The performance-EV landscape is changing fast, but few expected Hyundai to be the brand pushing Porsche’s engineering bosses into astonishment. Yet here we are: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an all-electric family-sized crossover, has been praised by Porsche’s top brass as a genuine “eye-opening” machine. What was once a left-field hot EV is now shaping the future of Stuttgart’s next-generation sports cars.
Porsche’s Surprise Admiration & Benchmarking Moment
Frank Moser, the VP overseeing the Porsche 718 & 911 lines, has reportedly spent real seat time in the Ioniq 5 N. His verdict? Hyundai has cracked something extraordinary. The simulated gearbox, faux exhaust note, and dynamic calibration have made such an impression that Porsche’s engineering team is now using the 5 N as a reference point while developing the upcoming all-electric 718.
Moser even admitted without hesitation, “We learned a lot from that Ioniq 5 N.” That’s not a casual compliment; that’s Porsche acknowledging a rival’s technical breakthrough.
Faux Shifting & Fake Exhaust: Features Porsche Once Mocked Now Admired
Among the Ioniq 5 N’s many party tricks, the most controversial has always been its imitation of ICE drama: virtual gear changes, rev-limit jolts, and a synthesized soundtrack that mimics a turbocharged inline-four. Many purists dismissed it at first, but Moser says he truly appreciates it, and he’s not alone.
The boss of Porsche’s GT & RS division, Andreas Preuninger, famous for creating some of the most emotional combustion Porsches ever built, was reportedly stunned as well. After activating N Grin Boost, Moser recalls Preuninger’s reaction: a simple, unfiltered “Wow.”
What This Means For The Upcoming Porsche 718 EV
While Porsche remains tight-lipped about technical details, the message is clear: the 718 EV will not be a silent spaceship. Expect:
- A toggleable simulated gearbox
- A controllable synthetic performance soundtrack
- Driver-selectable engagement layers
- Possibly even Hyundai-style torque-induced drama
Moser stressed one key philosophy: drivers must have full control. You’ll be able to turn everything on or off, depending on whether you want sci-fi silence or emotional theatrics.
Middle East GCC Relevance & Expected Pricing In AED
Hyundai’s N models have been gaining traction across the GCC thanks to strong dealer support, solid warranties, and impressive straight-line performance in hot climates. The Ioniq 5 N is expected to land in the UAE at around AED 280,000–310,000, depending on spec and dealer allocations.
The upcoming Porsche 718 EV, based on current internal combustion pricing trends, is expected to start from AED 320,000–350,000, with higher-output variants crossing AED 450,000. Expect an optional “Emotion Pack” including the faux shifting & artificial exhaust note inspired by the Hyundai.
A New Era Where Hyundai Teaches Porsche? Believe It.
Enthusiasts love to argue brands, but real engineers respect good work, no matter where it comes from. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has proven that innovation doesn’t always come from Germany. Sometimes it comes from Seoul, wrapped in angular sheet metal, wearing bright N-blue accents, and carrying enough attitude to make Porsche rethink what a sports EV should feel like.
If Porsche’s 718 EV ends up with heartbeat, soul, theatre, and character, you might just have Hyundai to thank.
