Know How Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Grabs ‘Performance Car of the Year’ in China

​Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 N, the first electric vehicle (EV) to wear the marque’s N badge, has earned the prestigious title of ‘Performance Car of the Year’ for 2025 at the China Car of the Year (China COTY) Awards. This accolade solidifies the IONIQ 5 N as a leader in high-performance EVs and marks a milestone in Hyundai’s push toward electrification and performance innovation.

The China COTY Awards, established in 2012, are regarded as the country’s most credible and authoritative automotive honors. The awards are adjudicated by a panel of 48 prominent automobile journalists and opinion leaders, ensuring a rigorous and fair evaluation process. The accolades span seven categories, including the coveted overall ‘Car of the Year’ award and six other specific segments.

Triumph Amidst Stiff Competition

The journey of the IONIQ 5 N to this pinnacle of recognition began in early November 2024, when it was announced as a Top 10 finalist in the ‘Performance Car of the Year’ category. The competition narrowed on November 22nd as the IONIQ 5 N advanced to the Top 3, facing off against formidable rivals like Mercedes-Benz. Ultimately, the IONIQ 5 N’s groundbreaking performance, innovative technology, and driver-focused design earned it top honors, prevailing against 112 models across various categories.

The judges, through comprehensive test drives, praised the IONIQ 5 N for its exceptional driving dynamics and cutting-edge features, assigning it high scores that underscored its superiority in the performance EV segment.

A Vision for High-Performance Electrification

“Hyundai N made its debut in the Chinese market last year and has actively showcased the company’s high-performance electrification technology through the launch of IONIQ 5 N this year,” stated Yong Il Yin, Vice President and Head of China N Brand Business Group. “Moving forward, we will continue to expand the unique and exciting experiences offered by the Hyundai N brand to strengthen our position in the Chinese market.”

Hyundai’s N brand, launched in China at the 2023 Shanghai International Motor Show, forms a key pillar of the company’s strategy in the world’s largest automotive market. Through initiatives like track day events and engaging customer experiences, Hyundai aims to enhance brand awareness while promoting its flagship models, including the Elantra N and the IONIQ 5 N.

Innovation Meets Performance

Unveiled in July 2023, the IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai N’s inaugural EV, representing a new era of driver-centric high-performance electric vehicles. Built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), it integrates motorsport-inspired technologies and knowledge gleaned from the N division’s electrified ‘Rolling Labs.’ This combination has positioned the IONIQ 5 N as a benchmark for racetrack-ready EVs, offering unparalleled agility and power.

The IONIQ 5 N has received widespread acclaim as a ‘game-changer’ and a ‘benchmark’ in the high-performance EV space. These accolades reflect its ability to merge cutting-edge EV technology with a driving experience previously associated with internal combustion performance cars.

A Decorated Contender

The IONIQ 5 N’s triumph at the China COTY Awards adds to its impressive collection of global honors. Earlier this year, it was named ‘World Performance Car’ at the 2024 World Car Awards and earned a spot in the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems. It also claimed Road & Track’s ‘2024 Performance EV of the Year’ in the ‘Under $100,000’ category, along with Top Gear’s ‘2023 Car of the Year Award’ and Car Magazine’s title of ‘World’s Best Electric Performance Car.’

Hyundai’s Growing Presence in China

This latest accolade highlights Hyundai’s growing prominence in the Chinese market, particularly in the burgeoning EV segment. By combining high-performance vehicles with advanced electrification technologies, the N brand aims to redefine the customer experience and strengthen Hyundai’s foothold in this critical market.
The IONIQ 5 N’s success is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to pushing boundaries in both electrification and performance, setting the stage for more innovations in the high-performance EV sector.

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