First Drive – Hyundai Ioniq 6 N: Discovering a Serious Machine and Its Impressive Drift Mode

Jean-Pierre Ndu
mai 25, 2026

It was on a private airstrip in Flanders that we got our first taste of the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. After surprising the automotive world with the Ioniq 5 N, the Korean brand returns with a 650-horsepower electric sports sedan designed to push the boundaries of driving pleasure even further.

From the very first kilometres, the Ioniq 6 N impresses with its effectiveness. Lower, more aerodynamic and sharper than the Ioniq 5 N, it delivers remarkable precision on the road. But what stands out most is Hyundai’s ability to make an electric performance car genuinely fun to drive.

The undisputed highlight of this first drive was the Drift Optimizer mode. On our dedicated test ground, we had the opportunity to experience this feature, which allows the rear of the car to slide with surprising ease. Both realistic and highly precise, the system transforms the electric sedan into a true thrill machine while still providing enough control for drivers to build confidence progressively.

Hyundai has done far more than add a simple gimmick. As with the Ioniq 5 N, the engineers have carefully crafted the overall driving experience with simulated gear shifts, an artificial soundtrack that is surprisingly convincing, and a wide range of settings that allow drivers to tailor the car’s behaviour to their preferences.

We also had the chance to get back behind the wheel of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N during the event. Still as spectacular as ever, the sporty SUV remains arguably the most playful model in the lineup thanks to its more compact proportions and lively character. Together, the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N prove that Hyundai’s N division has achieved what many once considered impossible: making electric cars truly exciting.

A full week-long test drive will soon reveal whether the Ioniq 6 N can maintain this level of excitement in everyday use. But after this first encounter, one thing is already clear: Hyundai continues to redefine what an electric performance car can be.