The Ioniq 5 just got the hot N variant but it seems that Hyundai is working on something new based on the electric crossover. A prototype of the Ioniq 5 was spotted testing on public roads wearing heavy camouflage, suggesting that we might be looking at a facelifted version or a new trim. The electric prototype features relocated parking sensors and a larger lower intake at the mostly covered front bumper. The LED headlights look identical to the current model, as with the rest of the bodywork with the exception of the rear bumper. This one appears to have a revised lower fascia shaped like a diffuser. Of course, if this is indeed a facelift, more redesigned components could be added later in the development. Interestingly, the interior of the prototype was also covered hinting at possible upgrades on trim and technology.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is already 2.5 years
old, as it was originally introduced in February 2021. This means that a
facelift could arrive in 2025, updating the looks and technology of the EV in
order to stay fresh against the competition. Another possibility would be a new
N Line trim slotting between the standard model and the full-blown N in terms
of visual sportiness. At the moment, Hyundai reserves the N Line treatment for
its ICE-powered range but it could follow the example of Kia which offers the
similar GT Line trim for its EVs.
The current Ioniq 5 is available with
either a 58 kWh or a 77.4 kWh battery pack, in single motor RWD or dual motor
AWD guises producing between 168 hp and 321 hp depending on the configuration. Then there is the flagship Ioniq 5 N with a
larger 84 kWh battery and a combined output of 641 hp. Those
specs aren’t expected to change much in a possible mid-lifecycle update.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was the first model to
ride on the now widely-used E-GMP architecture. The company recently announced
the next-generation Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) that will underpin 13
new Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs through 2030, likely including the successor
of the Ioniq 5 when it arrives towards the end of the decade.
