We hope the Hyundai IONIQ 6 N inspires other automakers to build enthusiast cars again
At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the IONIQ 6 N, a bold new high-performance variant of its otherwise sensible EV. However, unlike mainstream EVs chasing volume sales, the IONIQ 6 N wasn’t built for mass appeal. Hyundai knows this car isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly the point.
This is a purpose-built machine, aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who demand more from electrification. Rooted in Hyundai N’s motorsport pedigree, including its origins in Pure ETCR racing, the IONIQ 6 N is not just fast, it’s supposed to be engaging. Hyundai’s N division built it around three key performance pillars, namely Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar.
Moreover, that means you get a car that grips through corners, handles track days, and still feels comfortable enough for the daily commute. With 650PS of power and 770Nm of torque, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 N rockets from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds, topping out at 257km/h. Is this the EV that enthusiasts have been waiting for?
But raw numbers are only part of the story. Its redesigned suspension geometry, upgraded N e-Shift virtual gear system and new N Active Sound+ technology work together to create a truly immersive and responsive experience. The car doesn’t just go fast, it feels fast, in all the ways enthusiasts crave. Ironically just by being an EV, it will turn off many enthusiasts.
Aerodynamically, it’s also been sculpted for performance. Motorsport-inspired touches like the swan neck rear wing, widened fenders, and functional downforce elements aren’t just for show, they contribute to real-world stability and grip at high speed.
On top of that, add in adaptive ECS stroke-sensing dampers, advanced battery thermal management, and the N Drift Optimizer, and you have an EV engineered for more than just efficiency. Hyundai even developed exclusive features like N Track Manager and N Ambient Shift Light to deepen the driving connection.
These are not gimmicks, they reflect a company willing to take real risks for the sake of pure driver engagement. And make no mistake, Hyundai doesn’t expect to sell a lot of these. This is not a car built for the masses, but for the few who care about the sensation of electric driving.
It’s a passion project, one that proves Hyundai is serious about performance even in the age of electrification. The question now is, will this inspire other automakers to also build enthusiast cars again?
