Hyundai takes on the Model 3 Performance with slower Ioniq 6 N that makes V8 sounds

After its predecessor became EV of the year in 2024, Hyundai has released the powerful Ioniq 6 N sports sedan to take on the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

The 650 HP Ioniq 6 N, however, is slower, and likely with shorter range on a charge and higher price than Tesla's 501 HP Performance sedan.

The 0-60 mph acceleration time of the new dual-motor Ioniq 6 N is 3.1 seconds, slightly slower than the 2.9 seconds of the Model 3 Performance, despite its more powerful drivetrain and the larger, 84 kWh battery.

The sporty Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is larger and heavier than the Model 3 Performance, though, and offers much faster charging than Tesla's pride and joy sedan. At a suitable 350+ kW charger like Tesla's V4 Superchargers, the Ioniq 6 N can be topped up from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, for instance. Hyundai EVs have proven to have a superior charging curve, even when compared to Tesla's vehicles built on an 800V architecture like the Cybertruck.

Perhaps the coolest part around the Ioniq 6 N is the combination of its Active Sound and e-Shift technologies, aiming to simulate the track experience with a real ICE racer. One can choose from a variety of sounds, from a classic V8 rumble with the Ignition option, to Evolution's EV heritage tones and the Lightspeed selection that zooms with futuristic sound.

Hyundai says that it redesigned the chassis and suspension for better handling control, and introduced new stroke sensing dampers that feel at home both during a comfortable commute, and a winding racetrack.

Mum's the word on the Ioniq 6 N price in the US just yet, but in the UK it is expected to cost about £65,000 when it is released some time in early 2026 with about 291 miles pf range on the local standard.