Hyundai’s 641 HP electric sports car is here, but it will be limited [Images]

The IONIQ 6 N made its North American debut on Thursday, but Hyundai said it will be sold in limited quantities in the US.

Meet Hyundai’s electric sports car, the IONIQ 6 N

Hyundai said the IONIQ 6 N “redefines the EV driving experience” after unveiling it at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

After launching it in South Korea last month, Hyundai’s electric sports car made its official North American debut at the LA Auto Show on Thursday.

The IONIQ 6 N is Hyundai’s first fully electric sports car and the second EV, following the IONIQ 5, to receive the “N” performance badge. With the IONIQ 5 receiving global recognition as one of the most awarded performance EVs, Hyundai looks to build on it with its latest model.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Based on a dual motor, all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, the IONIQ 6 N packs a monstrous 641 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0 to 60 mph time in just 3.2 seconds.

That’s when N Grin Boost and N Launch Control are active, two of the many fun features that unlock the full potential of the vehicle by optimizing power and torque.

N Grin Boost provides a 10-second power boost while the Launch Control feature adjusts torque for maximum traction and acceleration.

Other fun features like N e-Shift and N Active Sound + simulate the sounds and jerk feeling of an internal combustion engine. Hyundai even added an N Track Manager for a customized on-track experience and N Drift Optimizer, for, well, that one’s pretty self-explanatory.

Inside, the IONIQ 6 N features Kia’s new ccNC infotainment with dual 12.3″ driver display and navigation screens with an exclusive N steering wheel and N badging throughout.

Measuring 194.3″ in length, 76.4″ in width, and 58.9″ in height with a wheelbase of 116.7″, the IONIQ 6 N is about the size of a Porsche Taycan, but it’s expected to be about half the cost.

With an upgraded 84 kWh battery, the IONIQ 6 N can recharge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes using a 350 kW fast charger.

Kia will reveal the projected driving range and prices during a media launch, so check back soon for updates. In Korea, it’s rated with a WLTP range of 291 miles (469 km).

Given that the current highest-priced IONIQ 6 Limited trim starts at $51,100 in the US, you can expect the N variant to start at around $65,000 to $70,000. It will begin arriving at dealerships in 2026, but Hyundai said the IONIQ 6 N will be available in limited quantities in the US.

Along with the launch of the IONIQ 6 N, Hyundai is introducing a range of N Performance Parts for its N-branded vehicles in the US, including the IONIQ 5 N and Elantra N.