Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 Faces Major Facelift Amid Criticism, with New Front-End Redesign Coming

Ioniq 6 Design Criticism Prompts
Facelift Development News
Anticipated Changes in Rendering

The Hyundai Ioniq 6, a mid-size electric sedan, has faced slower-than-expected sales in South Korea, with only 4,042 units sold between January and October. Initially hailed as a futuristic model that would drive Hyundai’s electrification strategy, the Ioniq 6 has received ongoing criticism for its design, especially in its proportions and styling elements.

The car features aerodynamic curves intended to improve efficiency, but critics have pointed out that the balance between the front and rear design is less than harmonious. While the rear includes a straight tail light, the front features thick headlamps, and some have found the black high-gloss bumper line to be visually jarring.

Facelift Development Underway Following Design Criticism

In response to the criticism and sluggish sales, Hyundai has reportedly begun developing a facelift for the Ioniq 6, with plans to release the updated model in the first half of next year. This quick turnaround—just under three years since the model’s launch in July 2022—highlights the brand’s responsiveness to market feedback.

The facelifted Ioniq 6 will feature significant updates, particularly to the front end. A prototype spotted recently, heavily camouflaged, shows notable changes to the front design, sparking interest among consumers and industry analysts. A designer has released a virtual rendering based on these sightings, drawing attention to its potential improvements.

Design Updates: Split Headlights and Sportier Front

The new rendering suggests a more refined front end, replacing the previous single-unit setup with a split headlight design. The upper section features Hyundai’s signature seamless horizon lamp, while the lower section has horizontal headlamps. The front bumper has also been reworked to appear sportier, taking inspiration from the Sonata. A more pronounced bumper garnish and a horizontal air intake add a sense of aggression to the vehicle’s appearance.

The front fascia will also include a black high-gloss band running across, adding a touch of sophistication. The design remains largely unchanged on the sides, though a new side skirt garnish adds a sportier edge that aligns with Hyundai’s N series aesthetic.

Rear Design Tweaks and Enhanced Aerodynamics

The rear of the Ioniq 6 facelift features a large rear wing to enhance aerodynamic performance and a sleek impression. Looking at the rearview, the rendering created by South Korean new vehicle rendering specialist YouTuber New York Mammoth shows that some changes have been made while maintaining the existing design details. First, the horizontal tail lamps have been applied in the same way as the current model, and to harmonize with this, the vertical reflector has been changed to a horizontal one.

The guard frame placed with the reflector has also been changed horizontally. The garnish applied along the bumper line is also impressive. Although it is not a major change like the front, considerable design improvements are also expected in the rear. Attention is being paid to whether the design changes for the facelift of the Ioniq 6, expected to be launched in 2025, will allow it to attack the market.