Hyundai has officially revealed the Ioniq 6 N, its second high-performance electric car. It will launch this autumn and is designed to offer a more focused and refined driving experience compared to its sibling, the Ioniq 5 N.
The Ioniq 6 N has 641bhp and shares its electric powertrain with the Ioniq 5 N. However, it has been developed to feel sharper, more precise, and more stable on the road. According to Joon Park, the founder and vice president of Hyundai’s N performance division, the Ioniq 6 N delivers a different type of driving experience. He explained that while the Ioniq 5 N is “a bit wilder,” the Ioniq 6 N is more controlled and refined.
The Ioniq 6 N is based on the latest version of the Ioniq 6 sedan but has been heavily modified. It features wider wheel arches to cover a 60mm increase in track width at the front and rear. This means the wheels are spaced farther apart, which improves grip and handling. The car is also longer and lower than the Ioniq 5 N, which helps lower the center of gravity.
Every design change on the Ioniq 6 N has been made with a clear purpose. Eduardo Ramirez, head designer for the N division, said that the car has a lower nose to emphasize its sleek shape. It also features a larger front grille, N-specific aerodynamic winglets, and a large rear spoiler that works together with the front splitter to improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.
Although the powertrain is the same as the Ioniq 5 N – with a 234bhp electric motor at the front and a 406bhp motor at the rear – the Ioniq 6 N uses new motor magnets that help maintain performance over time. It also includes a 7kWh battery heater that quickly warms the 84kWh battery to its ideal temperature for best performance.
Sven Risch, the head of chassis control and braking at Hyundai N, highlighted that the Ioniq 6 N has a lower center of gravity and a wider stance, making it easier to control, especially when driving fast. He described the car’s handling as “sharper” and “more predictable.”
In terms of hardware, the Ioniq 6 N is equipped with electronically controlled suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential at the rear, and new 20-inch forged alloy wheels designed to reduce weight. These wheels are paired with 275/35 Pirelli P Zero tires.
Hyundai has not yet released the Ioniq 6 N’s weight or 0–62mph acceleration time, but the car is 4.94 meters long, making it 220mm longer than the Ioniq 5 N. Due to its lower height, it is expected to have a similar weight to the 5 N, which is around 2235kg.
As with the Ioniq 5 N, the Ioniq 6 N relies heavily on software to shape its driving characteristics. It includes torque vectoring through braking on both axles, and an “N Grip Boost” button that instantly unlocks the full 641bhp, regardless of the selected driving mode.
The Ioniq 6 N also improves on the Ioniq 5 N’s playful features. It includes a more advanced drift mode, which allows the driver to adjust three elements: initiation (how the drift starts), angle, and smoke (wheelspin). Each of these can be fine-tuned in multiple steps, giving drivers a lot of control over how the car behaves.
Another new feature is the “N Track Manager”, which lets drivers map out their own racetrack and time their laps. This is aimed at driving enthusiasts who enjoy track days.
Production of the Ioniq 6 N will begin in September for the Korean market, with UK sales expected to start before the end of the year. Pricing has not been announced yet, but Hyundai says it wants the car to be more affordable than the £65,010 Ioniq 5 N.
In summary, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is shaping up to be a serious contender in the high-performance EV segment, offering both cutting-edge technology and thrilling performance in a sleek four-door saloon body.
