Hyundai Highlights Ioniq 6’s Streamlined Design with Mid-Cycle Refresh, Teases High-Performance Variant

After being introduced in 2022, the Ioniq 6 is due for a design update, and Hyundai has revealed what’s coming at the Seoul Mobility Show in Korea. New slimmer headlights are a questionable addition at the front, but a new rear spoiler will highlight the streamliner design of the electric vehicle (EV).

Hyundai provided us with our first look at the Ioniq 6 and the Ioniq 6 N Line, in addition to giving us our first sneak peek at the high-performance Ioniq 6 N, which will no doubt share its powertrain with the raucous Ioniq 5 N.

The updated model gets an elongated hood with what Hyundai refers to as a “shark-nose” design at the front. That’s paired to new slim pixel DRLs that are separated from the headlights lower down on the front fascia. The look is meant to be modern and to highlight the width of the design, but has the effect of making the car look a little sleepy.

Lower down, the standard Ioniq 6 will be differentiated from the Ioniq 6 N Line thanks to a different chrome bumper and grille treatment. Whereas the standard model’s is a straight line, the higher trim model features vertical elements that are reminiscent of the air intakes on high-performance internal combustion vehicles.

The updates are more successful at the back, where widened pixel-style taillights that are also intended to make the EV look wider. The biggest change, though, is the replacement of the rear spoiler (which currently sits just below the rear window) with a “ducktail” aerodynamic element. The section is better integrated into the body and helps achieve a smoother silhouette.

That smoothness will apparently be disrupted by a big wing on the high-performance Hyundai Ioniq N, whose focus on high-speed driving will necessitate extra downforce. Orange design elements can also be seen highlighting the lower edge of the rear bumper. Frustratingly, Hyundai has not revealed any more information about the high-performance model, so we’ll have to wait until July to learn about the new model.

Inside, all models will benefit from a refreshed cabin. Hyundai said it was focused on making the user experience more intuitive and, to that end, has enlarged the climate control display and refined the centre console. It has also redesigned the steering wheel and the door trim to make them feel more premium.

Unfortunately, the automaker did not reveal any details about the updated Ioniq 6's powertrain at the Seoul Mobility Show, so it is unclear if improvements will be made to the electric motors or the battery pack with this refresh. It’s also important to note that the cars shown in these photos are for the Korean market, so some details may not make it onto Canadian roads, though the overall design changes will make their way here soon.