An electric car with a combustion engine feel? We take a look at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

Can a 100% electric car simulate a gearshift, achieve breakneck acceleration, handle like a combustion-powered sports car, and feel and hear all the power? Yes, it's called the Ioniq 5 N , and it's the first N from Hyundai's high-performance division, the first in a lineage that aims to give a "thermal" touch to what we know today as a "boring" city-only electric car.

But the Ioniq 5 N is anything but boring, believe me! First, its design. With a striking and eye-catching look, the front features an N Mask-style design with a mesh curtain and an active air intake that improves cooling, with a lower bumper design that highlights the lowered suspension. The Luminous Orange line on the lower part of the black front bumper cover is exclusive to the electric N models and extends along the side skirts to show its racing character. And at the rear, the prominent N spoiler promotes optimal aerodynamic performance, combined with the rear diffuser and air outlet with details of the same color , further highlighting the entire package. You're sure to turn heads!

Second, under the hood are two electric motors—a 226 hp front motor and a 383 hp rear motor—along with an 84 kWh battery, which spin up to 21,000 rpm, providing up to 609 hp under normal conditions, or 650 hp when the car's N Grin Boost (NGB) function is activated, and 770 Nm of torque with N Grin Boost activated, maximizing acceleration in up to 10 seconds. In other words, it's capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Amazing! You have to try it, of course, but you also have to be prepared for the sensation it creates in you—because it's dizzying, but in a good way, because the smile it brings to your face afterward...

A memorable drive is guaranteed thanks to a series of improvements, such as a reinforced steering column for improved responsiveness, an electronically controlled suspension that adapts suspension stiffness based on driving mode, and a suite of sophisticated electronic control technologies on the E-GMP platform. The Ioniq 5 N is a true everyday sports car equipped with blistering performance, yet offers enviable comfort for daily commutes with up to 589 km of city driving range. It's quiet and very comfortable for everyday use, yet still allows you to be a badass when you want.

Also of note is the N Pedal, an intelligent software feature that provides instant corner entry and increased throttle sensitivity for exhilarating cornering, and the fully variable front and rear N Torque Distribution.

It doesn't end there, either. We have an N e-shift that simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission found in N cars with internal combustion engines. It even reaches the cut-off and runs out of power when it's time to shift, warning you on the instrument panel with a red-lit torque surge. It's a sensation I'd say is difficult to explain if you haven't experienced it. But it feels like you're driving a combustion engine. And even more so when you activate the "Ignition" option in its N Active Sound+, you get closer to the feel and sound of the DCT found in the i30 N.

"We want you to experience the vibrations from the jolts and downshifts you get in our N combustion cars," the brand said; and it's not the same, but it's close, and it's truly thrilling. A very interesting toy that, since we can't forget it's 100% electric, also has the 'Evolution' and 'Supersonic' sounds. The former is a signature N electronic sound inspired by the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Concept and the RN22e; and Supersonic simulates a fighter jet to give drivers the feeling of a fighter pilot. It's explosive!

Third, and like any car, whether electric or combustion, equipment and space are paramount . The Ioniq 5 N is equipped with a 12.3-inch instrument panel that, in this specific case, displays essential information such as speed and battery charge status in line of sight, as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen for easy access to the car's connectivity and control functions in a simple and intuitive way. With mobile connection and a high-speed wireless charging port located in the center console that incorporates a cooling function that prevents the smartphone from overheating to protect it. It also has a 12V power outlet and 5 USB Type-C ports: 3 in the front and 2 for passengers in the rear.

Not to mention all the interior space for five passengers and a trunk capacity of 527 liters, which can be increased to 1,600 liters by folding down the second-row seats. The second-row seats can slide forward up to 135 mm and fold down in a 6:4 split position.

Last but not least, the Ioniq 5 N, like every Hyundai, features Hyundai SmartSense, the manufacturer's advanced driver assistance system. Highlights include, for example, the Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, which displays the left and right rear sides of the vehicle on the digital instrument cluster; and the Panoramic View Monitor, which offers a 360-degree view that makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer.