Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: ‘Performance Car Of The Year’ At China COTY Awards

In a groundbreaking achievement for Hyundai Motor Company, the IONIQ 5 N electric vehicle (EV) has secured the prestigious ‘Performance Car of the Year’ title for 2025 at the China Car of the Year (COTY) Awards.

Rising Above the Competition

In detail, this milestone marks Hyundai’s first recognition in the COTY awards’ history, demonstrating the company’s successful entry into the high-performance EV market.

The journey to victory was particularly memorable, as the IONIQ 5 N emerged triumphant from an initial field of 112 competitors, advancing through multiple stages of rigorous evaluation. The model first reached the Top 10 finalists in early November before progressing to the Top 3, where it ultimately prevailed over strong contenders from Lynk & Co and Mercedes-Benz.

The Significance of the China COTY Awards

The China COTY Awards, established in 2012, are widely recognized for their fairness and authority in the automotive industry. The selection process involves a distinguished panel of 48 automotive journalists and key opinion leaders from across China, who evaluate vehicles across seven distinct categories.

Yong Il Yin, Vice President and Head of China N Brand Business Group, emphasized the significance of this achievement stating, “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.”

In addition, the company plans to leverage this success to strengthen its position in the Chinese market through enhanced customer experiences, including track day events.

Global Recognition for the IONIQ 5 N

The IONIQ 5 N, which debuted in July 2023 as Hyundai’s first high-performance EV under the N badge, has garnered significant acclaim worldwide. Built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the vehicle integrates advanced motorsport-derived technology from Hyundai’s electrified ‘Rolling Labs,’ establishing new benchmarks in the high-performance EV segment.

The model’s excellence has been recognized globally through multiple prestigious accolades. These include the 2024 World Performance Car title at the World Car Awards, a place among the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, and Road & Track’s 2024 Performance EV of the Year in the ‘Under $100,000’ category. The IONIQ 5 N also claimed Top Gear’s 2023 Car of the Year Award and was named the World’s Best Electric Performance Car by Car Magazine.

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As the world’s largest automotive market continues to embrace EVs, Hyundai’s N brand is positioning itself as a leader in the high-performance EV segment, promising an exciting future for automotive enthusiasts and environmentally conscious drivers alike.

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