Once viewed as an underdog in the automotive world, Hyundai has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past two decades—and it shows no signs of slowing down. Now, it appears the Korean automaker is preparing to expand its performance offerings even further, taking a page directly from BMW’s playbook. A recent discovery revealed that Hyundai has filed a trademark for the name “N Sport” at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, suggesting a new model line is on the horizon—positioned between everyday variants and high-performance N models like the Ioniq 5 N.
For those unfamiliar, Hyundai currently offers N-Line packages across several models, mirroring what brands like Mercedes-Benz (AMG Line), Audi (S-Line), and BMW (M Sport) already provide. These trims typically focus on sportier styling cues, borrowing design elements from full-fledged performance cars without making major mechanical changes. Think aggressive bumpers, unique wheels, and subtle interior tweaks.
Occasionally, these packages go a bit further with minor upgrades to the suspension or steering, but the core formula remains: offer a sporty appearance and badge appeal without sacrificing daily drivability or drastically increasing costs.
So What Could “N Sport” Be?
The filing of “N Sport” hints at two likely possibilities:
- Replacement of N-Line – Hyundai could rebrand its current N-Line trims under the N Sport badge.
- A New Middle Tier – More intriguingly, N Sport could sit above N-Line but below full N models, filling a similar space as BMW’s M Performance models (like the M340i or X3 M40i) and Audi’s S models (S3, S5, etc.). These are cars with genuine performance enhancements, such as upgraded engines, brakes, and suspensions, without going all the way to the track-ready extremes of top-tier models.
If Hyundai follows this route, expect N Sport vehicles to offer meaningful dynamic improvements, bridging the gap between style-focused trims and full N cars. This move would broaden Hyundai’s performance portfolio and offer something for drivers wanting a taste of N without committing to its full intensity.
This trademark comes at a time when Hyundai is pushing deeper into the performance space. Earlier this year, the brand teamed up with Drift King Keiichi Tsuchiya to create a special edition Ioniq 5 N, which featured notable upgrades such as:
- Six-piston N Performance brake calipers
- Forged wheels
- H&R suspension
Elsewhere in the Hyundai family, Kia is gearing up to challenge Volkswagen with its own hot models like the upcoming PV5, while Genesis is preparing to debut a hypercar as it eyes entry into endurance racing. This is no longer the conservative Hyundai of old; it’s a brand with serious performance aspirations.
While full-blown performance cars grab headlines, it’s often these mid-tier performance models and appearance packages that quietly drive profits. By introducing a potential N Sport lineup, Hyundai would be tapping into a lucrative market of buyers who want more excitement than a base model but don’t need the extremity (or price tag) of a full N car.
As Hyundai’s reputation for innovation and performance grows, it’s almost ironic: today, even Lamborghini has looked to Hyundai for inspiration—a remarkable shift from the brand that once “copied the homework” of others. Now, Hyundai is writing its own rules and, in doing so, redefining what a mainstream automaker can achieve.
