Thinking of getting an i5N - advice needed

[Carfan]

Hi all

I’m based in the UK and currently drive a Golf R MK8 and am seriously thinking of getting a 5N.

I did test drive a 5N a couple of weeks ago, but didn’t go that far or put it through its paces (wife and sales women in the car!). For sure it’s a fantastic car but have a few query’s…….

Should I be concerned about the weight and body roll, does the car suffer from body roll much? I’d tend to drive in the normal suspension setting and wondering what that is like?

Has anyone come from a ICE hot hatch and can comment on the differences in handling?

How are people finding the seats? On the test drive I did have slight back ache due to lack of lumber. Also I’m a larger guy then most, could this be an issue on a long journey? Although would be happy to use a seat cushion if needs be.

I’d be getting one on a 3 or 4 year lease salary sacrifice and want to make sure I’m happy, you can’t give it back if not!

Thanks all.

 

[welshy]

Hi all

I’m based in the UK and currently drive a Golf R MK8 and am seriously thinking of getting a 5N.

I did test drive a 5N a couple of weeks ago, but didn’t go that far or put it through its paces (wife and sales women in the car!). For sure it’s a fantastic car but have a few query’s…….

Should I be concerned about the weight and body roll, does the car suffer from body roll much? I’d tend to drive in the normal suspension setting and wondering what that is like?

Has anyone come from a ICE hot hatch and can comment on the differences in handling?

How are people finding the seats? On the test drive I did have slight back ache due to lack of lumber. Also I’m a larger guy then most, could this be an issue on a long journey? Although would be happy to use a seat cushion if needs be.

I’d be getting one on a 3 or 4 year lease salary sacrifice and want to make sure I’m happy, you can’t give it back if not!

Thanks all.

Welcome.

I came from and X3M Competition which had lowered suspension and that had more roll than the 5N and the weight was probably similar. I guess that's not really comparable to a hot hatch.

I personally don't really notice the weight of the car, its more likely noticeable at a track on the edge, but its got all the tricks and tech to mask that as best it can anyway.

Seats wise, I'm 6 ft 3in and 18 stone and at first I though the seats might be an issue for me, but although they were not as comfy as the X3M, they are pretty decent with good support and and I've done quite a few long drives. Lumbar support is lacking but it never really works very well in any car for a person my hight normally so not something i miss. Cushion might be a good shout.

Let me know what you decide

 

[Carfan]

Hi Welshy
That’s great, sounds like the 5N is not too bad. I’m not expecting it the behave like a 1550kg hot hatch but as long as it doesn’t feel too heavy. I’m only interested how it handles on the road as I will probably never take it on the track.
Seats don’t sound bad either. I think with a bit of adjustment I’m sure I could get them better.

Really tempted with this car as it looks such good fun to drive. I’ve owned a couple of quick cars in the past (eg F80 M3 Comp and C63S AMG) and am keen get back into a fun fast car. I had no particular interest to get an EV but the 5N offers way above virtually any other EV at this price point as you guys know with the sounds and gear shifts. And it’s a hell of a lot cheaper to run than an equivalent Petrol car. Also the clincher for me is getting it on salary sacrifice.

I’ve tested all 3 variants of the new Model 3 and I’m not keen TBH. The model 3 performance is mental fast but has no driver engagement IMO. Really not a fan of the minimalist interior and lack of HUD. I’ve also tried a Polestar 2. Reasonbly quick but the ride is too “busy” around town. Too fidgety.

The 5N is by far the best EV I’ve tried but just a little concerned about the size and weight. Although it is about the same size as the C63S I had so I should be able to cope!

 

[welshy]

Hi Welshy
That’s great, sounds like the 5N is not too bad. I’m not expecting it the behave like a 1550kg hot hatch but as long as it doesn’t feel too heavy. I’m only interested how it handles on the road as I will probably never take it on the track.
Seats don’t sound bad either. I think with a bit of adjustment I’m sure I could get them better.

Really tempted with this car as it looks such good fun to drive. I’ve owned a couple of quick cars in the past (eg F80 M3 Comp and C63S AMG) and am keen get back into a fun fast car. I had no particular interest to get an EV but the 5N offers way above virtually any other EV at this price point as you guys know with the sounds and gear shifts. And it’s a hell of a lot cheaper to run than an equivalent Petrol car. Also the clincher for me is getting it on salary sacrifice.

I’ve tested all 3 variants of the new Model 3 and I’m not keen TBH. The model 3 performance is mental fast but has no driver engagement IMO. Really not a fan of the minimalist interior and lack of HUD. I’ve also tried a Polestar 2. Reasonbly quick but the ride is too “busy” around town. Too fidgety.

The 5N is by far the best EV I’ve tried but just a little concerned about the size and weight. Although it is about the same size as the C63S I had so I should be able to cope!

Its an lowish SUV really, doesn't have the turning circle of a hot hatch lol. There is a lot more cabin space front and rear in the 5N than I had in the X3M. But its so unbelievably quick, and as its relatively rare and unknown its the perfect sleeper. I've annoyed countless Audi RS, M cars and the odd Urus by leaving them for dust without much effort lol

I'm sure you'll love it.

 

[Carfan]

Its an lowish SUV really, doesn't have the turning circle of a hot hatch lol. There is a lot more cabin space front and rear in the 5N than I had in the X3M. But its so unbelievably quick, and as its relatively rare and unknown its the perfect sleeper. I've annoyed countless Audi RS, M cars and the odd Urus by leaving them for dust without much effort lol

I'm sure you'll love it.

Yes I’ve heard the turning circle isn’t great but I’m used to that as my Golf R is not that good either! Not sure if it’s the 4WD as the 2WD Golf’s are fine.

So, just to be sure, I’m going to have a 2nd test drive tomorrow at another dealer and make sure it’s for me. I’m 80-90% convinced just need to be sure before signing up to a 3 or 4 year lease.

What colour is yours? Think I would go for the pearl ecotronic grey. I quite like the idea of the performance blue but I think it stands out a bit too much for me. I think the grey will fly below the radar.
Really excited to try another one tomorrow and this time I’ll try all the other modes and simulated gearbox etc…..


How do you feel about moving to an EV after a petrol? Most people say they glad they did and don’t look back.

 

[welshy]

Yes I’ve heard the turning circle isn’t great but I’m used to that as my Golf R is not that good either! Not sure if it’s the 4WD as the 2WD Golf’s are fine.

So, just to be sure, I’m going to have a 2nd test drive tomorrow at another dealer and make sure it’s for me. I’m 80-90% convinced just need to be sure before signing up to a 3 or 4 year lease.

What colour is yours? Think I would go for the pearl ecotronic grey. I quite like the idea of the performance blue but I think it stands out a bit too much for me. I think the grey will fly below the radar.
Really excited to try another one tomorrow and this time I’ll try all the other modes and simulated gearbox etc…..


How do you feel about moving to an EV after a petrol? Most people say they glad they did and don’t look back.

I would say that colour choice is a good one

 

[ed220401]

I would say that colour choice is a good one View attachment 25442

Looks awesome!

 

[Carfan]

I would say that colour choice is a good one View attachment 25442

Loving that,

 

[Carfan]

I managed to get a second test drive at the weekend, however it did not go quite as well as I'd hoped as the salesman yet again had no clue about the modes in the car! He was an older guy and said he disliked computers and tech, so no chance of any explanation of how the car works. In all fairness 98% of the cars they sell are ordinary non-performance cars and the 5N it a bit of a beast on its own.

So on to the test drive. No idea how to set up the gear changes so didn't try that.

I have a couple of reservations which I'm hoping you guys can put me straight on..

I didn't think the acceleration was as urgent as I'd hoped it to be. I'm basically comparing it to a new Model 3 Performance that I drove a few weeks ago. That thing was mental quick when you pushed the throttle - very urgent in Insane mode and almost too fast! Pushed you right back in the seat. I'd thought the 5N would be similar.

I found the 5N to be a lot more "gentler" and smoother acceleration if that makes sense and not overly dramatic, unlike the Tesla.

I fiddled around with the settings as best I could whilst driving and managed to set the Motor to Sport+. Not sure if that is the correct setting for the quickest response of the motor? But I don't know if it applied straight away or was part of a custom setting.





The other issue I had was the seat. This is a problem with me and not the car! I cant seem to get on with bucket/sports seats. I had hip ache, back ache in my lower back, upper back and neck. However, I do think a bottom and back seat cushion cover would sort this issue.

It's a shame as I really do like this car and would like to place on order, but the seat could be an issue. No way around that as it either works for you or it don't. Or chance getting a cushion seat cover and hope that works.

 

[Onehp]

I personally don't really notice the weight of the car, its more likely noticeable at a track on the edge, but its got all the tricks and tech to mask that as best it can anyway.

For me it's opposite, driving slow maneuvering speed, driving up and down curbs etc it to me really feels like a heavy lump. But the harder I drive it, especially in bends, the smaller and more nimble it feels. Also on the edge of grip, it feels playful....

 

[Onehp]

I found the 5N to be a lot more "gentler" and smoother acceleration if that makes sense and not overly dramatic, unlike the Tesla.

I fiddled around with the settings as best I could whilst driving and managed to set the Motor to Sport+. Not sure if that is the correct setting for the quickest response of the motor? But I don't know if it applied straight away or was part of a custom setting.


View attachment 25458

That setting only activates in the custom1 setting. Guessing you were stuck in the Normal setting which fits your description.
Default the custom setting is set to the left steering wheel N button, engine noises and N e-shift to the right one. Or long press the drive mode button always defaults to the full N mode... It's pretty violent although the 2024 M3P is a tad sharper off the line, the 5 N is significantly stronger at higher speeds though.

 

[welshy]

That setting only activates in the custom1 setting. Guessing you were stuck in the Normal setting which fits your description.
Preset the custom setting is set to the left steering wheel button, engine noises and N e-shift to the right. Or long press the drive mode button to default to the full N mode... It's pretty violent although the M3P is a tad sharper off the line, the 5 N is significantly stronger at higher speeds though.

Didn't know about the long press on the drive mode. You've just freed up another preset for me

@Carfan. It depends what you are looking for really. I considered the MP3 but it doesn't fit a dog has no buttons and is boring as sin. 5N is an SUV with everything you need to transition from ICE to EV. The size and weight is why the initial launch isn't as aggressive. But it's quicker to 1/4 mile when you stick it in N-Mode with N-Race enabled and use launch or NGB enabled. Check out carwow drag race.

But based on what you've said the seats could be the killer for you. Personally when I was ordering mine it was a choice between the 5N and the porsche macan turbo ev. But there was a 12 month wait on the porsche, was a few hundred quid a month more expensive but didn't have the modes and gadgets I wanted. I've had a i30N Performance previously which I loved so that was my reason for the 5N

 

[Carfan]

Didn't know about the long press on the drive mode. You've just freed up another preset for me

@Carfan. It depends what you are looking for really. I considered the MP3 but it doesn't fit a dog has no buttons and is boring as sin. 5N is an SUV with everything you need to transition from ICE to EV. The size and weight is why the initial launch isn't as aggressive. But it's quicker to 1/4 mile when you stick it in N-Mode with N-Race enabled and use launch or NGB enabled. Check out carwow drag race.

But based on what you've said the seats could be the killer for you. Personally when I was ordering mine it was a choice between the 5N and the porsche macan turbo ev. But there was a 12 month wait on the porsche, was a few hundred quid a month more expensive but didn't have the modes and gadgets I wanted. I've had a i30N Performance previously which I loved so that was my reason for the 5N

Yeah for the same reasons you said is why I also dont like Teslas. Lack of dash, lack of buttons, no HUD, no 360 camera and dont forget lack of indicator stalks on the new Model 3 which is a massive backward step IMO..... very dull inside.

For the seats I've bought a memory foam seat cushion support thingy from Amazon and tried it in my Golf R a few times today. Then I went to my local Hyundai dealer and tried it for 10 minutes in their 5N that was on the forecourt. I'm not convinced with this particular seat cushion so will send it back. The damn thing is giving me back pain, even in my Golf R! Will try one more from Amaxon and it that dont work I dont think I'll be ordering a 5N. Big shame as I really like the car......

I cant get on with the seats in the 5N as they are. I get lower and upper back ache, shoulder ache, neck ache you name it! Even tingling down my arms. It's not the first car I've had issues with seats. Although my Golf R (and previous Mk7.5 R) have never been a problem. Nor the wife's Fiesta. I just dont get on with bucket sport style seats as they are generally far too firm.

 

[EVtec]

In my personal collection, I have a custom-built 6th generation Golf equipped with a 5-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive.
In comparison, the Ioniq 5 N outperforms in all aspects, particularly in terms of road feel and suspension performance when subjected to rigorous testing.
Additionally, I own a Dodge Charger Widebody RedEye.
When comparing the Ioniq 5 N to this vehicle, I am reminded of the robust low torque delivered by the supercharged 6.0-liter engine.
Over the past three decades, I have amassed an impressive collection of vehicles, and the Ioniq 5 N undoubtedly embodies the dream vehicle I have sought for over 30 years.
For genuine enthusiasts who value German engineering expertise and the optimization of chassis and propulsion systems comparable to the BMW M division, the Ioniq 5 N promises enduring satisfaction.
Furthermore, I intend to acquire the Ioniq 6 N upon its release.
The Ioniq 5 N has rightfully earned its place within my personal automotive collection.
If you want my advice. It is worth the money for what you get and it is a EV that has soul like traditional ICE vehicle with transmission that you can actually can hear and the kick each time is artificially changing the virtual gears. And execution how they implement is phenomenal.
It is true enthusiasts vehicle with so many custom options to change vehicle character.
And you can use it as family transport vehicle without any sacrifices.

 

[EVtec]

I see my Ioniq 5 N as a vehicle that suffers from multiple personality disorder, and it delivers in every aspect that a person like me, who is hard to satisfy, was looking for in a vehicle that would have all the best aspects of the vehicles I have in my possession.

 

[Carfan]

Thanks for that @EVtec that is a useful write up. I'm always interested in owners real world opinions on the car as well as the dozens of Youtube vids that have been made on the car.
The vids online are a little "samey" just talking about the simulated gear changes and sound etc... once you've seen one vid on these topics the rest are the same. But I'm also interested how the car is in the real world day to day.

Most of us will live with one as a daily driver and I wouldnt want it to be too "track focused" (which I dont think it is from what I've read/watched). I had a F80 M3 Comp a few years back and it was too "raw" for me and full-on as a daily driver.

 

[EVtec]

Thanks for that @EVtec that is a useful write up. I'm always interested in owners real world opinions on the car as well as the dozens of Youtube vids that have been made on the car.
The vids online are a little "samey" just talking about the simulated gear changes and sound etc... once you've seen one vid on these topics the rest are the same. But I'm also interested how the car is in the real world day to day.

Most of us will live with one as a daily driver and I wouldnt want it to be too "track focused" (which I dont think it is from what I've read/watched). I had a F80 M3 Comp a few years back and it was too "raw" for me and full-on as a daily driver.

It is quite good when set for lowest active suspension setting.
And you have plenty settings when using cruise control to adjust to prevent motion sickness for passengers.
If you compare it to the standard non active suspension Ioniq 5 it will be more comfortable on rough surface.
I'm 6' 5" and front seats are quite comfortable on long trips.
Rear seats can be moved back and forth and you can adjust angle of the back side also. So even if you are tall there will be plenty of leg room behind.
To truly understand E-Shift and how well it is implemented you need to spend some time with. I use it daily because it just work well and each shift besides noise will deliver kick in the back seats whenever it makes the shift.
To me irrelevant what social media is saying. What they did on Ioniq 5 N is that they give this electric vehicle soul that keeps you connected to the electric vehicle and engaged while driving. Our brains are wired ( at least my brain as enthusiasts to feel hitting my spine every time vehicle shifts and my ears to hear sounds)
Besides ignition sound.
Other two are tailored for high speed Autobahn speeds where other sounds really change this EV to the another level enjoyment.

 

[JoaoMGH]

Hello.
The car is amazing, i have no words, i watched all the YouTube movies, but none of it really represents it.
It,s a Wolf in sheeps wool. I drive my Kids to school every day, and it's smooth to drive and comfortable, just dont go too fast on the bumps or holes of the street because then he Will answer like a sports car heheh, u have a lot a driving modes to fit your driving style. Safetywise it has the safety features of todays modern drive, autopilot and autoparking (some limitations) i have a tight garage and can't get the car to Park on reverse with the remote Key.
It's quite heavy but u dont feel it (have a merc GL420 same wheight and thats heavy) due to the low center of Gravity, doesn't bend while turning and when u press the gás pedal it kicks u forward, if u press the brake pedal really hard your eye balls may pop out.
The SEAT is Nice and confortable, and driving position too, the steering could have more adjustment so i push the seat full back when i want to go out and Pull it fwd everytime i go on it.
The interior space is very good either in front or at the back, and well finished, the boot is also very good, it's a small sized SUV.
The turning circle is ridiculous (love the merc), but i get it, it's a big sports car.
The battery does last long, if no AC on, and if u press the pedal with a feather, mine doesn't (who Cares) c'mon it's a sports car. On the daily drive with traffuc its ok, but if u do a lot of highway (no regen) it drains fast at medium speed.
Mine went to 2 trackdays already... No words... It acelerates it turns and brakes like a racing car, even without racing tires. Put real tires on it and a real driver ( not me for sure) and it wont lag far behind of some GT3RS or AMG, if the circuit has no long straits.
The choice of slicks or semi slicks is quite limiting due to a combination of rim size vs tire size vs load index ( heavy car).
The TOP speed isnt that great, i think it's an electric thing, the Porsche Taycan has the same top speed, mine did 265 kmh as registered by the APP, and was stable, i could go more no doubt about it.
Buy it, you wont regret it, and like me it Will give u a smile on every drive.