Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 N, the first electric vehicle (EV) to carry the N badge, has been awarded the title of ‘Performance Car of the Year’ for 2025 at the prestigious China Car of the Year (China COTY) Awards.
Founded in 2012, the China COTY Awards are regarded as one of the most authoritative and impartial automotive honors in the country. The awards are judged by a panel of 48 influential automotive journalists and key opinion leaders (KOLs) from across China. The event recognizes vehicles in seven categories, including the coveted ‘Car of the Year’ title, alongside other specific vehicle categories.
The IONIQ 5 N’s remarkable performance and innovative features were initially acknowledged in early November when it was named a Top 10 Finalist in the ‘Performance Car of the Year’ category for the 2025 China COTY Awards. Just days later, on November 22, the IONIQ 5 N advanced to the Top 3, competing against Lynk & Co and Mercedes-Benz. This achievement underscores the rigorous evaluations by the judges, who selected the IONIQ 5 N from a pool of 112 models spanning seven categories. Its impressive score highlights its exceptional performance and forward-thinking technology.
“We introduced Hyundai N to the Chinese market last year and have since showcased our high-performance electrification technology, including the launch of the IONIQ 5 N this year,” said Yong Il Yin, Vice President and Head of China N Brand Business Group. “Looking ahead, we will continue to expand the thrilling and unique experiences offered by the Hyundai N brand to solidify our position in China.”
Hyundai is strengthening its presence in China, focusing on both its EV lineup and the high-performance N brand. The N brand made its debut at the 2023 Shanghai International Motor Show, forming a crucial part of Hyundai’s strategy in the world’s largest automotive market. Through events such as track days, Hyundai is enhancing the customer experience with vehicles like the Elantra N and IONIQ 5 N.
Launched in July 2023, the IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai N’s first EV and marks a new era of driver-centric, high-performance electric vehicles. It combines the IONIQ 5’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-inspired technologies, leveraging insights from N’s electrified ‘Rolling Labs’ to maximize performance. The IONIQ 5 N has been widely hailed by the media as a ‘game-changer,’ ‘groundbreaking,’ and the ‘benchmark’ for high-performance EVs.
The IONIQ 5 N has earned numerous prestigious accolades, further cementing its position as a leader in the EV performance market. Earlier this year, it was crowned ‘World Performance Car’ at the 2024 World Car Awards. It has also been featured in the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, named ‘2024 Performance EV of the Year’ in the ‘Under $100,000’ category by Road & Track, and received Top Gear’s ‘2023 Car of the Year’ award as well as Car Magazine’s ‘World’s Best Electric Performance Car’ recognition. These honors highlight the significant impact the IONIQ 5 N has made in the EV industry.
