Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift brings sharper looks and teases fiery ‘N’ model

After 3 years on sale, it’s sprucing time for Hyundai’s distinctive Ioniq 6. From styling upgrades to the arrival of a fully-fledged ‘N’ version, here’s everything we know so far.

It’s been all go in Hyundai land over the last fortnight. Between the arrival of the new hydrogen-powered Nexo and the barmy Insteroid tuner concept, the poor Ioniq 6’s major updates got a little lost in the news cycle.

So, for those of you who missed it, here’s what has changed for Hyundai’s sleek electric saloon. First up, there’s a new shark-like face which swaps the old car’s soft eyes for more angular and aggressive LED units. Additionally, the bonnet has been raised and the nose lengthened to further emphasise that streamlined body. There’s even a chunky lower front valence and black lower accents to further differentiate this updated model.

If those refinements all sound a bit tepid, a new N-Line trim also joins the range and caters to those after a racier look. According to Hyundai, this model ‘inherits the design DNA of the RN22e Rolling Lab released in 2022, adding a distinctly bold touch.’ In practice, this includes the addition of sportier alloys, more angular front and rear bumpers, and a side sill line designed to create the illusion of a lower stance.

Inside, there are more improvements to note. Hyundai’s aptly named ‘Mindful Cocoon’ (comfy cabin, to you and us) has been enhanced with a new steering wheel design, more luxurious-feeling trim materials, and a larger climate control display. Granted, those are pretty subtle upgrades, but you’d rather have them, right?

Unfortunately, if you’re looking for show-stopping mechanical upgrades, you’ll not find them here. As far as we can tell, the facelifted Ioniq 6 will retain the outgoing car’s choice of 225-bhp or 321-bhp powertrain setups. But wait, Hyundai’s left us a cheeky easter egg hidden in the back of shot: an all-new, full fat ‘N’ model. That means, just like the supercar-killing Ioniq 5 N, the 6 is set to get mega horsepower (likely over 600 bhp) and a chassis that’s sure to put a grin on the face of even the most embittered EV-bashers. Interested? Keep your eyes peeled for our full reveal in July.

While Hyundai hasn’t revealed an official launch date for the entry-level models, they’re likely to land before summer 2025 — and cost more than the outgoing saloon. But would you pay a premium for the Ioniq’s new look?

Hero image credit: Hyundai