Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai Ioniq 6 gets dramatic new look as part of 2025 facelift

Hyundai’s eccentric Ioniq 6 ‘streamliner’ electric saloon has leapfrogged the Ioniq 5 to be given a substantial update

Hyundai has revealed an early facelift for the Ioniq 6 saloon, bringing with it a dramatic new design that should help the car find a wider customer base. Revealed at the 2025 Seoul Mobility show, the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been shown in two forms – base and the sporty N Line – with the latter previewing the long-awaited Ioniq 6 N that will share many of the same design elements. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The changes start with a totally new front end that replaces the previously rounded headlamps with a new set-up of slim daytime running lights in their own housing, with the main headlamps hidden away in a gloss-black lower bumper. This doesn’t just make the latest Ioniq 6 look a little sleeker, but gives the bonnet a sharper edge and a more aggressive face.

From here, the base car features a subtle opening that’s much cleaner than the previous model, integrating active aero shutters and a contrasting silver lip. This is matched to fresh wheel designs, which have a more aero-focused design, and new lower skirts in a contrasting grey colour, rather than the high silver of some previous versions. 

Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift - rear action

The N-Line takes a more aggressive approach, with silver pinstriping along the car’s sills and front splitter, plus a set of contrasting upward-angled fins that are similar to those found on the Ioniq 5 N. Hyundai has also fitted gloss-black lower sections on the front and rear doors, plus another new wheel design. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Something else missing is the Ioniq 6’s controversial upper spoiler, which has been replaced with a larger single ducktail mounted above the rear light bar. Hyundai says this has been done to streamline the car’s design and give it a cleaner look from the rear. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

N-Line models should also incorporate a new rear end that swaps out the standard car’s ice cube tray-like rear lights for a gloss-black bar with fewer lighting points. The previous version’s clear ducktail spoiler and third brake light arrangement has been retained, but this isn’t likely to be shared with the full-fat N; that model will probably pick up a stacked rear wing to improve high-speed stability instead.

Hyundai has also subtly updated the car’s interior with new colour and trim options. The former car’s twin 12.3-inch display set-up has been retained, with the optional inclusion of side-view cameras in place of mirrors. Hyundai hasn’t given up on physical controls for the air-conditioning and heater controls.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift - dash

Hyundai has also shown off some interior pictures that reveal a new dashboard with a plush-finished passenger side. The former car’s twin 12.3-inch display set-up will be retained, only this time all Ioniq 6 models will feature side-view cameras in place of mirrors, which have been more deftly integrated into the main infotainment housing. Hyundai hasn’t given up on physical controls for the air-conditioning and heater controls, and there’s a new centre console that’s now separated from the main dash. 

There are no specifics regarding the powertrains yet, but we suspect these won’t be dramatically changed compared with the current model. Expect a range of two battery sizes and single or dual-motor layouts, not including the incoming 6 N. Range should remain roughly the same as before, if not improved thanks to the slick new front end, with the most efficient long-range single-motor variants reaching up to 338 miles from a 77.4kWh battery pack.

UK prices and specifications are still to be confirmed, because the new Ioniq 6 still has a few months to go before it will be put into series production and available to order in the UK and Europe. When it does, it will have a tough range of rivals to compete with. 

BUY A NEW HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 NOW

Click here for our list of the longest-range electric cars...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior staff writer

Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Most aerodynamic cars: the sleek, slippery new cars with the lowest drag
Most aerodynamic cars - header

Most aerodynamic cars: the sleek, slippery new cars with the lowest drag

Car efficiency is right in the spotlight but there’s more to achieving it than a high-tech powertrain. Good-old aerodynamics are also key, with some c…
Best cars & vans
5 Apr 2025
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N will be the company’s first ‘virtual sports car’
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N teaser

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N will be the company’s first ‘virtual sports car’

The upcoming hot saloon will use, and diversify, N’s high-performance technology
News
3 Apr 2025
Electric company car megatest: Tesla, BMW, Polestar, Hyundai and BYD head-to-head
Electric company car megatest - header

Electric company car megatest: Tesla, BMW, Polestar, Hyundai and BYD head-to-head

Drivers are spoiled for choice in the flourishing EV company car market, but which of our six rivals does the business?
Car group tests
3 Feb 2025
Tesla Model 3 alternatives: Six sleek electric cars you could buy instead
Tesla Model 3 alternatives - header image

Tesla Model 3 alternatives: Six sleek electric cars you could buy instead

Bored of seeing Tesla Model 3s everywhere? Sickened by Elon Musk’s antics? Here are the best new and used EV alternatives
Best cars & vans
28 Jan 2025

Most Popular

SEAT’s future unclear as brand held in limbo
SEAT Ibiza - front cornering

SEAT’s future unclear as brand held in limbo

Delayed model launches and unprofitable electric plans leave SEAT’s next steps uncertain
News
3 Apr 2025
Secrets of the new Audi Q2 e-tron uncovered: £35k EV SUV coming soon
Audi Q2 render (Avarvarii)

Secrets of the new Audi Q2 e-tron uncovered: £35k EV SUV coming soon

After announcing it would ditch A1 and Q2, German brand is focusing on new electric baby SUV
News
4 Apr 2025
New Honda Prelude fully revealed as iconic coupe prepares for return in 2026
New Honda Prelude - front 3/4

New Honda Prelude fully revealed as iconic coupe prepares for return in 2026

Sixth-generation Prelude will be the first car to get Honda’s new S Shift technology
News
3 Apr 2025