The average ion energy per deposited atom (E_d) is defined as the product of the ion energy (E_i) and ion-deposition flux ratio (J_i/J_d) in magnetron sputtering deposition. E_d captures both the geometrical, and plasma characteristics of the deposition system and hence is regarded as a fundamental parameter for describing the energy dependency of coating structure and properties. Nevertheless, E_d is not a universal parameter since an independent variation of its components, i.e., E_i and J_i/J_d, may result in the same E_d but different coating structures and properties. While the controlling of J_i/J_d is not possible in most conventional magnetron sputtering systems, this study employed an industrially developed SCIL® (sputter coatings induced by lateral glow discharge) technology to independently control the ion flux (J_i) and investigate the dependence of structure, mechanical properties, and cutting performance of the AlCrN coatings on the E_d and its components. The results revealed that the structure of the AlCrN coatings was mainly dependent on the J_i/J_d component of E_d, where a transition from a cubic structure into a hexagonal structure took place beyond a critical level of J_i/J_d. The elastic modulus showed no E_d dependency and was only affected by coating structure. However, the hardness was strongly dependent on the E_d. Whether in E_i or J_i/J_d, an increase led to a hardness enhancement through the synergic effect of the residual stress hardening, coating densification, and grain refining mechanisms. The cutting performance of deposited tools under real working conditions was also found to be dependent on the E_d and, in particular, on J_i/J_d. Increasing E_d from ~860 to ~1170 eV/atom led to a ~55% increase in tool lifetime, reaching 90% performance of the benchmark arc-deposited coating.