Hyundai is taking its electric vehicle driving experience to the next level.
The company plans to introduce more realistic internal combustion engine-inspired sounds and even vibrations in future models.
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Building on the Ioniq 5 N's Success
When Hyundai launched the Ioniq 5 N, it came with fake gears and an ICE-inspired soundtrack.
Many dismissed it as a gimmick, but it set a trend that Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and BMW M have since followed.
Now, Hyundai wants to push further. According to Manfred Harrer, Hyundai's global R&D boss, the company still leads in this technology.
“In the next generation of these cars, I want to make it even more realistic,” Harrer told Autocar.
“I want to enhance it further.”
He mentioned that future developments could include backfiring exhaust sounds and “vibration in the car,” aiming for the “next level” of engagement.
“There are so many ideas how you can advance it further, but this is all about experience,” Harrer added.
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“A lot of people say it's fake, but people like it so there is some beauty – and why not play around with it?”
He emphasized that Hyundai is not the “serious Porsche guys” and wants to be fun to drive. The demos for these enhancements are already running.
New IMA Platform Coming
Hyundai's upcoming EVs will be based on the new Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA). This platform is expected to launch in 2028 with the second-generation Ioniq 5.
The IMA will retain 800-volt technology but improve charging times, efficiency, and thermal management.
Harrer described it as a “huge evolution” rather than a “revolution” compared to the current E-GMP platform.
Meanwhile, Hyundai's combustion-powered N cars still have life left.
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The next-generation i20 N will become a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid, and the next i30 N is likely to get a 2.5-liter turbo hybrid.
