Hyundai Ioniq 6 N: Smaller, Faster, Better — And We're Obsessed!

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N revolutionized the electric vehicle landscape when it debuted during the summer of 2023. For some time, it had become evident that electric motors were capable of delivering immense power within standard family sedans, transforming them into high-performance, battery-operated sports cars. However, the Hyundai demonstrated that EVs weren’t only about speed but also enjoyment—offering driving dynamics and agility typically associated with genuine performance-oriented vehicles. Although brands like Porsche and Rimac had previously showcased similar capabilities, they did so at significantly higher prices than the Ioniq 5 N. This combination proved successful—it propelled the compact crossover-hatchback to triumph in... the sub-$100,000 category of Road & Track Electric Vehicle of the Year 2024 Performance Edition competition.

Currently, Hyundai wants to repeat the feat with the Ioniq 6 N sedan—and from what has been observed so far, it appears poised to succeed.

Anyone familiar with the Ioniq 5 N one will notice many familiar elements in its sedan counterpart, beginning with its performance capabilities. Equipped with two electric motors—one driving each axle—the latest Hyundai produces 601 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque under normal conditions, though activating the “N Grin Boost” function briefly increases this to 641 hp and 568 pound-feet for up to 10 seconds. This lasts approximately seven seconds more than the Ioniq 6 N requires to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, as stated by the manufacturer, who claims the vehicle can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.2 seconds when utilizing “N Launch Control.” Continue on the ~~gas~~ ~~throttle~~ Press the accelerator for an extended period, and the vehicle reaches a maximum speed of 159 miles per hour.

Talking about elements marked with the 14th character of the alphabet, the Ioniq 6 N Also includes numerous features from the N brand present in its predecessor, which was larger and more square-shaped. The N Active Sound+ system offers various distinctive audio effects to mask the typical quietness of an electric vehicle, preventing you from feeling overly isolated with your thoughts. The N Track Manager comes equipped with functions such as integrated race tracks and allows you to monitor your personal performance during a session. Naturally, there’s also the enjoyable N E-Shift, which adds simulated gear shifts to the 6 N for a more engaging drive, paired with the N Ambient Shift Light that utilizes internal light signals to indicate when to shift gears using the paddle shifters—and this feature is now compatible with additional performance-oriented systems like N Torque Distribution (which adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear axles), N Drift Optimizer (designed to assist with drifting), along with the previously mentioned N Grin Boost and N Launch Control.

However, there is much more going on here than mere technological tricks and digital gimmicks. Similar to the BMW counterpart introduced a step earlier in the track, Hyundai's N division has consistently taken pride in crafting performance vehicles that excel in all aspects. Consequently, the Ioniq 6 N features an entirely new suspension design along with electronic "stroke-sensing" shocks that might resemble a LifeAlert function but instead adjust damping strength according to driving conditions to enhance both comfort and control.

As one might anticipate due to their shared origins, the Ioniq 6 N's battery has the same 84 kWh capacity as the Ioniq 5 N. Hyundai hasn’t specified the vehicle’s expected range; however, the 5 N model provides approximately 221 miles of travel per charge, based on EPA estimates. regular Ioniq 6 Sedans typically perform better than less aerodynamically efficient crossovers. However, elements such as the rear spoiler and widened wheel arches increase the 6 N's drag coefficient from 0.21 in the standard version to 0.26, suggesting its officially rated range in the U.S. could be around 250 miles. With 350 kW fast charging, lengthy stop times during road trips should not be an issue.

Hyundai has not yet disclosed the pricing of the Ioniq 6 N—this information is expected to be released at roughly the same time as its EPA driving range—but it’s probable that the price will be close to or just a bit higher than the Ioniq 5 N's base rate of $67,800, assuming no unexpected factors like tariffs affect things prior to its launch. The release date remains uncertain for now.

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