Hyundai N to Launch Rear-Wheel-Drive ICE Hybrid, Targets 100,000 Annual Global Sales by 2030

At its "2026 CEO Investor Day" event, Hyundai unveiled the market strategy for its high-performance N brand, announcing plans to launch an all-new rear-wheel-drive N model. Unlike the all-electric IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N, this new vehicle is expected to feature a hybrid powertrain combining an internal combustion engine, electric motor, and battery. The specific configuration—whether mild hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or full hybrid (HEV)—has not yet been disclosed, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant is also planned. Hyundai aims to achieve global annual sales of 100,000 units for the N lineup by 2030. In addition to this new rear-wheel-drive model, the company will introduce six other new N vehicles equipped with various powertrain configurations. Furthermore, Hyundai will launch a new trim level positioned between the full N and N Line variants, named “High-Volume Performance.” This new offering will inherit N’s high-performance powertrains and enhanced performance components, targeting rivals such as the BMW M340i and Audi S5. Sales data shows that in 2025, hardcore N models sold approximately 20,000 units, while N Line variants reached 161,000 units. Hyundai believes there is significant market potential for products positioned between these two segments. Among the upcoming new models, the i20 N is expected to debut first. The third-generation i20 has transitioned to an SUV form, and the i20 N will follow suit. It is anticipated to be powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system, delivering improved performance over the previous generation’s purely internal combustion-powered version. This hybrid system is optimized primarily for driving dynamics rather than fuel efficiency.