Hyundai is gearing up to refresh its Ioniq 6 electric sedan, with the first spy shots of the facelifted model surfacing from hot weather testing in Europe. This mid-life update is expected to bring significant changes, including a larger battery, extended driving range, and the much-anticipated introduction of the Ioniq 6 N. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift.
What’s New: Design and Battery Upgrades
The spy shots suggest Hyundai is making substantial revisions to the Ioniq 6’s front end, with extensive black sheets and cladding concealing the updates. While the exact design changes remain unclear, they’re likely to be more pronounced than those seen on the Ioniq 5.
Bigger Battery, Longer Range
One of the most exciting updates is the potential introduction of a new 84kWh battery, up from the current 77.4kWh unit. This upgrade could push the Ioniq 6’s driving range close to 700km, a significant boost from the current Extended Range RWD model’s 614km range.
The Ioniq 6 N: Hyundai’s High-Performance Electric Sedan
Perhaps the biggest news is the expected debut of the Ioniq 6 N, Hyundai’s first-ever high-performance variant of the Ioniq 6. This model is set to feature the same powerful underpinnings as the Ioniq 5 N, previewed by the RN22e concept. The Ioniq 6 N promises to bring a thrilling driving experience to the electric sedan market, potentially giving Tesla’s Model 3 Performance a run for its money.
Ioniq 6 vs. Tesla Model 3: The Sales Battle
Despite being positioned as a rival to the Tesla Model 3, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 hasn’t quite matched its competitor in sales, particularly in Australia. In 2023, only 623 Ioniq 6 units were delivered in Australia compared to the 17,347 Model 3s. The trend has continued in 2024, with Hyundai registering just 282 Ioniq 6 vehicles up to July 31, down 17.5% year-on-year, while Tesla’s Model 3 managed 10,600 registrations in the same period.
Summary
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift is shaping up to be a significant update, with potential design enhancements, a larger battery for extended range, and the introduction of the high-performance Ioniq 6 N. As Hyundai looks to boost the Ioniq 6’s appeal in the highly competitive electric sedan market, these updates could be just what’s needed to take on the likes of Tesla’s Model 3. Stay tuned for more updates as Hyundai prepares for the official reveal.
