219,900 yuan ($30,500) |
| NIO Onvo L60 (90 kWh) | 730 km (454 mi) | TBD |
| NIO Onvo L60 (150 kWh) | +1,000 km (+621 mi) | TBD |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | 554 km (344 mi) | 249,900 yuan ($34,600) |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range | 688 km (427 mi) | 290,900 yuan ($40,300) |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Performance | 615 km (382 mi) | 354,900 yuan ($49,100) |
The new NIO Onvo L60 gets over 1,000 km (+621 mi) CLTC range with the top-of-the-line 150 kWh version. However, the base L60, starting at $30,500 (60 kWh battery), gets up to 555 km (341 mi) range.
Tesla’s Long Range AWD Model Y starts at $40,300 (290,900 yuan) with up to 688 km (427 mi) range, while the AWD Performance model costs $49,100 (354,900 yuan).
NIO says its new electric SUV has better energy consumption than the Tesla Model Y (12.1 kWh/100km vs. 12.5 kWh/100km) under the same CLTC conditions.
Bin’s team expects NIO to launch six new vehicles next year, generating 300,000 in sales. That would be 25,000 unit sales per month, including NIO’s new Onvo brand.
New EVs to accelerate growth
NIO CEO William Li and Alan Ai, president of Onvo, revealed the brand’s second model will be a larger (six or seven-seater) electric SUV. According to CarNewsChina, the second Onvo EV is expected to launch in 2025.
In addition to the two new Onvo EVs, Bin’s team expects four new NIO brand models to roll out next year: the ET9 Sedan, ES8 SUV, and ES7 SUV, all based on its new NT 2.0 platform.
“As a result, we forecast Nio’s total 2025 sales volume to increase 62% YoY to 300,000 units,” the note read. The breakdown includes 200,000 NIO brand models and another 100,000 in Onvo sales.
NIO delivered 15,620 vehicles last month, up 135% YOY, with the EC6 (+53%), ES6 (+48%), and ET5 (+52%) all seeing double-digit month-over-month gains.
NIO management told the media this morning that the the development of Onvo’s second EV is almost complete and deliveries will begin next year.
“If the product is done right, a single model could sell enough, as Tesla BYD has proven,” Li said. BYD recently launched its own Model Y competitor, the Sea Lion 07, starting at 189,800 ($26,250), undercutting both rival EVs (Check out BYD’s Sea Lion 07 here).
What do you you think? Can NIO’s new Onvo brand match Tesla’s or BYD’s sales? Drop us a comment below to let us know your thoughts.
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