THE 2025 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N IS THE EV EQUIVALENT OF FAKE MEAT FOR PETROLHEADS

EV Channels Review

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is presented not as a traditional performance EV, but as a "fake meat" substitute for petrolheads, aiming to replicate the visceral experience of internal combustion engine (ICE) sports cars. While praised for its aggressive styling, immense power (640 hp in boost mode), and flat cornering, the review highlights significant drawbacks. The suspension is excessively stiff, making it uncomfortable on poor road surfaces and for passengers. The introduction of numerous synthetic sounds, including an external speaker for engine noise and fake gear shifts, is heavily criticized as gimmicky and detracting from the EV driving experience, particularly by disabling adjustable regenerative braking. Despite its track-day potential and impressive acceleration, the reviewers ultimately recommend the Kia EV6 GT over the IONIQ 5 N due to the latter's perceived artificiality and discomfort, suggesting that turning off the "nonsense" reveals a fun car, but the synthetic elements undermine its appeal.