Hyundai is rapidly expanding, not only in terms of internal combustion-powered models but also in the EV segment. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been around for almost a year and already, it is shaping up to be more than a worthy competitor to the Tesla Model 3. With that said, Hyundai is also looking toward the performance EV segment, and we recently got the most comprehensive images of the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is already a collection of impressive features and numbers. The standard version of Hyundai’s all-electric CUV (compact utility vehicle) packs anywhere from 170 to 325 horsepower (127 to 242 kilowatts) from a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive setup. With 0 to 60 mph (97 m/h) as fast as 4.7 seconds, it’s also not slow. Moreover, it has one of the most spacious and flexible interiors with various modules like the center console and rear seats that can slide back and forth, depending on the needs.

With all that in mind, a performance version of the Ioniq 5 that’s even quicker and sportier, and retains the same level of practicality sounds too good to be true. Well, it’s not, because these images clearly show an almost production-ready Ioniq 5 N. Moreover, it will pack a good amount more power from a dual-electric motor setup that produces 630 horsepower (470 kilowatts) and 546 pound-feet (740 Nm). Moreover, the Ioniq 5 could charge from 10 to 80 percent in an impressive 18 minutes.

Of course, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will have enough aesthetic changes to set it apart from lesser versions of the car. Some of them are visible despite the Korean EV still being under camouflage. Unless the camouflage aims to deceive us, the front end of the performance EV will feature a lot more air ducts, no doubt for cooling the “extra-large” electric motors. Typical for a performance model, we also notice a pronounced chin spoiler, which is not found on the standard Ioniq 5.

Not much difference can be seen on the side of the car (so far), except the new wheel design that will, likely, be exclusive to the N version (and, possibly, N Line), and hide upgraded brakes with red calipers. The electric CUV is still heavily wrapped in the rear, but we managed to spot a more pronounced rear diffuser. While we are excited about Hyundai’s first performance EV model, the Ioniq 5 N is still at least a few months away, as the official debut is scheduled for some time in 2023.