Well, look what we have here. After months of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N being the only one of the forthcoming N models to be previewed in Malaysia, reader Eric Goh has sent us spyshots of its sedan sibling, the Ioniq 6 N, arriving on our shores.
About time, too, considering that the electric performance model is due to make an appearance at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) next month, June 12 to 21. The event arrives at the tail end of the Ioniq 5 and 6 N’s second quarter launch window, so it’s very likely that they will go on sale then.
This particular 6 N is finished in the N brand’s signature Performance Blue – with a pearl effect that’s exclusive to this model – and comes with the optional side-view cameras. This would make the first appearance of the tech on a Hyundai in Malaysia, as the regular Ioniq 5 and 6 did not come with them (although they are fitted to the related Kia EV9).
As a recap, the 6 N is powered by dual motors producing 609 PS (448 kW) and 740 Nm of torque – or 650 PS (478 kW) and 750 Nm with the sillily-named N Grin Boost (NGB) mode engaged. Turn on N Launch Control and the car is able to blitz its way to 100 km/h 3.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 257 km/h – two tenths of a second quicker but 3 km/h slower respectively compared to the 5 N.
A full arsenal of software toys allow the 6 N to deliver thrills beyond just pure straight-line speed, including N Active Sound+ and N e-Shift that simulate engine noise and a eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in a scarily convincing manner. It also gains bespoke suspension tuning and an electronic limited-slip differential to enhance agility, as well as larger brakes with 400 mm discs at the front.
Taking full advantage of these are various software functions that optimise the car’s cornering abilities, such as a customisable front-to-rear torque split with N Torque Distribution, and even an N Drift Optimiser to pull some smoky drifts. Then there are the features that maximise track performance – N Race modes for power delivery, N Battery Pre-conditioning and aggressive N Pedal regenerative braking. Unique to the 6 N is an N Track Manager lap timer and analyser.
Equipped with an 84 kWh NMC battery, the Ioniq 6 N delivers a WLTP-rated range of 487 km. The second-generation pack – shared with the facelifted Ioniq 6 – provides an increase in DC fast charging power, allowing it to be topped up from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes despite a mild battery capacity upgrade over the 77.4 kWh pack on the pre-facelifted model.
Setting the N model apart from the regular Ioniq 6 are flared fenders housing fatter 20-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres, plus aggressive front and rear bumpers and red accents. Being a sedan, the 6 N – based on the facelifted Ioniq 6, hence the split headlights – gains a swan-neck rear wing.
Inside, the 6 N receives a bespoke N steering wheel with additional buttons for the various performance functions, along with bucket seats with illuminated N logos, “chequered flag” pedals and an all-black cabin. They also get the upgraded connected car Navigation System (ccNS) for the 12.3-inch instrument and infotainment displays that finally add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also fitted are welcome upgrades from the facelifted Ioniq 6, most notably the new centre console with twin USB-C ports and a more compact and fully-featured physical control panel that frees up space for more storage. A built-in mount in the roof allows you to attach an action camera to record your hijinks.
The Ioniq 6 N – as is the 5 N – has been open for booking for the best part of a month, with an estimated price of RM460,000. That’s steep next to the similarly-quick RM229,000 Tesla Model 3 Performance, but remember, this car isn’t cheap globally – and now it will been slapped with a combined 50% in import and excise duties as a Korean CBU import. Are you excited for this car? Let us know in the comments.
GALLERY: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N official photos
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comedy car. you must absolutely hate xpeng, zeekr, byd and tesla to buy this rubbish. If you buy this car vs a Tesla or zeekr or byd at that price you better go back to pre-school and redo your education.
Hyundai is newer than Proton, but now Hyundai make world class cars / EVs. Meanwhile Proton is making milo tin kosong for undeveloped third world countries like Pakistan and Africa.
yeah because proton corrupt and failed and almost bankrupt. The automotive world should use Proton as a case study on failure and incompetence.
Proton’s PRO-NET is distributing the Smart #EV. Is the Smart #EV Brabus a good value-for-money alternative?
Not even proton own doing, all thanks to Geely.
Wow! Tons of buttons, like it!
Nice car. The pricing just doesnt make sense.
Other than Korean companies, who would buy this under personal registration?