2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric car facelift revealed with overhauled design

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Hyundai has addressed criticism of the styling of its Ioniq 6 electric sedan with a comprehensive mid-life ‘facelift’ due in Australia in the second half of this year.

In the meantime, Hyundai is offering discounts on the current Ioniq 6 of up to $20,000 to help clear stock up to two years old, after a 40 per cent sales decline last year.

The 2026 Ioniq 6 leaves its body structure unchanged – referred to as a ‘streamliner’, intended to minimise drag and boost driving range – but adds restyled front and rear ends for a “more refined” look.

Interior technology has been updated with Hyundai’s latest infotainment software, while there is an N Line variant on offer for the first time.

Due to be revealed this July – and likely for Australia next year – is the flagship Ioniq 6 N, expected to push performance beyond that of the current 478kW dual-motor Ioniq 5 N.

Prices for Australia are due to be announced closer to launch, but it’s expected single- and dual-motor models will remain.

Styling changes for the facelifted Ioniq 6 focus on the front fascia, with a higher bonnet, more angular bumper, and LED headlights that are now split, the daytime-running lights set high and the main beams placed lower down.

The black finish on the side skirts has been extended up onto the doors, while at the rear – of which no clear photos have been released – the upper ‘whale tail’ spoiler has been deleted, and the lower ‘ducktail’ lip has been made larger to compensate.

There’s also a new rear bumper with chrome accents, and restyled wheel designs.

Unique to the N Line are sportier front and rear bumpers inspired by 2022’s RN22e concept, ‘single-line’ sports side skirts, a different wheel design, black highlights at the rear, and a “two-dimensional Parametric Pixel lamp design”.

Inside, changes include a new steering wheel with four LED lights in its hub, a larger climate-control touch display, and a “refined” centre console with physical buttons for heated seats and a repositioned wireless phone charger.

There are also “enhanced door trim materials for a more premium feel”, according to Hyundai.

Among the key changes is the addition of Hyundai’s more recent ccNC infotainment software – running on carry-over dual 12.3-inch screens – expected to unlock wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Yet to be detailed by Hyundai are any mechanical changes, but it is likely the Ioniq 6 will inherit the larger 84kWh Extended Range battery of the recently-facelifted Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, up from 77.4kWh.

Given it helped boost the Ioniq 5’s driving range by up to 12 per cent with rear-wheel drive – from 507km to 570km – it could push the most energy-efficient Ioniq 6 from 614km to 690km in European WLTP testing.

It’s unclear if the Ioniq 6 will gain the Ioniq 5’s 63kWh Standard Range battery, given the outgoing sedan’s entry-level 53kWh pack was smaller than its equivalent in the pre-facelift Ioniq 5 (58kWh).

Electric motor outputs are expected to remain unchanged, if the Ioniq 5 is a guide.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of this year, pending any delays.

Hyundai has confirmed plans for a high-performance Ioniq 6 N (below, in the background) – following much speculation and spy photos of prototypes overseas – which is expected to reach Australia next year.

VFACTS industry data reports 374 Ioniq 6 sedans as sold last year, down 40 per cent on the 623 listed in its first year of deliveries, 2023.

About 18 months ago, Hyundai Australia set a target of 2000 deliveries of Ioniq-badged electric vehicles in 2023, doubling to 4000 in 2024, and 8000 in 2025.

However, it only recorded 1570 deliveries in 2023, and 1307 in 2024 – in a market that saw sales of non-Tesla electric cars grow by 29 per cent last year.

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