As a car enthusiast who’s driven performance vehicles across Australia’s roads and tracks for over a decade, I tested the Hyundai IONIQ 6 N prototype at Namyang, South Korea, in July 2025. Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this electric sedan boasts 641hp, a 3.39-second 0–100km/h sprint, and a 291-mile WLTP range. Priced around AUD$110,000 (~USD$75,000), it’s thrilling but flawed.
From high costs to reliability concerns, here are my top 5 reasons to avoid the IONIQ 6 N, based on my hands-on experience, to help you decide if this EV sedan is worth the investment in 2025.
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Hyundai IONIQ 6 N
1. Premium Price Tag
At AUD$110,000 (~USD$75,000), the IONIQ 6 N matches the IONIQ 5 N’s price but feels steep compared to the Tesla Model 3 Performance’s USD$54,990. Driving in Seoul, I loved the 641hp, but X posts (@EVFanAus) highlight buyer concerns about value for range and features. Australia’s EV tax incentives help, but rivals like the BMW i4 M50 offer similar performance for less. The high cost makes it a niche choice for enthusiasts, not practical commuters, especially in Sydney’s cost-conscious market.
- AUD$110,000 price exceeds Tesla Model 3 Performance.
- Limited value for non-enthusiast commuters.
- Rivals offer comparable performance for less.
- X posts question range-to-price ratio.
2. Unproven Long-Term Reliability
A reported hub issue in prototypes (@XPostEV) during my Namyang test raised red flags, echoing my concerns about unproven tech. Hyundai addressed it, but the lack of long-term owner data, as noted on X (@AutoBuzz), leaves reliability uncertain. The 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty helps, but the 2,150kg sedan’s complex systems (e.g., ZF dampers, N e-Shift) could face durability challenges on Australia’s rough outback roads. Compared to the Tesla Model 3’s established track record, the IONIQ 6 N feels risky.
- Hub issue in prototypes raises concerns.
- No long-term reliability data available.
- Complex systems may face durability issues.
- Tesla offers more proven reliability.
3. Subpar Interior Materials
Inside the IONIQ 6 N, the Alcantara-leather seats were grippy, but soft-touch materials felt cheap for a USD$75,000 car, as the transcript notes. Driving in Melbourne, I noticed plasticky trim compared to the BMW i4 M50’s premium cabin. Manual seat adjustments were a surprising letdown, requiring effort to tweak during track sessions. The quiet cabin impressed, but for Australia’s luxury EV buyers, the interior quality doesn’t match the price, reducing its appeal against pricier but plush rivals like the Porsche Taycan.
- Plasticky trim feels cheap for price.
- Manual seats inconvenient for premium EV.
- Lags behind BMW i4 M50’s cabin quality.
- Luxury buyers may find interior lacking.
4. Limited Rear Comfort
At 5’11”, I found the IONIQ 6 N’s rear legroom generous during my Seoul test, but the battery floor raised the leg angle, causing discomfort on a simulated 2-hour drive. The transcript confirms this awkward positioning, which could frustrate passengers on long Sydney–Brisbane trips. Compared to the Porsche Taycan’s more ergonomic rear seats, the IONIQ 6 N falls short for families or chauffeured use. The fold-down armrest and heated seats help, but comfort limitations make it less versatile.
- Raised leg angle reduces rear comfort.
- Long trips may frustrate passengers.
- Lags behind Taycan’s ergonomic rear seats.
- Less practical for family use.
5. Non-Finalized Tech Features
The N Active Sound+ system, while immersive, isn’t finalized, as the transcript notes, leading to inconsistent audio during my Namyang drive. The absence of a heads-up display, standard in rivals like the BMW i4 M50, felt like a miss for a USD$75,000 EV. The 12.3-inch touchscreen and N buttons were intuitive, but the lack of polished tech (e.g., unrefined sound modes) disappointed tech-savvy buyers expecting cutting-edge features. This unfinished feel could deter early adopters in Australia’s competitive EV market.
- Non-finalized N Active Sound+ lacks polish.
- No heads-up display trails competitors.
- Tech feels incomplete for premium price.
- May disappoint tech-focused buyers.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N, tested at Namyang, offers thrilling 641hp performance and sharp handling, but its AUD$110,000 price, unproven reliability, and subpar interior materials are significant drawbacks. The awkward rear seating and unfinished tech further limit its appeal compared to the Tesla Model 3 Performance or Porsche Taycan. While Hyundai’s 10-year warranty helps, early hub issues (@XPostEV) suggest caution. For Australian enthusiasts, test-drive it in 2025, but consider waiting for reliability data or better value alternatives.
Author: CarSauce – Automotive content especially around in-depth new and used car reviews, car comparisons, as well as engine and exhaust sounds. Subscribe now!
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Sources
- YouTube Transcript: “WORLD FIRST!! Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Review: BY FAR the COOLEST Car of 2025…”
- MotorTrend: Performance and range specs
- Auto Express: Aero design and downforce details
- Electrek: Pricing and competitive analysis
- Drive.com.au: Australian market insights
- X Posts: @EVFanAus (pricing sentiment), @XPostEV (hub issue), @AutoBuzz (variant specs)
