The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is proof – if it were still needed – that electric cars can stir the hearts of the most fervent car enthusiasts. More than that, it highlights that Hyundai N is fast becoming one of the most interesting names in performance car development. The Ioniq 6 N is first and foremost an impressive sports car that drives brilliantly and will please the most enthusiastic driver – it just happens to be electric.
Following on from the equally superb Ioniq 5 N, the Ioniq 6 N is a more focused, better-rounded version of Hyundai’s performance vision. It takes all the technical wizardry of the 5 N – the e-LSD, the N Drift Optimiser, the surprisingly engaging synthetic engine noise system, and the astonishing N e-Shift with its shove-in-the-back sensations – and wraps it up in a sleeker, more engaging and easier-to-use package.
While the Ioniq 5 N majors on shock and awe, the 6 N adds a layer of finesse. It’s more agile, more usable, and slightly more comfortable, too. That makes it a better daily drive, while still being hilariously fun on a B-road or even a circuit.
It’s quick, obviously. Managing 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds feels every bit as violent as it sounds, especially when paired with the crackles, bangs and fake gear shifts of the N e-Shift system. It sounds like an Audi TT RS on full throttle and fools your senses so convincingly you find yourself driving it like a manual, flicking through fake gears using the nicely weighted paddles behind the steering wheel.
And yet it can also whisper along at 30mph with no drama, even if you’re just heading to the supermarket. It’s that duality – part video game, part proper driver’s car – that sets the Ioniq 6 N apart.
It’s not cheap – with prices starting at £65,800. But it might just be the most fun I’ve had in an EV – and that includes the Ioniq 5 N, which I love.
How we tested
I’ve driven the Ioniq 6 N a couple of times now – and enjoyed every minute. First I spent an afternoon driving a very early Ioniq 6 N around Warwickshire using the car fans’ Mecca Caffeine and Machine as a base – where those who were in the know took great interest in Hyundai’s N model. I made sure I tested it on a variety of roads, those that you’d expect to put a smile on your face, and the more mundane type of roads that an Ioniq 6 N owner might use more regularly. Then I was invited to the official launch where I tested the Ioniq 6 N on track at the Kini Motorparc up in the hills outside of Barcelona, while enjoying the car on some of the stunning roads in the area, too. And, of course, I checked on the practicality and all the tech, too.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N: £65,800, Hyundai.com
Independent rating: 9/10
- Pros Huge fun to drive; incredible EV tech; clever fake engine noises; fast; still usable every day
- Cons Expensive; looks won’t be for everyone; rivals undercut it on price
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N specs
- Price: £65,800
- Battery size: 84kWh
- Maximum claimed range: 302
- Miles per kWh: 3.3
- Charging : 233kW, 10-80 per cent in 18 minutes
- Performance: 0-62mph 3.2 seconds, top speed 160mph
Battery, range, charging, performance and drive
At the heart of the Ioniq 6 N is the same 84kWh battery and dual-motor AWD system found in the Ioniq 5 N – but turned up even further. You get up to 642bhp and 770Nm of torque with N Grin Boost selected by prodding a red button on the steering wheel, slashing the 0-62mph time to just 3.2 seconds – that’s supercar-quick.
Top speed is 160mph and the Ioniq 6 N feels rock-solid even at silly speeds, thanks to aerodynamic tweaks like a swan-neck rear spoiler that sits above a bottled spoiler – a rare twin spoiler arrangement that will please fans of the 1980s Ford Sierra XR4i – and wider arches that not only help airflow but also give it a proper BTCC-racer look.
What really stands out, though, is the driver involvement. The front end feels sharper than the 5 N – pointier, more reactive, and with slightly more steering feel. Grip is phenomenal, the torque split works brilliantly, and the car corners flat, clean and fast.
Even on the tight hairpin on the Kini Motorparc circuit the Ioniq 6 N turns in sharply with plenty of feel through the steering – the car is poised through the corner and then fires out the other side, whether you choose to ‘select a gear’ yourself or leave the car to it.
It was the same when I was out on the twisty roads up in the hills – this car handles brilliantly. You can tell it’s been developed by people with a real passion for (and a history with) proper sports cars and that’s exactly what this car feels like. Especially with an incredible shove in the back when you go for a simple and quick overtake.
This is one seriously quick car that, leaving the powertrain aside, will please the most enthusiastic of drivers. The EV power adds in an instant reaction that you’ll rarely get with a petrol engine.
The suspension setup is clever, too. Hyundai’s stroke-sensing adaptive dampers work with a new roll centre and added stiffness to balance comfort and control. Compared with the Ioniq 5 N, it’s just a little more forgiving in everyday use – perfect for real-world use and comfortable over bumps and potholes. That means the Ioniq 6 N is not just track-ready, it’s actually drivable for everyday use.
Charging is as good as it gets: 800V architecture means you can go from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes at up to 233kW. Officially you could go 300 miles on a single charge, but expect less as this is a car that encourages you to enjoy your driving. And it’ll obviously be less if you’re using N Grin Boost all day.
What seals the deal, though, is the fake noise and gear-shifting experience. You can choose from a couple of sci-fi sound effects or turn sounds off altogether. You might choose to do the latter on a long motorway drive, but for most of the time you’ll select N Active Sound+ and N e-Shift to work together to mimic a five-cylinder petrol engine and gearbox. It’s playful, immersive and totally convincing – you’ll enjoy the way the revs rise as you flick through the gears using the paddles, and enjoy things even more as you change down and the revs rise again with a pop and bang coming from the rear speakers. On top of that, the regenerative braking system gives you a real jolt as you ‘change up’.
Purists will argue that it’s a bit like a Gran Turismo game in a car, but until you drive the Ioniq 6 N, you won’t realise how much fun and how engaging it can be. I never thought I’d love fake engine noise this much, but I do.
Interior, practicality and boot space
There’s nothing especially radical inside the Ioniq 6 N, but that’s no bad thing. Hyundai has taken the clean, techy cabin from the regular Ioniq 6 and given it a sporty makeover – bucket seats trimmed in suede and leather, blue contrast stitching, and metal pedals all add a welcome dose of motorsport.
The N-specific steering wheel feels great in your hands and features two N buttons – one to select N mode and another to go for the N e-shift. Shift paddles control the regen braking or – when N e-shift is in play – the manual ‘gearbox’. The ambient lighting even changes with your driving style – a small but fun touch.
Space is good up front, with loads of adjustability, and the driving position is reasonably low and sporty – although you never sit truly low in the car thanks to the battery under the seats.
Rear space is good for adults – headroom is a little tighter than in the Ioniq 5, but there’s still plenty of room for anyone to come along for the fun. Boot space is around 401 litres – not massive, but acceptable for this type of car, while coloured braces across the back of the boot remind you of the car’s sporting potential.
If we’re being fussy, some of the gloss black plastics still feel a bit cheap in places and there are a lot of buttons on the centre console – better than everything being on a touchscreen, I suppose. Having the window switches in the middle takes a bit of getting used to, but it keeps the design of the doors clean. However, the Alcantara on the seats and soft-touch dash top lift the overall feel.
For a car that’ll hit 160mph, it’s refreshingly easy to live with.
Technology, stereo and infotainment
The Ioniq 6 N gets the full suite of Hyundai’s latest tech – and it’s almost overwhelming in its depth. But importantly, it’s still easy to use.
Twin 12.3in screens run the show, powered by Hyundai’s latest infotainment software. It’s quick, responsive, and full of high-end features like voice control, over-the-air updates, and smartphone mirroring. There’s also a neat ‘ghost car’ mode in N Track Manager that shows your lap data and helps you shave seconds off on a track day.
N Sound+ is the real standout. You can choose from three sound profiles: “Ignition” sounds like a five-cylinder petrol car, “Evolution” is a retro-futuristic tone, and “Lightspeed” gives full sci-fi vibes. But trust me, stick with “Ignition” – it’s weirdly addictive and makes every journey feel like a 90s video game.
Then there’s the N e-Shift system, which adds a physical jolt via the regen system every time you ‘change gear’. Combined with the noise, it’s hard to believe you’re not in a petrol performance car. A premium stereo system rounds things off, while safety tech is abundant, including Highway Driving Assist 2 and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Prices and running costs
The Ioniq 6 N is an expensive car, but then its tech and performance go a long way to justifying it. It costs a chunk more than the regular Ioniq 6, Ioniq 5 N and is also more than a Tesla Model Y Performance.
Running costs will be low by performance car standards. Even driving hard, you’ll spend far less per mile than in any petrol rival especially if you can charge at home, while company car users will love the tax benefits.
Servicing should be simple, and Hyundai’s warranty – five years unlimited mileage for the car and eight years on the battery – provides peace of mind.
Still, this is a premium-price product – albeit a justified one.
The verdict: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
If you’ve ever doubted that an electric car can be fun, persuade your local Hyundai dealer to let you take an Ioniq 6 N for a test drive. It’s mad, brilliant fun – a genuine sports car with electric power and proper personality, while the technology and clever features that make it feel like a petrol car will just make you smile. It’s faster and sharper than the 5 N, it’s an EV you’ll actually want to drive and you’ll have great fun doing so. The Ioniq 6 N is one of the best sports cars I’ve driven – it just happens to be electric, too.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N rivals
FAQs
How long does it take to charge?
With its 800V electrical architecture, the Ioniq 6 N can rapid charge from 10-80 per cent in just 18 minutes when plugged into a 350kW ultra-rapid charger, although the Ioniq 6 N will max out at 233kW. On a typical 11kW home wallbox, a full charge takes just over seven hours. It also features battery pre-conditioning to help achieve those peak speeds more reliably – especially useful in colder conditions or during a track day.
How does the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N compare to the Ioniq 5 N?
The Ioniq 6 N builds on everything that made the Ioniq 5 N so good – and arguably improves it. It’s sharper to drive, feels more agile thanks to its sleeker body and lower centre of gravity, and offers slightly more steering feel. It’s also a touch more comfortable, making it a better all-rounder for daily use. While the 5 N is the more extroverted of the two, the 6 N is more of a driver’s car – and for many, that makes it the pick of the pair.
Does Hyundai replace batteries for free?
Hyundai offers one of the best warranties in the business. The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and if it falls below 70 per cent of its original capacity due to manufacturing defects within that time, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge. That’s in addition to the five-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty – a rare thing these days, and a big tick for peace of mind.
Why trust us
Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic.
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