Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Crowned 2024 EV of the Year

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has been named Car and Driver’s 2024 Electric Vehicle of the Year, continuing the Ioniq lineup’s dominance for the third straight year. This high-performance electric SUV impressed judges with its blend of practicality, performance, and driver engagement.

A True Enthusiast’s EV

Unlike many electric vehicles that excel solely in acceleration, the Ioniq 5 N delivers a genuine enthusiast experience. With 641 horsepower on tap, it rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 163 mph. More importantly, it provides the kind of emotional connection and driving excitement typically reserved for gas-powered sports cars.

Innovative Technology

The Ioniq 5 N pushes EV technology forward with its 800-volt architecture, enabling rapid charging capabilities. But its most unique feature is the ability to simulate the sound and feel of a gas engine, complete with fake shifting. While some may find it gimmicky, the execution is remarkably convincing and injects an element of fun often missing from EVs.

Value Proposition

At $67,495, the Ioniq 5 N delivers supercar-level performance at a fraction of the price. This combination of capability, technology, and relative affordability helped it stand out in a competitive field of 18 electric vehicles.

DroneXL’s Take

While not directly related to drones, the Ioniq 5 N’s innovative approach to driver engagement parallels recent advancements in drone technology. Just as this EV bridges the gap between electric and gas-powered performance, modern FPV drones are providing pilots with increasingly immersive and thrilling experiences. The push for more engaging human-machine interfaces is a trend worth watching across industries.

What are your thoughts on Hyundai’s innovative approach to making EVs more engaging for enthusiasts? Share your opinion in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Car and Driver