The Ioniq 5 doesn’t really need a facelift since it still looks like a concept even though it has been in production for three years. Nonetheless, Hyundai’s first dedicated electric car is being developed for 2024 in South Korea, with other regions to follow shortly. Let’s take a look at what’s changed as the updates are subtle.
In the future, an N Line version will fill the gap between the regular Ioniq 5 trim levels and the high-performance N. It follows the strategy used by Hyundai for its conventionally powered models by adopting a slightly sportier body kit without additional performance. The all-show flavor without extra-go has different bumpers, side skirts and 20-inch wheels in a new design. You can easily tell which is which by the “fangs” on the front and the “N Line” badge on the grille.
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Hyundai also gives the standard Ioniq 5 a boost with a slightly updated grille and reshaped bumpers. Although the width, height and wheelbase are retained, the electric vehicle is 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) longer after the bumper reshaping. Additionally, the rear spoiler has been widened by 50 mm (1.97 in) and you have the choice of newly designed wheels. Oh, there’s finally a rear wiper – a feature we saw coming since the Ioniq 5 N already has it.
The interior may look more or less the same, but Hyundai gives it more buttons. Just as the Tucson has additional physical controls, the Ioniq 5 benefits from additional shortcuts to often-used features. There’s a row of buttons to quickly activate the heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and park assist function. You can find the controls at the top of the Universal Island, which is marketing jargon for the sliding center console.
There are other changes in this area as the wireless charger is more accessible after moving it closer to the driver and front passenger. It is to the left of the cup holders, now arranged vertically. Hyundai also tweaked the climate controls on the dashboard and installed interactive pixels on the steering wheel.
Upgrade to the N Line trim and get additional goodies such as sports seats, black headliner, red stitching, two-tone upholstery and a different look for the steering wheel and dashboard. Owners will be able to remotely fold the second row of seats
Elsewhere, the new Ioniq 5 features revamped infotainment with over-the-air updates, improved safety technology, reinforced doors and B-pillars and higher body rigidity. Hyundai changed the shock absorbers to reduce the vibrations felt in the steering wheel and doubled the reinforcements at the rear and under the car to reduce noise. In addition, the rear engine benefits from additional sound insulation for a quieter cabin. Inherited from the Ioniq 5 N, the standard model now has the larger battery of 84 kWh, up from 77.4 kWh.
The updated Ioniq 5 and new Ioniq 5 N Line will go on sale this month in South Korea before arriving in global markets later in 2024.
