IONIQ 5 Wins COTY Award, Takes Part in GUINNESS Challenge for Greatest Altitude Change

On December 11, 2024, Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 N was awarded the prestigious title of Performance Car of the Year for 2025 at the China Car of the Year (China COTY) Awards. This award is considered one of the most respected and authoritative in the country, and it highlights the exceptional performance and innovation of the IONIQ 5 N, which is the first electric vehicle (EV) to carry Hyundai’s N badge.

The China COTY Awards, established in 2012, are evaluated by a panel of 48 influential automobile journalists and key opinion leaders (KOLs) from across China. The awards are divided into several categories, with the overall Car of the Year being the most coveted. In addition to the overall winner, there are six other categories based on specific vehicle types, with the IONIQ 5 N being recognized in the Performance Car of the Year category.

The IONIQ 5 N first caught the attention of the judging panel in early November when it was named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2025 China COTY in this category. Just a few days later, on November 22, it advanced to the Top 3, competing against other strong contenders such as the Lynk & Co and Mercedes-Benz. This advancement was the result of rigorous test drives, with the judges selecting the IONIQ 5 N from a pool of 112 models across seven different categories.

This recognition underscores the growing impact of Hyundai’s performance-oriented EV lineup, further solidifying the IONIQ 5 N as a leading contender in the global performance EV market.

“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. “Moving forward, we will continue to expand the unique and exciting experiences offered by the Hyundai N brand to strengthen our position in the Chinese market.”

Hyundai Motor is making strategic moves to strengthen its presence in the Chinese market, with a particular focus on both electric vehicles (EVs) and its high-performance N brand. The N brand was introduced at the 2023 Shanghai International Motor Show and has become a key part of Hyundai’s approach to the world’s largest automotive market. Through this brand, Hyundai is enhancing customer engagement with unique experiences, such as track day events, where models like the Elantra N and IONIQ 5 N are showcased, offering enthusiasts a hands-on experience with the brand’s performance vehicles.

The IONIQ 5 N, which debuted in July 2023, marks Hyundai N’s first electric vehicle and signals a new direction in high-performance EVs. It combines the innovative Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) from the standard IONIQ 5 with N’s motorsport-bred technologies, creating a car that is not only focused on everyday driving but also on maximizing racetrack capabilities. The IONIQ 5 N benefits from insights gained through N’s electrified ‘Rolling Labs,’ a project that draws on motorsports experience to elevate the performance of Hyundai’s EVs.

The IONIQ 5 N has already garnered significant praise in the automotive world, with the media calling it ‘groundbreaking,’ a ‘game-changer,’ and the ‘benchmark’ for high-performance EVs. It has been recognized for its exceptional capabilities, winning a series of prestigious awards. Earlier in 2024, it was named the ‘World Performance Car’ at the World Car Awards, highlighting its impressive global appeal.

The car also earned a spot in the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list, which underscores its advanced technology. Additionally, Road & Track recognized it as the ‘2024 Performance EV of the Year’ in the Under $100,000 category, further solidifying its position in the market. In 2023, it also won Top Gear’s Car of the Year Award and was named Car Magazine’s World’s Best Electric Performance Car.

IONIQ 5 Takes Part in GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Title for the Greatest Altitude Change by an Electric Car

On December 26, 2024, Hyundai Motor Company’s award-winning IONIQ 5 achieved a remarkable feat, participating in a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt for the Greatest altitude change by an electric car. The record-setting journey was organized by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) and driven by a professional team from Evo India. The IONIQ 5 successfully registered an altitude change of 5,802 meters.

The journey began at Umling La in Leh Ladakh, India’s highest drivable point, which sits 5,799 meters above sea level. The team then drove to Kuttanad, Kerala, which is situated three meters below sea level. This extraordinary achievement spanned 14 days and covered over 4,900 kilometers, navigating through some of the most challenging terrains and extreme climatic conditions.

Throughout the journey, the IONIQ 5 demonstrated its superior resilience, advanced technology, and performance. The vehicle seamlessly handled the demanding environments, ranging from freezing temperatures and steep mountain passes in the Himalayas to the humid coastal regions of Kerala. This accomplishment solidified the IONIQ 5’s status as a benchmark in electric mobility, showcasing its ability to excel in extreme conditions while highlighting the durability and innovation that Hyundai’s electric vehicles offer.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “We are incredibly proud to see the Hyundai IONIQ 5 create history by achieving the Guinness World Record™ for the Greatest altitude change by an electric car. This achievement is a testament to Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and sustainability. The IONIQ 5’s performance in such extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and durability. At Hyundai, we are dedicated to pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in e-mobility, and this record further reinforces our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’.”

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, developed on the innovative Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), is a groundbreaking vehicle designed to redefine the smart mobility experience. With a futuristic design that draws inspiration from Hyundai’s iconic PONY, the IONIQ 5 represents a significant leap toward a new era of electric mobility.

Equipped with a 72.6 kWh battery, the IONIQ 5 offers impressive driving range, making it a practical choice for everyday use while maintaining the performance expectations of modern electric vehicles. In addition to its impressive range, the IONIQ 5 boasts advanced safety features and cutting-edge smart technologies.

The IONIQ 5 continues to set a new standard in the electric vehicle segment, combining performance, safety, technology, and design in a way that few competitors can match. Hyundai Motor remains committed to delivering advanced mobility solutions and shaping a sustainable future by offering vehicles that are not only innovative but also environmentally responsible. With the IONIQ 5, Hyundai is not just contributing to the growth of the electric vehicle market but also helping pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable world. EVinfo.net recommends all Hyundai EVs.