I was lucky enough to test drive Hyundai’s latest Ioniq 6 N performance EV on the racetrack recently, and quickly determined it is truly a weapon. I’d heard from some initial overseas reports that it feels more track-focused and firm compared to an Ioniq 5 N, so I was keen to see what it is like during normal daily driving on typical road surfaces.
I also volunteered for the Australian Electric Vehicle Association at the Parents 4 Climate EV Showcase in Parramatta on the weekend, and thought the Ioniq 6 N would make a great talking point, which it did. The real reason though, was because I had so much fun on that track day, I just wanted an excuse to drive this very cool car again.
Hyundai gave me the fancy version too, fitted with all of the optional carbon fibre body kit parts as well as the lightweight forged alloy wheels, thank you Nikki! This car is actually the exact same one that Hyundai used for their press images seen throughout the track article linked above.
Driving the Ioniq 6 N around for a week reminded me of my early 20s when I owned a green 5-speed manual 2000 Impreza RX. During that time I loved late night drives home after finishing mid-week squash pennants, and would take it out on long drives for no reason other than because I enjoyed driving.
During the week with the Ioniq 6 N I could not wait to show it to as many family, friends and acquaintances as possible. I even booked my dental checkup to coincide, so my car nut dentist who loves his BMW M-series and Porsches could take a look.
When I sent a picture to people asking if they wanted a ride, I got some interesting responses, from “Wowsers. A Porsche?” to simply “Menacing…” Several people thought it looked like the Batmobile, which makes sense given its Nocturne Grey matte paint job that looks stunning in person.
To answer my first question, I was pleasantly surprised to find the Ioniq 6 N is very quiet, comfortable and easy to drive around in normal mode with full one pedal driving enabled. For comparison, I found it much quieter, more compliant and smoother over most bumps than my own 2019 Tesla Model 3 “stealth” Performance with 18-inch wheels.
One of the things I love about EVs is their versatility, and the Ioniq 6 N is a great example of why. In normal mode you can sense the car is eager to unleash at any moment. With 2 button presses on the steering wheel, the car instantly transforms from a quiet and comfortable cruiser into a highly dynamic and engaging sports car that feels surreal.
Apart from the realistic 8-speed gearbox simulation, the difference in suspension feel is the most noticeable change. In N mode with the stiffest suspension setting, the 6 N is certainly a lot firmer over bumps, but still not to the point of being uncomfortable.
Driving the Ioniq 6 N around with the fake engine noise and paddle shifters is like playing a Need for Speed video game or being in one of the Fast and Furious movies. All the car needs is some underbody LED lights to give it the full experience, and maybe replacing the red N-Grin Boost steering wheel button for one that says NOS.
It’s hard to remember exactly how the 6 N compares against my Ioniq 5 N experience from 2 years ago, but it feels like Hyundai have tweaked and improved the N Active Sound + and N e-Shift since then. I assume it’s a happy accident, but there was a vibration coming from the front-left door as the car revs through 1750-2000 RPM, which just adds to the realism.
Even though you know the engine sounds are all just software generated, complete with pops and crackles as you lift off the accelerator or downshift before corners, it doesn’t matter in the moment because your brain is telling you it feels real enough. Many performance combustion cars rely on simulated engine sounds these days too.
An Ioniq 5 N owner at the EV showcase sat in the Ioniq 6 N to play with the engine noise, and he confirmed it sounded better than his own car. My only feedback to Hyundai would be to add some variation for the pop and crackle noises, as there are only 2 different sounds that are repeated each time it happens.
When it comes to the price, if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. This fine example of the 6 N comes to nearly $160,000 including on-road costs, matte paint finish, upgraded wheels and all of the optional carbon fibre body parts. It sounds weird to say it, but this is actually pretty good value considering what you get.
There is no denying the Ioniq 6 N is an expensive vehicle, but there is nothing else in its class for anywhere near this price except for the sibling Ioniq 5 N. If you leave off the optional body kit, the total comes to just under $125,000 on the road in NSW.
The Porsche Taycan is the closest thing available at the moment, but to get one with similar performance specs to the Ioniq 6 N, you would need to go for an AWD Taycan GTS or Turbo which are between $280,000 to $335,000 on the road in NSW. The Taycan does not come with the same level of customisation or drive modes as the Hyundai either.
During the week I did come across a few downsides of the Ioniq 6 N. The extra body kit parts do make the car much lower, especially at the front, so I was vigilant about not scraping on things. Therefore, I avoided going down my steep driveway and relied on public chargers instead of my own wallbox.
Having experienced what the Ioniq 6 N is truly capable of on the track, it feels like you are wasting this car’s huge potential just driving it around the suburbs. Regardless of where you drive, the 6 N feels absolutely glued to the road like nothing else I have driven, and better overall than the 5 N in my opinion.
The Ioniq 6 N is definitely my new favourite EV, hands down. As fun as it is though, the ostentatious look-at-me nature of the car is not my cup of tea. I would much rather be driving around in something more stealthy and far less expensive, not needing to worry about potentially damaging the spoilers and wheels.
This is a unique car that has universal appeal, everyone who saw it seemed to love it. From 2 motorbike riders I parked next to who asked if it was fully electric, to a group of blokes in a Ford Ranger who yelled out the window, “That’s fully sick, what is it?” At the next set of lights they asked me the price and then said, “Congratulations mate, enjoy it.”
I had so much fun taking people for a ride, demonstrating the car’s unique features and insane performance. Judging by their smiles and excitement as they hopped out, I believe it left a lasting impression on them all too. I can’t wait until the next time I get to drive an Ioniq 6 N. To the batmobile!
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