Volkswagen Golf R
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HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N
The Ionic 5 N is larger than you’d expect
Volkswagen Golf R
Hyundai Ionic 5 N
Volkswagen Golf R
Hyundai Ionic 5 N
The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf underwent a facelift that was close to a full model change in 2024. The high-performance Golf R also received upgrades to its interior, exterior, and powertrain. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N debuted as the first fully electric model from Hyundai’s sports brand, the N, and went on sale in the Japanese market in April 2024.
When you line up the photos, the two cars appear to have similar body sizes, but the Ioniq 5 N is 420mm longer, 150mm wider, and 165mm taller. The Ioniq 5 N has a simple and clean hatchback style, but it could be said to have a stance similar to that of the Tiguan, which is a larger car.
Volkswagen Golf R
Body size = Length 4295 x Width 1790 x Height 1460 mm
Wheelbase = 2620 mm
Vehicle weight = 1510 kg
Tire size = 225/40R18
Hyundai Ionic 5 N
Body size = Length 4715 x Width 1940 x Height 1625 mm
Wheelbase = 3000 mm
Vehicle weight = 2210 kg
Tire size = 275/35R21
Fully electric powertrain boasts powerful acceleration
Volkswagen Golf R
Hyundai Ionic 5 N
Volkswagen Golf R
Hyundai Ionic 5 N
The Golf R is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 333 PS. In contrast, the Ioniq 5 N has high-performance motors arranged on the front and rear axles, boasting a powerful system output of 609 PS (448 kW) with 166 kW in the front and 282 kW in the rear under normal conditions. When the “N Grin Boost” boost is turned on, the system output jumps to 650 PS (478 kW).
Although the top speed is almost the same, the Ioniq 5 N’s acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, taking advantage of its powerful power and high traction provided by AWD, beats the Golf R by 1.3 seconds.
Volkswagen Golf R
Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder TSI gasoline turbo
Displacement = 1984cc
Maximum output = 333PS / 5600-6500rpm
Maximum torque = 420Nm / 2200-5500rpm
Transmission = 7-speed DSG transmission
Drive system = AWD
Top speed = 250km/h (limited)
0-100km/h acceleration = 4.6 seconds
Hyundai Ionic 5 N
Power unit = 2 motors + lithium-ion battery
Maximum output = 650 PS (normal 609 PS)
Maximum torque = 770 Nm (normal 740 Nm)
Drive system = AWD
Maximum cruising range = 561 km (WLTC mode)
Top speed = 260 km/h
0-100 km/h acceleration = 3.4 seconds
The heartbeat of an ICE or the linear torque of a BEV?
Volkswagen Golf R
Hyundai Ionic 5 N
Volkswagen Golf R
Hyundai Ionic 5 N
The Golf R features a 12.9-inch standalone touch display in addition to the Digital Cockpit Pro, which has a 10-inch display in the meter nacelle. Starting with this facelift, the car is equipped with ChatGPT, which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology into the IDA voice assistant.
The cockpit of the Ioniq 5 N follows the latest trend with a 12.3-inch color display in parallel. It also features an N-exclusive leather steering wheel with luxurious leather upholstery and N-exclusive graphics on the infotainment system.
Both models are lavished with sporty, exclusive interior and exterior features, and offer ample practicality with rear seats and luggage. They demonstrate that their driving performance has been honed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. If you want to feel the “pulsation” of a primitive internal combustion engine, the Golf R, with its price advantage, is the undeniable choice. However, the Ioniq 5 N boasts an output of over 600 horsepower, surpassing even super sports cars, and also boasts the allure of an electric powertrain, with its incredibly linear power delivery.
