Hyundai’s flagship performance EV, the IONIQ 5 N, has secured the coveted ‘Five-Star Car’ award in the 2025 Autocar Awards, cementing its place among the most elite electric vehicles in the market today. The accolade comes from one of the most respected and rigorous road tests in the global automotive industry.
The IONIQ 5 N is the first Hyundai to ever receive a perfect five-star rating from Autocar, with the publication’s testers praising the high-performance electric vehicle as a “game changer” and “blindingly good fun”. Only three vehicles have earned the five-star distinction over the past year, underscoring the high bar set by Autocar’s century-old evaluation process.
Since its debut in late 2023, the IONIQ 5 N has redefined the EV performance segment by combining cutting-edge electric power with the dynamic thrill of traditional hot hatches. Powered by an 800-PS motor with N Grin Boost, the vehicle sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. It features Hyundai’s innovative N e-shift for simulated gear changes and N Active Sound+, which recreates the aural drama of an internal combustion engine—delivering a visceral driving experience unlike any other EV.
With the arrival of the N, the electric driver’s car has landed,” said Autocar Editor Mark Tisshaw, adding that the IONIQ 5 N is “fully deserving of its perfect five-star Autocar road test.
Priced from £65,010, the IONIQ 5 N continues to garner global acclaim. It has already been named:
- 2024 World Performance Car (World Car Awards)
- 2023 Car of the Year (TopGear.com)
- Best Performance Car of 2024 (Autocar and Auto Express)
- Hot Hatch of the Year 2024 (The Sunday Times)
This is yet another affirmation of our technological leadership and the emotional appeal of the IONIQ 5 N,” said Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK. “It has changed perceptions about Hyundai and what a performance EV can be.
With its bold styling, class-leading acceleration, and immersive drive feel, the IONIQ 5 N is not just a performance EV—it’s a cultural milestone, rewriting expectations for the future of electric mobility.
