The Hyundai Ioniq 5N, a compact 100% electric sports car, has taken by surprise an entire sector dominated by premium brands. Its innovations have prompted Porsche to rethink its plans for the future electric 718, scheduled for 2027. This rare recognition illustrates a major shift in the world of electric sportiness and underlines Hyundai’s spectacular progress in the field of performance.
A model for premium manufacturers
Hyundai didn’t expect to create a benchmark when it launched the Ioniq 5N, but it’s now a reality. This compact electric sports car has shaken things up to the point of influencing Porsche, which is actively developing its future electric 718s. Frank Moser, head of the 718 and 911 ranges, admitted that several internal tests had changed his team’s vision. He says that the Ioniq 5N made them « rethink everything » to better understand the emotion that an electric sports car can offer.
The Ioniq 5N has made its mark on Porsche thanks to two simple but effective ideas: a gearshift simulation and an immersive synthetic sound system. Two devices created to compensate for the natural silence of electric motors. This approach, known as N e-Shift and N Active Sound+, has been designed to reproduce the mechanical sensations that have been lost. Porsche is now testing an artificial noise, while offering the option of deactivating it. The driver will be able to choose between pure silence or an expressive soundscape, without distorting the essence of an electric vehicle.
A global influence
Hyundai’s impact is already spreading beyond Stuttgart. Lamborghini is keeping a close eye on these innovations, particularly for its future electric sports models. BMW M is also taking an interest, confirming that there is more at stake than just raw power. The Ioniq 5N is proving that a non-premium manufacturer can offer a credible vision of motoring pleasure. It has shifted the industry towards a more emotional approach, focused on sensations and not just on technical specifications.
This influence is all the more remarkable given that the Ioniq 5N does not occupy the luxury segment. However, its sharp chassis, optimised Drift mode and engine that produces over 609bhp in N Grin Boost mode have reminded European manufacturers that innovation can come from elsewhere. Hyundai has succeeded in combining advanced electronic performance with visceral driving, creating a new benchmark in the category.
Electric sportiness enters a new era
Porsche plans to launch its first electric 718 in 2027, alongside top-of-the-range combustion-powered versions. The electric model will adopt a philosophy centred on sensations, where technology does not mask emotion. Porsche seems to accept the idea that the sportiness of the future will no longer be based solely on traditional mechanics, but on the quality of the driving experience. Porsche’s public recognition of Hyundai marks a historic turning point for the sector. It is the first time that a generalist manufacturer has directly influenced one of the most prestigious names in motor sport. This momentum shows that the electric transition is overturning established hierarchies and imposing new performance criteria.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5N is not just a technical success; it’s a symbol of a rapidly changing market. Sensations are once again the priority. This change opens up a new horizon for enthusiasts and redefines the role of generalist manufacturers in the world of electric sports cars. The Ioniq 5N confirms that the future of performance will not only be played out on the racetrack, but also in the ability to create genuine emotion on the road.
