What Is It?
Think of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N as an electric saloon with proper performance chops — like a mad science project where they took the sensible Ioniq 6 and decided to give it some serious bite. It's got enough power to go head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3 Performance and even the base versions of the Porsche Taycan. But this isn’t just a case of sticking on a body kit and calling it a day. Hyundai’s N division really went to town, reworking it from the ground up for people in the UK who still want a bit of fun behind the wheel, even if they’ve gone electric.
Exterior Design
They’ve kept the slick, swoopy look of the regular Ioniq 6, but the N version dials things up with more attitude. Slimmer headlights, a lower front end, and that gooseneck-style rear spoiler all add to both the drama and the aerodynamics. The wider track helps it hunker down and corner better too. Sure, it’s got some flashy bits like gloss-black trim and bigger vents, but everything has a purpose — it’s not just for show.
Engine & Powertrain
Under the skin, it’s all about dual motors — one front, one back — pumping out a hefty 641 bhp and 770 Nm of torque when you hit the N Grin Boost button. Even without that, you’re looking at over 600 bhp and 568 lb-ft, which is more than enough to chuck you back in your seat. It zips from 0–62 mph in just 3.2 seconds if you use N Launch Control, and it'll top out at 160 mph.
It’s running on an 84 kWh battery too, bigger than the one in the normal Ioniq 6, and real-world range is somewhere between 200–240 miles (though Hyundai quotes 291 miles on the WLTP cycle). Because it’s got an 800-volt setup, charging’s rapid — 10 to 80% in only 18 minutes on a 350 kW charger, or about 100 miles of range in 10 minutes if you’re dashing.
There’s even a clever system called N e-Shift that makes it feel more like a car with gears. It changes how the motors behave and even tweaks the cabin lighting to mimic upshifts — sounds daft, but it weirdly works and gives a bit more of that petrol-car feeling.
Ride & Handling
This isn’t just a case of more power, either. They’ve beefed up the chassis with things like strut braces, active dampers, and a revised suspension setup that makes it corner way better than you’d expect from a car this size.
On twisty country roads, it’s proper fun — it stays flat through the bends and doesn’t feel like a big, heavy EV despite the weight. The damping adjusts itself on the fly, so you get loads of confidence when pushing on, and it gives feedback through the steering — not something you often get with electric cars. So yeah, it’s quick in a straight line, but it’s how it handles the corners that really impresses.
Interior & Tech
Inside, it sticks to a clean and slick look. You’ve got two 12-inch screens up front, with all the usual stuff like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The ambient lighting's not just for show either — it changes with your driving, like glowing red when it’s time to shift in N e-Shift mode. Bit gimmicky maybe, but kind of cool.
Materials feel decent, and Hyundai’s still keeping things eco-friendly with recycled finishes and vegan-themed upholstery. If you go for the First Edition, you get heated seats front and back, plus a heated steering wheel — very handy for those early winter school runs or pre-commute warmups. It manages to feel plush without going too stripped-out or track-focused like some other performance EVs.
Practicality
With a length just shy of 5 metres and a long wheelbase, there’s loads of room inside. Being a saloon means the boot’s not quite SUV-big, but passenger space is solid, especially in the back. With five doors and decent comfort in the rear seats, it’ll do just fine as a family car — and thanks to that fast-charging setup, you won’t be spending ages topping it up on longer trips.
Verdict
At around £66,000, the Ioniq 6 N isn’t cheap, but considering what it’s capable of, it stacks up well. It outguns the Tesla Model 3 Performance in some ways and feels more finely tuned than the more laid-back Taycan entry models.
This isn’t just another sporty EV with a big battery and a fast 0–62 time. Hyundai's shown it can mix everyday usability with genuine driver enjoyment. If you’ve looked at electric cars and thought they’re all a bit dull, this one’s got a proper spark to it.