The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Looks Menacing. Can It Win Over Buyers?

• Hyundai teases the Ioniq 6 N, revealing more of its exterior.
• The hottest version of the Ioniq 6 is believed to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
• It will be a lot like the Ioniq 5 N, but even more focused, quicker and better around a track.

One of the most highly anticipated performance electric vehicles set to debut this year is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. It’s a lighter, more aerodynamic and with a lower center of gravity than even the rowdy Ioniq 5 N, but it could also get more power than the crossover’s 641 hp. So can it win over buyers?

We’re hoping so. The Ioniq 6 N is the spicy version of Hyundai’s streamlined electric sedan, which recently got a facelift that makes it look even more unusual and futuristic, as well as more sporty and aggressive, with a completely redesigned front fascia.

The Ioniq 6 N will take the angry look up to eleven with an exterior makeover inspired by the RN22e concept, with even more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a big rear spoiler and widened fenders front and rear. The look is completed by lightweight wheels wrapped in performance rubber—its crossover brother, Ioniq 5 N, has 21-inch wheels and comes with 275-section Pirelli P-Zero tires from the factory.

Photo by: Hyundai

Photo by: Hyundai

Photo by: Hyundai

Hyundai is now teasing the Ioniq 6 N again ahead of its public debut, which is reportedly going to happen at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The manufacturer hasn’t confirmed that debut venue, but it’s been the stage for many important EV reveals over the last few years, including for the Porsche Taycan, so it would be a great place to see the Ioniq 6 N debut.

If it does come to Goodwood, it will likely be a dynamic debut, and we will get to see it in action, powering up the famed hillclimb stage. It could either go for a record attempt, or the driver could showcase how easy it is to get it sideways and powerslide around the corners in a plume of tire smoke. When Hyundai brought the RN22e concept to Goodwood, things didn’t go according to plan.

Hyundai hasn’t released any information about the Ioniq 6 N’s performance numbers yet, but we expect it to surpass the Ioniq 5 N in every way. It should beat its 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds—and could even dip below the 3-second mark if it gets more power like we predict it will.

It will hopefully get more range, too. The Ioniq 5 N has a lot of things going for it, but its EPA range of just 221 miles isn’t one of them. For reference, the longest-range Ioniq 5 is EPA-rated at up to 303 miles, while the equivalent Ioniq 6 can go a more respectable 361 miles even with a slightly smaller battery.

It should be quite the powerhouse. The question is whether it can do better in the market than the standard Ioniq 6. While it’s a range monster, it has faced declining sales in the U.S. market in particular as crossovers dominate the landscape. If the Ioniq 6 N is priced well and can back up those looks with the performance we expect, it could put the Ioniq 6 back on the map where it belongs.