Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift and N revealed

Hyundai is enjoying a busy week. Following the reveal of the delightfully odd Insteroid concept, the firm has given the Ioniq 6 streamliner a facelift and confirmed that a proper ‘N’ model is on its way. It was surely inevitable, wasn’t it?

Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift styling

Before getting to the N, let’s look at the facelift. The lighting is the most obvious revision: the front and rear still use the 'parametric pixel' theme, but the units are considerably slimmer, while the primary headlamps are now concealed within the front bumper. That bumper has been substantially reworked too, adding several air ducts and more sharply defined styling details.

Bulges have been added to each side of the bonnet, further emphasising the car’s streamlined appearance, while black trim features prominently around the lower bodywork. At the rear, the design has been simplified into a more cohesive look, finished with an extended ducktail spoiler.

The red car shown above is the ‘N Line’, whose front bumper differs slightly from that of the standard grey car. It wears diagonally sculpted vents similar to those on the Ioniq 5 N, plus deeper side sills intended to give the entire car a lower-looking stance. There is also a suitably dramatic rear diffuser.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N expected powertrain

Now, back to the 6 N. It is actually visible in the background of the group photograph above. Peekaboo. It appears likely to receive a wider body kit and a huge spoiler. That can only be good news.

Hyundai is saying nothing about the powertrain at present, although the 5 N uses a 641bhp twin-motor arrangement, so it would be no surprise if the same setup appeared here.

We would also welcome the ‘N Sound Plus’ technology from the RN22e concept. Essentially, it is a 90dB speaker mounted beneath the rear diffuser, producing an artificial engine sound in the manner of the Abarth 500e. The manual ‘N e-Shift’ setting and paddle controls are also expected to reach the 6 N, particularly as both already feature on the 5 N.

Ioniq 6 drivetrain and interior updates

Hyundai has been just as silent regarding mechanical revisions for the standard Ioniq 6. Before the facelift, buyers could choose a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration producing 226bhp/258lb ft, or a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive version with 320bhp/446lb ft. Each used a 77.4kWh battery. We will bring you further details of the updated model when they emerge.

Hyundai has used the opportunity to update the 6’s interior as well. It receives a new steering wheel and more upscale materials. The climate-control display is now larger for easier operation, while the centre console has reportedly been redesigned for 'improved functionality'. And there are plenty of proper physical buttons.

There is no confirmation yet of when the new Ioniq 6 will arrive in Europe, but the N is scheduled for its full reveal in July this year. Excited?