Hyundai Motor Company‘s IONIQ 5 N, the brand’s first high-performance electric vehicle (EV) under the N badge, has been named ‘Performance Car of the Year’ for 2025 at the prestigious China Car of the Year (COTY) Awards. This milestone marks Hyundai’s first recognition by China COTY and underscores the IONIQ 5 N’s innovative features and performance excellence.
Key Highlights:
- China Car of the Year Awards: Established in 2012, the event is judged by 48 automotive journalists and key opinion leaders across China, evaluating vehicles across seven distinct categories.
- Competitive Recognition: The IONIQ 5 N advanced from 112 models to the Top 10, then the Top 3, ultimately beating Lynk & Co and Mercedes-Benz for the award.
- Innovation and Performance: The EV combines Hyundai’s E-GMP platform with motorsport-inspired technology, delivering an unparalleled driving experience.
- Prestigious Accolades: Other awards include the 2024 World Performance Car and Top Gear’s 2023 Car of the Year.
The China COTY Awards are widely regarded as a fair and authoritative measure of automotive excellence. Judges conducted rigorous test drives before naming the IONIQ 5 N as a category leader in performance. “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,” said Yong Il Yin, Vice President and Head of China N Brand Business Group.
The IONIQ 5 N, introduced in July 2023, represents Hyundai’s bold step into high-performance EVs. Built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), it integrates motorsport-derived technology and expertise from Hyundai’s electrified ‘Rolling Labs.’ Media outlets have praised the vehicle as “groundbreaking,” “a game-changer,” and a new benchmark in high-performance EVs.
In addition to the China COTY win, the IONIQ 5 N continues to garner international acclaim. Its 2024 World Performance Car title, recognition in the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, and awards from Road & Track and Car Magazine solidify its role as a transformative force in the EV market. Hyundai’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences through track day events and product showcases further strengthens the N brand’s presence in China, signaling a promising future for the company’s high-performance and electrification strategies.
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