BMW.SG | BMW Singapore Owners Community The Ultimate BMW Community – Established Since 2001
The automotive world loves a showdown, and a recent drag race between the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the BMW M3 CS proved just how exciting these head-to-heads can be. On paper, the Ioniq 5 N’s 641 horsepower boost seems like a game-changer. However, real-world performance is a complex equation, and the lighter BMW still barely managed to edge ahead.
In Hyundai’s corner, the Ioniq 5 N flexes its electric muscles with 601 standard horsepower and a torque-heavy boost mode, delivering 641 hp and 568 pound-feet for brief bursts. Meanwhile, the BMW M3 CS, equipped with a turbocharged inline-six engine, offers 543 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. What the M3 lacks in raw power, it compensates for in weight, tipping the scales nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than its electric rival.
Edmunds introduced an intriguing twist with their signature U-Drag format, which combines straight-line acceleration with a 180-degree corner at the quarter-mile mark. This added challenge tested the vehicles’ speed and their braking and cornering capabilities. The BMW shone in this scenario, extending its lead through the turn, even though the Hyundai clawed back some ground thanks to its instant electric torque on the straights.
Interestingly, during the second run, the Ioniq 5 N was set to mimic traditional engine sounds and gear changes. This feature, while immersive, slightly hindered its pace. Despite this, the Ioniq remained closely competitive, a testament to its engineering. Both cars delivered impressive sprint times, with the M3 hitting 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, narrowly beating the Ioniq’s best of 3.3 seconds. Over a quarter-mile, the BMW clocked 11 seconds flat, while the Hyundai followed closely at 11.2 seconds.
This electrifying race highlighted the M3 CS as the victor, but it also underscored the remarkable capability of the Ioniq 5 N. Its performance rivals one of the finest sports sedans ever crafted, proving that electric innovation is rewriting the rules of high-speed competition.
