In a series of exhilarating drag races organized by CarExpert, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an affordable electric performance SUV, has proven that it can outperform some of the world’s most exclusive and expensive SUVs. The lineup of contenders included a Mansory-modified Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a Brabus-tuned Mercedes-AMG G63, a limited-edition Lamborghini Urus Performante Essenza SCV12, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The Contenders: Specification details
Mansory Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Powered by a 6.75L turbocharged V12 engine and equipped with all-wheel drive, this luxurious but heavy SUV was the first to face off against the Brabus G63. Despite its impressive engine and luxurious interior, the Cullinan struggled to keep up with the more performance-oriented SUVs.
Brabus Mercedes-AMG G63: Boasting a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine with a stage 1 tune and an extra exhaust pipe, the G63 impressed with its incredible sound and performance. The Brabus-tuned G63 proved to be a formidable opponent, easily outperforming the Mansory Rolls-Royce Cullinan in both standing start and rolling races.
Lamborghini Urus Performante Essenza SCV12: One of only 40 ever made, this exclusive Urus variant was only available to buyers of the Essenza SCV12 race car. Despite its twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the brand-new Urus couldn’t utilize its launch control due to not being fully run-in. This limitation would prove to be a significant disadvantage when facing off against the other high-performance SUVs.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: The star of the show, this all-electric performance SUV, equipped with launch control and “N Grin Boost,” proved to be an affordable performance benchmark capable of donuts, drifting, and blistering acceleration. The Ioniq 5 N’s impressive performance would ultimately steal the spotlight, leaving even the most exclusive and expensive SUVs in its wake.
The Drag Race Battle..
The first round saw the Brabus G63 easily outperform the Mansory Rolls-Royce Cullinan in both standing start and rolling races. The G63’s stage 1 tune and extra exhaust pipe proved to be too much for the luxurious but heavy Cullinan, which struggled to keep up with the more agile and powerful Brabus-tuned SUV.
Moving on to face the Lamborghini Urus, the G63 put up a good fight but ultimately lost to the Italian SUV in both races, despite the Urus not having access to its launch control. The Urus’ twin-turbocharged V8 engine and performance-oriented design allowed it to narrowly beat the G63 in the standing start race and significantly outperform it in the rolling race.
The final showdown pitted the Lamborghini Urus against the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. In a shocking upset, the electric Hyundai demolished the limited-edition Urus in both standing start races, with and without launch control. The Ioniq 5 N’s instant torque and powerful electric motors allowed it to leave the Urus in the dust, even without the aid of its launch control system. The Ioniq 5 N’s dominance continued in the rolling races, where it left the Urus far behind, showcasing the incredible performance potential of modern electric vehicles.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s incredible performance in this drag race series highlights the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology. With a price tag of just $67,495, the Ioniq 5 N’s ability to outperform a $218,000 limited-edition Lamborghini Urus is a testament to the potential of EVs in the high-performance SUV segment.
As electric vehicles continue to improve, it’s clear that traditional gas-powered performance SUVs, even those as exclusive and expensive as the Lamborghini Urus Performante Essenza SCV12, may struggle to keep pace. The Ioniq 5 N’s dominance in both standing start and rolling races demonstrates that the instant torque and powerful electric motors found in modern EVs can provide a significant advantage over their gas-powered counterparts.
The drag race series also showcased the importance of launch control systems in high-performance vehicles. The Lamborghini Urus’ inability to utilize its launch control due to not being fully run-in likely contributed to its defeat at the hands of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Our thoughts..
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s impressive showing in this drag race series serves as a clear indication that the future of automotive performance is undoubtedly electric. As EV technology continues to advance and become more affordable, we’ll likely see more and more electric vehicles challenging and even surpassing the performance of their gas-powered rivals.
