641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is now on sale

Hyundai is preparing to take its N performance brand to the next level with the upcoming IONIQ 6 N, a high-performance electric saloon that looks set to bring proper attitude to the EV sports car space. Teased ahead of its full reveal at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the IONIQ 6 N adopts a far more aggressive design than the standard car, transforming the slippery, aero-led IONIQ 6 into something that looks genuinely track-focused. Wider arches, a lower stance, bespoke wheels and a huge fixed rear wing all point to Hyundai’s intent to create a performance EV that’s about more than just straight-line speed.

It’s nothing if not bold in design terms

Visually, the IONIQ 6 N leans hard into motorsport-inspired styling. The body is significantly wider than the regular IONIQ 6, giving it a planted look, while the aerodynamic upgrades are clearly functional rather than decorative. Large front intakes, sculpted side sills and that dramatic rear wing suggest serious work has gone into managing airflow and stability at speed. It’s a sharp contrast to the clean, almost minimalist look of the standard car, and it should help the IONIQ 6 N stand out against rivals like the Tesla Model 3 Performance and BMW i4 M50.

Performance is expected to mirror, or slightly exceed, what we’ve already seen from the IONIQ 5 N. That means a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing around 640bhp, paired with an 84kWh battery and Hyundai’s 800-volt charging architecture. A 0–62mph time of just over three seconds looks likely, but as with the IONIQ 5 N, the real focus won’t just be acceleration. Hyundai’s N division has already proven it understands how to make electric cars engaging, with clever software that mimics gear shifts, manages torque delivery and even adds synthetic sound to enhance driver involvement.

As someone who genuinely loves the IONIQ 5 N – easily my favourite new car on sale right now – the IONIQ 6 N is especially interesting. The 5 N showed that EVs don’t have to be sterile or dull to drive, and the lower, more aerodynamic shape of the IONIQ 6 could take that formula even further. A saloon body with a lower centre of gravity should suit fast road driving and track use perfectly, potentially making the IONIQ 6 N the sharper, more focused driver’s car of the two.

Inside, expect a familiar Hyundai layout but with plenty of N-specific upgrades. Sports seats, performance-focused displays and bespoke drive modes should all carry over, along with track tools such as lap timers and thermal management readouts. Fast charging will remain a key selling point, with the 800-volt system allowing rapid top-ups on compatible chargers, making the IONIQ 6 N far more usable day-to-day than many traditional performance cars.

Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the IONIQ 6 N is likely to sit above the IONIQ 5 N while still offering strong value compared with premium electric performance rivals. If Hyundai can deliver the same blend of character, usability and genuine fun that made the IONIQ 5 N so special, the IONIQ 6 N could become one of the most compelling electric sports saloons on the market.

I, for one, cannot wait to get behind the wheel of this one.

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About the Author

Jim Starling is the founder of DefinitelyNotAGuru, the UK’s honest car companion. With a mission to cut through the marketing fluff and technical jargon, Jim provides straightforward, unbiased advice to help everyday drivers navigate the world of car buying, leasing, and the transition to electric vehicles.

As an independent motoring journalist and a long-term EV owner himself - Jim brings real-world experience to his reviews. Whether he’s on the floor of the Brussels Motor Show or testing the latest family SUV on UK roads, his focus remains the same: providing 100% honest opinions that put the audience first.

You can find more of Jim’s deep-dive reviews and money-saving car guides on the DefinitelyNotAGuru YouTube channel

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