The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has gone under the knife – and it's back with split headlights as the new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6, new buttons and a design that won't appeal to everyone. But is that enough for a new chapter for this electric sedan?
Although Hyundai Ioniq 6 The 2026 still looks like something you could easily drive around a futuristic version of Seoul in 2090, so it's clearly time for a facelift. A three-year period in the automotive world means one thing: a facelift. But this one isn't exactly classic. In the style of modern fashion mistakes (read: high white socks with sandals), the Koreans have given it split headlights – an upper strip of LED daytime running lights and a main beam hidden in a dark bumper. Futuristic? Yes. Beautiful? We'll leave that up to you.
The new Ioniq 6 was introduced at Seoul Mobility Show 2025, where Hyundai also revealed a more aggressive N Line version, with new bumpers, two-tone paintwork and a rear that has said goodbye to the former dual spoiler "mess" and now opts for a more tidy ducktail solution. Is less more? This time, it probably is.
And if you noticed the muscular curves and the hefty rear spoiler in the background of the official photos – yes, too Ioniq 6 N already lurking behind the curtain, waiting for his moment of glory in July 2025.
More buttons, fewer touches – finally someone is listening
When it comes to the interior, Hyundai is going back to basics – literally. After users expressed widespread discomfort with the completely digitalized screens without physical switches, the brand decided: more buttonsAnd indeed – the new center console has more “hard keys” than ever before, located to the left of the cup holders and below the wireless charging pad.
Similar to the refurbished Ioniq 5, which also got analog controls last year, is now also Ioniq 6 is trying to be more accessible – not just digitally, but also physically. Turning on the air conditioner without thinking? Possible again!
In addition, there are new screens for camera side mirrors (for the Korean market, of course), a slightly larger climate control screen and a completely new three-spoke steering wheelInside, Hyundai is said to have used higher-quality materials, although we haven't been able to test whether that means "soft to the touch" or just "less plastic with a 90s look."
Technical specifications? Not yet… but logic says a lot
Hyundai hasn't revealed any figures regarding powertrains, batteries or range. But considering that it's a refreshment, not a revolution, we can expect the new version of the Ioniq 6 to inherit technical upgrades from its sibling Ioniq 5.
So:
- Battery with a capacity of up to 84 kWh,
- fast charging with power up to 350 kW (charged to 80 % in less than 20 minutes),
- range of around 614 km (381 miles) according to WLTP,
- rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (AWD) from to 325 hp (239 kW) and 605 Nm of torque.
Of course, it is expected that the version Ioniq 6 N exceeded this with numbers close to those offered by Ioniq 5 N – so 650+ horses, drift mode and a digital exhaust that you either love or hate.
Conclusion: Sometimes there is only a thin line between the future and reality… of light
The new Hyundai Ioniq 6 2026 is like someone who was always a little “different” and now decided to emphasize it even more. Headlights hidden in the bumper? Two-tone bodywork? New buttons? It’s as if Hyundai is searching for its identity between a desire for futurism and a recognition that users still want something familiar.
From an aesthetic point of view, the redesign divides opinion – some will like “more character”, others will miss the original elegance. Inside, there’s no doubt: more physical controls mean more functionality. This is a good step forward.
Technically, it will probably stay where it was – or maybe take a small step forward. But more will be known in the summer, when the Ioniq 6 N is revealed.
As for the price? If it follows the current price range, we expect the base version to be between 47,000 and 55,000 euros, while the N version will definitely go over 70,000 euros.
While it may not be the biggest automotive evolution, the 2026 Ioniq 6 is certainly an interesting episode in the story of electric mobility – with a touch of drama and a lot of design audacity. Whether the market will accept it, we will see before the end of the year.
What do you think – would you drive it? Or did the facelift ruin your futuristic fantasy?
