Toby Hagon’s best electric car of 2024: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

December 27, 2024December 26, 2024 Toby Hagon 435 Views 0 Comments Best EV

There’s been no shortage of impressive EVs arrive in 2024, but the standout for me is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

It’s the first EV that showed not only pace but genuine driver engagement and character.

From fake gear shifts (they work) and drift modes to wild sounds and a dizzying array of driver-programmable parameters it’s an incredible vehicle.

Plus it has more power than some supercars along with genuine dynamic talent that ensures it’s not just a one-hit wonder.

Hyundai has also given its first electric N model terrific brakes that match the accelerative performance (take note Tesla).

So if you want to take it to a race track it’ll stand up to the punishment.

It adds up to an EV that not only delivers on serious pace but one that also delivers on driver excitement and engagement.

The longer you spend with it the more you appreciate the efforts that have gone into creating a great driver’s car – and it happens to be electric.

The Ioniq 5 N isn’t perfect and its price tag is one very big hurdle.

But the reality is it stacks up brilliantly not only as an EV but as a circa-$120K performance car.

If this had a Porsche badge on it I’d be impressed with what the company achieved.

That it comes from a mainstream brand focused on value reinforces the engineering efforts that are at its heart.

Beyond all of that though, the Ioniq 5 N demonstrates what is possible with performance cars beyond sheer pace.

All of which looks exciting to those who love their driving.

Biggest EV surprise of 2024: pretty much anything from China

EV sales may have cooled in 2024, but it hasn’t been for a lack of model activity with much of it from China.

At the start of 2024 we knew there were new Chinese brands heading Down Under.

But none of us predicted how many would decide to have a crack at the Australian market.

It probably helps that Europe and America are whacking big tariffs on Chinese cars, in turn changing the emphasis to markets such as Australia.

Zeekr product range at Ningbo race track in China Front row: Zeekr X, Zeekr 7X, Zeekr 001 Back row: Zeekr 007, Zeekr Mix, Zeekr 009, Zeekr 001 FR — Zeekr is one of the Chinese brands that has surprised with the depth of its product.

And much of what’s arrived from China has been impressive, not just in the products but in how quickly it’s adapting and becoming competitive.

I’m generalising, but while the Chinese still need to work on vehicle dynamics and driver assist systems (which can be overly intrusive) they’re making huge strides in quality, design and presentation.

The EV I’m most looking forward to in 2025: Mercedes-Benz G580e

OK, so the electric version of the mighty G-Wagen – also known as the EQG – will be very low volume and not particularly relevant to most Aussie buyers.

But its relevance comes in how well an EV tackles four-wheel driving.

The G-Wagen has long been one of the best off-roaders, so I’m keen to see if Merc has made that work in the EV space.

As the first EV designed for serious off-roading it’ll be interesting to see if it nails the brief.

Mercedes-Benz G580e: the electric G-Wagen — Mercedes-Benz G580e: can the electric G-Wagen live up to the 4WD promise?

Back in the land of the living there’s a whole heap happening in China, which will be fascinating to watch.

More new brands (Geely, IM Motors, GAC and more) and a raft of new model activity from existing players, including BYD and MG.

And I want to see if Hyundai can get the pricing right on the Inster, which could shake up the Chinese dominance at the entry level of the market.

Plus, I’m hanging out to see if someone can finally build an EV ute that’s worth considering against the sea of diesels (and plug-in hybrids such as the BYD Shark 6 and upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV). LDV has a new EV ute coming in 2025 and it won’t be alone.