Hyundai's new hero electric car promises to be more fun than a Tesla, but can't quite match the Model 3 Performance in the 0-100km/h race.
Electric Cars
Hyundai has uncovered its second all-electric, high-performance N model with the Ioniq 6 N making its debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Outputting 478kW/770Nm in N Grin Boost mode, or 448kW/740Nm in standard mode, the Ioniq 6 N matches its Ioniq 5 N sibling in outputs.
However, the sedan is quicker than the SUV in the landmark 0-100km/h acceleration time – needing just 3.2 seconds instead of 3.4s (both with N Launch Control) – largely due to better aerodynamics and a slipperier shape.
The Ioniq 6 N cannot quite match the Tesla Model 3 Performance though, which can hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.1s, but does promise a more involving drive thanks to other N goodies.
Like its Ioniq 5 N sibling, the new Hyundai N model features a virtual gear shifter (known as N e-Shift) that can emulate the gear shifts of a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as an 'N Drift Optimizer' mode to more easily initiate tail slides.
Hyundai has updated the N Active Sound function, now called N Active Sound +, with better aural representation across various modes.
Other N-specific enhancements include torque distribution, an ambient shift light, multi-level regenerative braking, and Pirelli P-Zero 5 275/35/20 tyres made specifically for the Ioniq 6 N.
The Ioniq 6 N also features redesigned adaptive suspension and a retuned chassis that “enhances track performance while preserving the ride comfort expected in daily driving”, according to Hyundai.
To aid stopping power, four-piston front brake callipers clamp down on 400mm discs, while single-piston callipers with 360mm discs are fitted in the rear.
However, as an electric car, the regenerative braking capabilities are enhanced in the N-fettled Ioniq 6, with up to 0.6 Gs of regenerative deceleration available.
Underpinning the dual-electric motor, all-wheel-drive set-up is an 84kW battery with reworked battery management system for better cooling.
Hyundai did not reveal expected driving range for the Ioniq 6 N, and will announce the figure per market closer to the car’s launch, but the same-sized battery in the Ioniq 5 N yields a 448km range rating.
Built on Hyundai e-GMP architecture, the Ioniq 6 N also features 350kW fast-charging capabilities, which can recoup 10-80 per cent of the battery in as little as 18 minutes.
Naturally, the Ioniq 6 N differentiates itself from the standard Ioniq 6 range with a unique look and more aggressive body work.
A road-hugging body kit, wider fenders, and a swan-neck rear spoiler are the biggest giveaways, but the model also debuts a new exterior colour for Hyundai – Performance Blue Pearl.
Other colours available include black, white, grey, and Gravity Gold Matte.
Hyundai is also promising a smattering of N Performance options from launch, but is yet to detail exactly what they are and how much they will cost.
Speaking of cost, Hyundai is also yet to reveal pricing for the Ioniq 6 N, but it will arrive in the first quarter (January – March) of 2026 alongside the rest of the updated Ioniq 6 line-up.
The current Ioniq 6 range tops out at $86,500 before on-road costs, while the Ioniq 5 N is positioned at $110,383, so expect the 2026 Ioniq 6 N to cost closer to the latter than the former.
Electric Cars Guide
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
