Hyundai on Monday introduced the Ioniq 5 N Essentials trim in South Korea, a lower-priced version of its first high-performance electric vehicle. The new model retains the same dual-motor setup and performance features as the base Ioniq 5 N but comes with fewer convenience options to reduce costs.
First launched in 2023, the Ioniq 5 N marked a new era for Hyundai’s N performance division, combining the company’s electric platform with high-output motors. The all-wheel-drive hatchback produces up to 641 horsepower when “N Grin Boost” is activated, and 601 hp without it. Power comes from an 84 kWh battery, offering an estimated 221 miles of range under EPA standards, or 278 miles under WLTP testing.
Hyundai said the Essentials trim is designed to make the vehicle more accessible to a wider group of buyers. “The Essential trim of the Ioniq 5 N is a new trim that offers greater cost-effectiveness to lower the barrier to entry for high-performance electric vehicles,” a Hyundai official said.
The new version is priced at 74.9 million won ($54,000), including tax incentives. Hyundai noted the vehicle retains its high-performance motors, battery, and N-specific elements, while focusing on core convenience features. It also includes advanced driver assistance systems such as highway driving assist and smart cruise control, alongside a new “Parking Assist Lite” package with surround view and rear parking support.
Although the Essentials trim will not be offered in the United States, the Ioniq 5 N remains positioned as one of the more affordable performance cars in the market. The 2025 Ioniq 5 N starts at $66,200 in the U.S., with leases available at $549 per month when factoring in the $7,500 federal tax credit, which is set to expire on September 30.
