The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s recognition as the “Performance Car of the Year” at the 2025 China Car of the Year Awards is a landmark achievement, cementing its status as a trailblazer in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. As the first EV under Hyundai’s high-performance N brand, the Ioniq 5 N has redefined industry benchmarks, combining cutting-edge innovation with motorsport-inspired engineering. This victory not only marks Hyundai’s first win at the China COTY Awards but also highlights its growing influence in the world’s largest automotive market.
The China COTY Awards, judged by a panel of 48 automobile journalists and key opinion leaders, emphasize rigorous standards and impartiality. The Ioniq 5 N outshone 112 competing models across seven categories, ultimately surpassing rivals like Lynk & Co and Mercedes-Benz. Its innovative Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) fused with N’s racetrack-inspired technologies caught the judges’ attention during test drives. This win signifies Hyundai’s commitment to high-performance electrification, underscored by its proactive efforts to establish the N brand in China through strategic launches and customer engagement initiatives.
Beyond the China COTY triumph, the Ioniq 5 N has garnered global acclaim, receiving awards like the “World Performance Car” at the 2024 World Car Awards and recognition as Top Gear’s “2023 Car of the Year.” These accolades underscore its transformative role in the EV market, heralding a new era of high-performance, driver-focused electric mobility. By blending unparalleled innovation, racetrack prowess, and a commitment to customer experience, the Ioniq 5 N has positioned itself as a game-changing force in the evolution of electric vehicles.
