2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Spied Rocking Fixed Rear Wing, Sonata-Like Split Headlights

1 month ago - 10. September 2024, autoevolution
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Spied
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Spied by autoevolution
Following in the footsteps of the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 6 will receive a mid-cycle refresh – topped by a high-performance N model – for 2026. Our spy photographers have recently captured the Ioniq 6 N doing its thing in Germany, with the zero-emission prototype hiding Sonata-inspired split headlights under the camo.

Equipped with double-spoke alloys mounted with Pirelli rubber, the Ioniq 6 N also rocks a set of red-painted brake calipers that squeeze on ventilated rotors. Also camouflaged inside, said prototype further sweetens the deal with a fixed rear wing that appears to be inspired by the 992-generation 911's Aerokit rear spoiler.

While not as extreme as the rear wing of the RN22e concept, said aerodynamic enhancement sure helps the Ioniq 6 N stand out from lesser siblings. Based on the Ioniq 6, the RN22e uses a dual-motor setup with 160 kilowatts for the front motor and 270 kilowatts for the rear drive unit. All told, it makes 430 kW and 740 Nm, figures that can be converted to 577 horses and 546 pound-feet of torque.

Those figures are very close to the peak output of the Kia EV6 GT. Hardly surprising, the Ioniq 5 N packs a bigger punch than its platform sibling from the Kia brand. With N Grin Boost engaged, the spiciest production vehicle from Hyundai to date belts out a massive 641 horsepower and 568 pound-feet (make that 770 Nm) of tire-shredding twist.

Speaking of the Ioniq 5 N, hearsay suggests the very same peak output numbers for the Ioniq 6 N as well. Also worthy of note, Ioniq 5 N introduced a larger high-voltage battery to the compact utility vehicle. Said battery is rated at 84 kilowatt hours rather than 77.4 kilowatt hours for the pre-facelift Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The Ioniq 6 uses the 77.4-kWh pack for model year 2025, meaning that model year 2026 will see it discontinued in favor of the larger battery. Also from the rumor mill, Hyundai could very well expand the Ioniq 6 lineup with a rugged variant dubbed XRT. Such a variant makes plenty of sense. Lest we forget, Volvo has the Cross Country line, Audi reinvented the A6 with the allroad, and Merc offers the E-Class T-Modell in All-Terrain flavor.

Zooming in, we can also see that Hyundai will retain the pixel-style taillights of the outgoing Ioniq 6. Regarding the camouflaged interior, chances are that South Korea's largest automaker will treat prospective customers to a new infotainment system, a bank of actual buttons for oft-used features, along with a redesigned center console boasting a relocated wireless charging pad for Qi-enabled phones.

Similar to the Ioniq 5 N, the sixer is likely getting the faux shifting feature that you either love or hate. Internal combustion loyalists will also be offended by the fiver's N Active Sound + system, which offers a choice between faux internal combustion engine, RN22e electric motor, and jet noises. Gimmicky? For sure, but remember that Ioniq 5 N does not take itself seriously.

The N go-faster division never cared about lap times and outright performance. Driving fun is the central point of all N vehicles, beginning with the 2.0-liter turbo i30 N for Europe and continuing with the all-electric Ioniq 6 N. 

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