Hyundai has come a great distance from its early days as a budget-friendly carmaker. Over the previous decade, the Korean model has made severe strides in efficiency, with fashions just like the Elantra N and Ioniq 5 N proving it could actually go head-to-head with premium automakers. Hyundai’s push into efficiency isn’t taking place accidentally. A serious turning level got here in 2015, when the corporate employed Albert Biermann, a veteran BMW M Division engineer who had spent greater than three a long time serving to develop BMW’s M vehicles. Now, it appears like Hyundai is making ready to take one other step ahead with N Sport, a newly trademarked title that implies a efficiency lineup designed to rival BMW’s M Efficiency fashions.
On February 27, 2025, Hyundai filed a U.S. trademark utility for “N Sport”, protecting a spread of vehicle-related merchandise. Whereas automakers steadily trademark names with out utilizing them, this submitting stood out as a result of it included an emblem. The design intently resembles Hyundai’s present N Line badge, however with “Sport” written in italics on a grey background—indicating that that is greater than only a placeholder title.
If Hyundai follows the BMW M Efficiency method, the N Sport lineup would slot between base fashions and full-fledged N vehicles. Hyundai may additionally apply this method to its rising electrical lineup, creating an Ioniq 6 N Sport with gentle energy and chassis upgrades—simply as BMW has achieved with the i4 M50. Talking of the latter, the i4 M50 can be BMW M’s finest promoting automotive in 2024.
The BMW Blueprint: What Hyundai is Following
Hyundai isn’t making an attempt to reinvent the wheel right here. BMW has spent years perfecting the three-tier efficiency hierarchy that Hyundai now appears to be adopting. On the base degree, BMW presents M Sport packages, which add extra aggressive styling however don’t contact the engine. Then, there are M Efficiency fashions, which function actual mechanical upgrades—stronger engines, sportier suspension setups, and extra dynamic dealing with—whereas remaining snug sufficient for every day use. On the prime, BMW has its full M vehicles, designed for severe efficiency and monitor functionality. A few of the hottest M Efficiency fashions are the M340i, M340d (in Europe), M240i, X3 M40 and the aforementioned i4 M50.
The largest query for Hyundai is whether or not N Sport might be greater than only a badge. Some automakers, like Mercedes-Benz, have used their mid-level efficiency branding—just like the AMG 43 fashions—to ship actual mechanical upgrades, whereas others, like Audi with its S-Line trims, have principally caught to visible enhancements.
Biermann’s Affect
At Hyundai, Biermann was tasked with constructing a real efficiency division from scratch. Below his management, the N model was born, and the outcomes communicate for themselves. The i30 N and Elantra N gained over skeptics, proving that Hyundai may produce vehicles with sharp dealing with, participating driving dynamics, and track-worthy efficiency. The Kia Stinger, one other product of Biermann’s tenure, grew to become a stunning sports activities sedan rival to German choices.
Biermann finally grew to become Hyundai’s Head of R&D, shaping not simply the N division however your entire firm’s method to driving dynamics. Although he retired from his government position in 2021, he continues to work as an advisor for Hyundai, guaranteeing that his performance-driven philosophy stays a part of the model’s DNA. For now, Hyundai hasn’t formally confirmed any plans for N Sport, and a trademark submitting doesn’t assure manufacturing. [Source: CarMoses]
