Hyundai has launched its ultimate electric sports saloon - the 650hp Ioniq 6 N.
Is this basically an Ioniq 5 N with a lower, sleeker body on top?
Well, yes, if you want to be all reductive about it, but while the Ioniq 5 N is - in spite of its 1970s hatchback styling - an SUV, the Ioniq 6 is unmistakably a low, sensuous saloon, and fast saloons are always cooler than fast SUVs. It's just science.
What are the tech specs?
So, as with the Ioniq 5 N, there's a pair of electric motors, giving the Ioniq 6 N four-wheel drive and 650hp, with 770Nm of torque. 0-100km/h is dispatched in just 3.2 seconds, once you remember to engage 'N Launch Control', and the top speed is 257km/h.
As you'd expect, to handle all of that power, Hyundai's N-Division has seriously upgraded the Ioniq 6's chassis, so the suspension now has a lower roll centre, and there's a stroke-sensitive electronic damper control system. There are also new bushings and an electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD), which portions out the power. All of the mounting points and linkages - for the steering as well as the suspension - have also been stiffened for sharper responses, and there's a stiffer anti-roll bar at the back, and structural reinforcement to brace the body.
One presumes the Ioniq 6 N has clever aero?
One presumes correctly - at the back, as well as the gorgeous little ducktail spoiler that's an integral part of the boot design, there's a new 'swan-neck' rear wing, similar to what you'd find on a front-line GT3 racing car. Impressively, Hyundai's aero people have been able to add meaningful downforce to the Ioniq 6 N at high speeds, but kept its drag coefficient to a slippery 0.27Cd for efficiency.
How efficient is it, then?
Hyundai claims a driving range of 487km - usefully more than an Ioniq 5 N - and overall energy consumption of 18.7kWh/100km.
What about all the clever electronic stuff?
Oh yes - as with the 5 N, there's a bevvy of computer-operated systems that turn the Ioniq 6 N into a proper fairground ride. We've already mentioned N Launch Control, but there's also N Drift Optimiser (for when the temptation in an empty car park just becomes too much), N Grin Boost (which gives you maximum power for a ten-second burst) and N Torque Distribution (which chunts power to the wheels that can use it best).
On top of those, there's also N Active Sound + that gives you sporty 'engine' noises, and a simulated gearshift setup, complete with paddle shifters and 'change-up' lights for a proper old rally-style experience. And there's the N Pedal, which trail-brakes the inside rear wheel to pitch the Ioniq 6 N tighter into a corner, and which has three manually-adjustable settings.
The brakes have been upgraded too, and there are dedicated specific braking modes for everyday driving or for track days, plus the regenerative braking is super-powerful, capable of slowing the Ioniq 6 N at up to 0.6G.
It's not all about fun, though. There's some serious stuff in here too, such as the N Battery system, which carefully controls the battery's temperature and health, and which helps to unlock the super-fast 18-minute 10-80 per cent recharging time, assuming you can find a powerful-enough charger.
That N Battery system also ensures that the battery is able to provide maximum power for as long as possible, such as when you're bringing your hot electric saloon to a track day. There's also the expected array of safety systems and a remote-control parking function.
What about the inside?
The Ioniq 6's roomy cabin gets a moody sporty makeover with a 'black monochrome' base colour, livened up by accents in Hyundai's signature bright blue motorsports colour. There are bucket seats upholstered in Alcantara suede, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel courtesy of Italian specialists Pasubio, with the same N1 and N2 driving mode preset buttons as you'll find in the Ioniq 5 N. You also get metal pedals, and in a very nice touch, an upholstered N-spec knee pad on the inside of the centre console, so you can brace when cornering hard.
And the exterior style?
As with the rest of the Ioniq 6 range, which was recently updated, the Ioniq 6 N keeps the overall slippery, gorgeous shape of the standard car, with the slimmer headlights and the more sculptured rear end styling of the facelift. There's an N-Sport bodykit, of course, with that swan-neck rear wing, and awesome-looking 20-inch forged alloy wheels. There is, of course, Hyundai's now-iconic Performance Blue Pearl as the 'hero' colour for the Ioniq 6 N, but you can also choose from Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Nocturne Grey Matte, and Gravity Gold Matte.
How much and when can I have one?
Irish prices aren't set yet, but going by the Ioniq 5 N, expect a price in the €80,000 ballpark. Sales start in early 2026.