Our wait is over! The highly anticipated Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has finally made its grand entrance, stepping into the spotlight as a formidable contender against the BMW M3. With its sweeping, streamliner-inspired design and aggressive track-ready dynamics, this stunning electric saloon captivated the audience as it soared up the historic hillclimb over a thrilling four-day weekend. Fast-forward two years from the reveal of the Ioniq 5 N at the same famed venue in 2023, and Hyundai has unveiled the next chapter in performance EVs. Joon Park, Vice President of Hyundai’s N Management Group, shared his excitement, asserting, “The Ioniq 5 was just the first lap. We are at the starting line.” This bold statement signifies Hyundai's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, promising that the Ioniq 6 N will elevate the exhilarating experience provided by its predecessor.
Encased in an agile, lowered silhouette, the 6 N comes equipped with lightweight alloy wheels, an eye-catching rear wing, and a stylish ducktail spoiler that contributes to its assertive stance. Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s head of design, has previously voiced enthusiasm for the project, stating, “With the Ioniq 6 N, we had the chance to widen the fenders front and rear, which we couldn’t do on the 5 N. Who doesn’t love a wide body?” Indeed, the 6 N flaunts a striking 60mm wider frame compared to the standard model, accentuating its bold wheel arches that cradle custom 20-inch rims wrapped in specialized Pirelli P-Zero 5 tires. The vehicle’s aesthetics echo the latest facelift of the Ioniq 6, featuring split headlights and dynamic daytime running lights, not to mention an elongated, lower nose equipped with smart aerodynamic and cooling solutions housed within the redesigned front bumper.
Speckled with vivid red accents on the sides and a distinctive black rear mask, the Ioniq 6 N makes a lasting visual impact, complemented by Hyundai’s signature pixel LEDs adorning the rear. Beneath its sleek exterior lies the same high-performance dual-motor powertrain as the Ioniq 5 N, paired with an equally impressive 84 kWh battery. This partnership delivers a jaw-dropping output of 641 hp—almost a staggering 74 hp more than the BMW M3 CS. Torque is equally robust at 779 Nm, with motors capable of whirling at an astonishing 21,000 rpm. The Ioniq 6 N’s dynamic profile boasts a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.274, enabling it to achieve a blistering 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds thanks to the N Launch Control function, while the top speed remains capped at an exhilarating 257 km/h. Park highlighted the Ioniq 6 N’s appeal to “all N-thusiast drivers,” emphasizing a sharper focus on performance thanks to reworked chassis mechanics and a completely overhauled suspension system featuring semi-active dampers.
The enhanced lower roll center reportedly improves track capabilities without compromising daily ride comfort. After experiencing a prototype in South Korea, we can confirm that it indeed excels on the track. Hyundai asserts that the 6 N provides “greater high-speed stability and improved cornering grip,” successfully melding street and circuit performance alike. Additionally, the Ioniq 6 N introduces an innovative battery-conditioning system that intelligently adapts performance based on varied driving scenarios. With tailored configurations for drag, sprint, and endurance racing, this system ensures maximum efficiency under any circumstances. The upgraded ‘N e-Shift’ function minimizes performance losses, refining the driving experience to its peak. Inside the cabin, the 6 N showcases familiar but polished features: hard-backed bucket seats adorned with illuminating N logos, atmospheric lighting, and a dual-screen infotainment setup encompassing built-in navigation, wireless phone connectivity, and specialized N menus.
Among these features is the ‘N Track Manager,’ enabling drivers to analyze track times and craft custom routes while benchmarking their speeds and performance. And while its range may not rival more conventional vehicles, the advanced 800-volt electrical architecture allows for ultra-fast charging—holding the promise of energizing up to 80% of its range in just 18 minutes, covering nearly 470 kilometers. Pricing details are yet to be disclosed, but early estimates suggest a slight increase over the Ioniq 5 N, anticipating a starting point around €80,700. Production for the Korean domestic market is set to commence in September, with global deliveries slated soon after. The anticipation for the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is palpable, and automotive enthusiasts around the world are eager to experience this electrifying addition to the performance landscape.