A 650bhp, Hyundai electric saloon wouldn’t have even been considered a fleet car six years ago, but is the perfect example of how the company car market has been upturned since the flurry of performance EVs entered the market. These EVs boast rocketship performance, but with the attraction of incredibly low BiK taxation. In fact, a Hyundai spokesperson told me at the launch that fleet has accounted for 45% of UK IONIQ 5N sales, their other performance EV.

The IONIQ 6N we’re driving here, whose key rivals are the BMW i4 M60 and the Tesla Model 3 Performance, is the latest high-performance EV from Hyundai’s still youthful ’N’ performance brand. In its 10-year history, ’N’ has been responsible for hot hatch greats, such as the i30N and i20N.

However, they were ICE-powered, and question marks were raised in 2024 when the ’N’ version of the popular IONIQ 5 EV was launched in the UK. However, despite being EV-heavy, Hyundai’s performance arm aced the dynamics, with well-weighted and pointy steering, excellent body control, and plenty of grip. All of this, plus the IONIQ 5N boasts ballistic performance, convincing faux engine noise, and sequential gears - all adding up to one of the most involving EVs to drive.  

For this ’N’ makeover of the IONIQ 6, Hyundai is promising the same ‘driving fun,’ but in a more well-rounded driving package than the ‘5.’ 

What it’s like to drive?

In town and at low speed, the IONIQ 6N is so docile it’s hard to believe it has over 600bhp. So, it’s easy to drive, but we’ve got no doubt it will be easier to live with than the IONIQ 5, thanks to the extra quality in the damping. It is still firm enough to be dynamic, but it’s way more comfortable, not unforgiving. With the new active suspension tech seeming to be more capable of dealing with different road conditions.

Out of town, is where you can make the most of the performance, best described as linear - but explosive. Not pressing the right ’N’ button on the busy multi-function steering wheel, in our opinion, would be a mistake. As this mode enables the 6N’s driving party piece, the convincing engine noise. Additionally, the chunky regen paddles can now make gear changes, where drivers have control of a virtual 8,000 revs, and eight gears, and all at 3% BiK! No wonder the IONIQ 5N is already so popular with company drivers.

The attention to detail with the fake gears amazes, as they work brilliantly. The up and downshifts are split-second quick, with the punches of torque on the way up surging the IONIQ 6 forward, then popping through the speakers as you come down - it’s convincing enough to believe there’s an actual gearbox and engine!

What it’s like inside?

The look and feel is sportier, with the use of dark plastics and trim, and blue highlights such as the steering wheel stitching. However, being based on the standard IONIQ 6, there’s the same mindful and cocooned feel. Think the same spacious, calming, and tech-focussed environment. 

Another unique ’N’ feature inside is the one-piece front sports seats. They support in all the right spaces— but in our opinion, are mounted just a touch too high for the perfect driving position. 

Move to the back, and just like the standard car, the legroom impresses. However, the IONIQ 6’s curvy rear styling means compromised headroom for the tallest passengers. The boot opening is also restricted, thanks to the sculpted shape. It looks a practical shape, and has 401 litres, but the N’s extra brace bar hinders its usefulness.

The IONIQ 6N’s slim dual-screen infotainment layout is made up of two 12.3-inch, high-definition displays, one of which is for the infotainment, and the other for instruments. It is logical and easy to use, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, navigation, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Is it better than the IONIQ 5N?

How could Hyundai improve on the already excellent IONIQ 5N, we asked ourselves when we drove that car? Well, they have, and the IONIQ 6N is the result. It does this, we think, by being more usable day-to-day, thanks to the softer suspension tune. Don’t go thinking this Hyundai has gone soft, as the clever new tech means it feels more polished. This, along with the more slicker reproduction gearshifts and more realistic engine noises—this is the best performance EV on sale.

It is not perfect, however, as despite being surprisingly efficient when not using all of the performance, the range and efficiency quickly drop off when you do!  Also, the IONIQ 6N isn’t a car you’ll get in and instantly get the best out of it— it’s so customisable, it will take time to get the best out of it.

Also, the N Drift Optimiser does exactly what it says, but is only useful on track and if buyers have shares in Pirelli. Finally, that rear spoiler adds welcome aggression, but we’re not convinced the IONIQ 6’s ’N’ makeover has been as successful as the ‘5.’ 

Hyundai IONIQ 6N 84kWh AWD