Hyundai Ioniq 6 Axed in US, But 641-HP N Version Survives

Hyundai is dropping the standard Ioniq 6 in the United States starting in 2026, but will keep the 641-horsepower N version. In Europe, the sedan remains on sale with discounts of up to €9,700 to battle the Tesla Model 3 and the BYD Seal 07, which is shaking up the Chinese market.

"In just 4 minutes and 51 seconds, the BYD Seal 07 goes from 10% to 70% battery, adding 422 km of range" — BYD during a charging test in Shenzhen

Hyundai's electric sedan is living its final hours across the Atlantic. After just three years on the market, Hyundai confirms the end of the standard Ioniq 6 in the United States for the 2026 model year. The only exception: the arrival of the beefed-up Ioniq 6 N variant with its 641 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.

Plummeting Sales Sound the Death Knell

The numbers speak for themselves. Hyundai sold only 300 units of the Ioniq 6 in February 2026, compared to over 1,000 units during the same period the previous year. A nosedive that contrasts with the performance of the Ioniq 5 (3,200 sales) and the Ioniq 9 (505 units sold despite the end of the federal tax credit).

"The unconventional styling of the Ioniq 6 didn't resonate with American buyers like our electric SUVs did," a Hyundai spokesperson explained to The Drive. The sedan, assembled in South Korea unlike the Ioniq 5 which is produced in Georgia, is taking the full brunt of the 25% import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Is the Ioniq 6 N the Last Hope?

Hyundai is betting everything on the N version to maintain a presence in the segment. With 641 horsepower and sports car performance, this high-performance variant will arrive "later this year" according to the brand. A risky bet on a niche market, but one that preserves the technological image of the electric lineup.

The EV6 GT from Kia, a technical cousin of the Ioniq 6, is meeting the same fate. The sporty SUV will also not return for 2026, leaving the field open to the standard versions assembled in Georgia.

In Europe, the Battle Rages On

Paradoxically, Europe is seeing the arrival of the facelifted Ioniq 6 with a massive pricing offensive. In Spain, the sedan benefits from a €9,700 discount, bringing its starting price down to around €35,850. An aggressive strategy to counter the Tesla Model 3, which starts around €42,000.

The 2026 facelift brings slimmer headlights, a revised interior, and a range pushed up to 680 km WLTP. Five trims are offered, from Light up to N Line X, with batteries of 63 kWh and 84 kWh.

BYD Strikes Hard with the Seal 07

While Hyundai fights to maintain its position, BYD unveils its new weapon: the Seal 07. This Chinese electric sedan boasts staggering charging performance thanks to its 2nd-generation Blade battery compatible with 1,500 kW "Flash" chargers.

What's the Price for the Seal 07?

In China, the BYD Seal 07 starts at 169,900 yuan (approx. €20,400), which is €8,000 less than a base Tesla Model 3. With 705 km of CLTC range (approx. 550 km WLTP), it puts enormous pressure on the competition.

The charging test published by BYD is impressive: from 10% to 70% in 4 minutes 51 seconds, gaining 422 km of range. To reach 97%, you have to wait 8 minutes 44 sec.