Hyundai has dropped strong hints that a Hyundai IONIQ 3 N is in development, following the debut of the Concept Three at the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich. The concept car, which previews the upcoming IONIQ 3 hatchback, contains several sporty design cues that suggest a high-performance N-branded version is on the horizon.
Concept Three Previews the IONIQ 3’s Future
Speaking at the Munich show, Hyundai’s European boss Xavier Martinet hinted at the performance potential of the compact EV:
“The concept is quite sporty, and obviously you have heritage with N brand. I think it’s a fair topic to consider.”
The IONIQ 3 hatchback, due for production next summer, is expected to bring a smaller, more affordable EV to Hyundai’s all-electric lineup. But the Concept Three’s design features—including flared wheelarches and a wider stance—are clear nods to the treatment given to the IONIQ 5 N, suggesting Hyundai is already preparing for an N-tuned variant.
A Hot Hatch for the EV Era
Hyundai executives acknowledged the importance of the hot hatchback market in Europe. Martinet posed the key question:
“The question is always if there is customer demand? Is there a market? How do you make your car the one that customers want to buy? Generating its emotions is fundamental.”
That emotional appeal will be critical as EVs often face criticism for lacking the visceral excitement of petrol-powered hot hatches. To address this, the Concept Three features a unique speaker system disguised as twin exhausts, designed to deliver an “emotive experience through sound,” according to Eduardo Ramirez, Hyundai Design Europe’s chief designer.
Not Officially “N” Yet—but Strong Potential
While Hyundai has not officially confirmed the IONIQ 3 N, head of design Simon Loasby admitted that the discussion is active inside the company:
“We’re not calling it N, it’s not approved yet. But I think everyone in the company is realising what Europe needs, and that’s compact hot hatches, so it’s a topic for discussion.”
