At that price, it steps right into the crosshairs of one of the most exciting new EVs of the year: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which can also be yours for £65,000. At first glance, the boxy Korean machine doesn’t look like much of a Porsche rival, but in reality there’s plenty of crossover.
With its raised roofline and large estate-style boot, the Sport Turismo provides a similar amount of family-friendly appeal to the Ioniq 5. Meanwhile, the Hyundai has Porsche-baiting pace and poise courtesy of its powerful dual-motor set-up and highly honed suspension. Essentially, with their mix of poise and practicality, this pair plough similar furrows.
Despite its sleek lines, muscular haunches and the lure of that Porsche crest on the bonnet, the Taycan has to give best to the hot hatch-infused Hyundai for immediate visual impact.
The standard Ioniq 5’s sharp-edged profile is distinctive enough, but throw in this N version’s racy bodykit, a large rear spoiler, vast 21in alloy wheels and some red pinstriping, and the peacocking Hyundai’s head-turning credentials are complete.
However, look past its pocket-rocket vibes and you will find the Ioniq 5 is a big car. Hyundai has done a good job of disguising the car’s dimensions, but parked alongside the Taycan, the N’s tape-measure-stretching proportions are clear. It’s taller than the Porsche, obviously, but what’s more surprising is that, at 1940mm, it’s only 26mm narrower.
So this is a car that will require you to breathe in on tighter roads. That said, the Ioniq better translates its external bulk into cabin space, with lots of room for five people and a larger luggage area.
What it can’t match is the Taycan’s exquisite finish and rich materials, even if the overall quality is high. The Hyundai doesn’t limit its numbers advantage to size and space, because it also has the upper hand when it comes to the performance stats.
With its dual-motor set-up, the Ioniq 5 N packs a frankly outrageous 641bhp (in short bursts; 601bhp is the standard tune). And with 568lb ft on tap, it generates enough torque to hold anyone’s attention.
