- Hyundai N’s second performance EV takes just 3.2 seconds to reach 62 mph from standstill.
- The suspension has been reworked and now pairs with a louder ICE-inspired sound profile.
- Engineers updated the e-Shift system to better simulate an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Three years after teasing it in concept form, Hyundai is finally ready to show the world the production version of its high-performance electric sedan. Set to make its first public appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new Ioniq 6 N brings much of what made the RN22e concept intriguing to life.
Read: Hyundai N Won’t Let Go Of Gas Even As EVs Take Over
Borrowing heavily from its sibling, the Ioniq 5 N, this performance electric sedan is packed with features aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts. If you’re behind the wheel of a Tesla Model 3 Performance, this might be a good time to start paying attention.
The new Ioniq 6 N is based on the recently facelifted base model, meaning it abandons the original sedan’s controversial headlights in favor of a pair of thin, split lights. Hyundai’s team has then done plenty of work to give the N plenty of aggressive new parts, making it fitting of the N badge.
Sharper Looks, Purposeful Design
They started at the front, where the entire bumper has been redesigned and now includes large new air intakes and a pronounced splitter. New black side sills have been added, alongside a reimagined rear end featuring a new bumper. For the first time on an N product there’s also a swan-neck rear wing. The fenders have been flared, adding to the bold looks, and a new shade of Performance Blue Pearl has been added to the color palette.
Serious Power, Plenty Of Tech
As expected, the Ioniq 6’s powertrain is practically the same as the one found in the Ioniq 5 N. That means there’s an 84 kWh battery pack sending juice to a front motor with 223 hp (166 kW) and a rear motor with 400 hp (298 kW). All up, the 6 N delivers 601 hp (448 kW), which increases to 641 hp (478 kW) with the N Grin Boost function enabled.
The performance sedan can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, or 0.2 seconds quicker than the 5 N, and won’t stop accelerating until it hits 257 km/h (160 mph). Crucially, that time is measured without a rollout.
For context, Tesla claims the European-market Model 3 Performance, with 460 hp, completes the same sprint in 3.1 seconds (0–100 km/h / 62 mph), though it’s unclear if that figure includes a rollout. It also edges out the Hyundai in top speed, reaching 262 km/h (163 mph). Meanwhile, the more powerful North American version of the Model 3 Performance, with 510 hp, is rated at 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (0–97 km/h) using a rollout, with a top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h).
Thanks to the Ioniq 6 N’s 800-volt electrical architecture, it supports DC fast charging at up to 350 kW, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.
Built for Driving Enthusiasts
Like other N products, there is a dizzying array of features and settings designed to enhance the driving experience. These include an updated N Active Sound + system with three customizable audio profiles and an improved version of the Ioniq 5’s superb N e-Shift faux dual-clutch transmission.
There’s also a special N Drift Optimizer, N Battery to precondition the battery for high-performance driving, and N Torque Distribution that includes 11 adjustable levels for the front and rear torque distribution.
A new feature exclusive to the Ioniq 6 N is N Ambient Shift Light. It uses the configurable ambient lighting system “that visually cues precise shift points for optimal performance.” Presumably, that means the colors and intensity of the lights will change as the driver shifts.
Hyundai’s engineers have also redesigned the Ioniq 6’s suspension geometry, and if the Ioniq 5 N is anything to go by, it should handle like a much lighter car despite its considerable heft. Unique Pirelli P Zero 5 tires measuring 275/35 R20 are also fitted as standard to ensure maximum grip.
Subtle Cabin Upgrades
Inside, the changes continue with new pedals, a dedicated N steering wheel, and supportive N bucket seats. There’s also a GoPro mount integrated into the headliner, likely aimed at drivers who want to record their laps or spirited drives.
Hyundai hasn’t revealed pricing or driving range just yet, but those details are expected to follow soon. For now, the Ioniq 6 N looks like a well-rounded addition to the growing lineup of electric performance cars, and one that should be more than just quick in a straight line.
