Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUV is big on space
Ioniq 9 Revealed
Hyundai has revealed the Ioniq 9, a three-row, all-electric SUV with expansive interior space to rival the Range Rover.
The unveiling took place at Goldstein House in Los Angeles as Hyundai looks to build on the critical success of both the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 in recent years. The Ioniq 9 is the largest vehicle the South Korean brand has ever built and will join the Kia EV9 in the luxury electric SUV market.
New Spacious Interior
The Ioniq 9’s spaciousness is its main selling point, boasting 1,899mm of headroom, 2,050mm of legroom and a panoramic roof. Three rows of seating, along with a flat floor, will create “a lounge-like atmosphere” for up to seven people, while Relaxation seats (with massage function) in the first and second rows are able to fully recline and offer four people the ability to chill while the Ioniq 9 charges.
Second-row Swiveling seats are also introduced to the Ioniq 9, allowing the second and third-row passengers to face each other when the vehicle is stationary.
Luggage Space
The boot can accommodate up to 1,323 litres of luggage space with the third row of seats folded flat. If carrying the maximum amount of passengers, that amount is reduced to 620 litres. However, for a little extra space, look to the front of the Ioniq 9, which offers 88 litres of room for RWD models and 52 litres for AWD models.
Sustainable Materials
Hyundai has tried to be as environmentally friendly as possible, using Eco Process Leather, Recycled PET Fabric, Wool Fabric, Bio TPO/PU Skin, Bio PET/SUEDE Fabric, and Bio Paint when kitting out the interior. Paint made from recycled tyre waste is also used on the vehicle.
Interior Technology
The IONIQ 9’s cockpit contains two side-by-side 12-inch screens and wireless charging, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and AI voice assist. Ambient interior lighting adds to the comforting atmosphere, while Hyundai’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems improve safety.
In selected markets, Digital Side Mirrors replace traditional glass mirrors and display a side-rear view on a seven-inch OLED monitor. It aims to provide a safe wide-angle vision even in difficult conditions.
Exterior Styling
The Ioniq 9 has the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai at 3,130mm. A smooth, curved roofline with aero efficiency high on the agenda characterises the silhouette. This is achieved by a new dual-motion active air flap system applied on a Hyundai for the first time. The front-end design features Parametric Pixels integrated into the LED light units and lower fascia, while the rear is reminiscent of a boat tail and contains cube projection headlights.
To keep up with the minimalist design, this is also the first Hyundai model to eliminate the roof antenna, using the windshield cover for GPS and satellite, the instrument panel for connected car services and the rear glass for digital multimedia.
Wheel Options
There is a wide range of options for the Ioniq 9 to sit on, including standard 19-inch, 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The top-of-the-range 21-inch Calligraphy design wheels allow customers to customise their purchase with finer detail.
Colour Choices
The electric SUV comes with a choice of 16 exterior colours. These include new colours like Celadon Gray Matte, Celadon Gray Metallic, Ionosphere Green Pearl, Sunset Brown Pearl and Cosmic Blue Pearl. Old Hyundai colours Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Cyber Gray Metallic, Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Nocturne Gray Matte/Metallic, Gravity Gold Matte, Ultimate Red Metallic, and Biophilic Blue Pearl return for use.
Inside, Obsidian Black can be used for the interior trim, while there are six unique two tone options as further choices.
Powertrain Options
Three powertrain options will be available from launch.
A 215bhp, RWD Long-Range version offering 385 miles on a full charge, a 308bhp dual-motor variant with 320 miles and the range-topping AWD Performance, with 429bhp and 311 miles. Using a 350 kW charger will get 10-80% charge on the 110.3 kWh battery pack done in around 24 minutes in favourable conditions.
In terms of acceleration, 0-62 in the RWD version takes 9.4 seconds, with the dual motor taking 6.7 seconds and the AWD variant quickest at 5.2 seconds. All have a top speed of 124mph.
For those looking to tow, European Ioniq 9 models will manage up to 2,500 kg, while North American models have a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Price and Release
The Ioniq 9 will go on sale in South Korea and the USA in the first half of 2025, before hitting Europe and other markets at a later date. Prices and other details will be confirmed closer to specific market launches, although expect it to be similar to the £65,000 starting price that the Kia EV9 commands.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Hyundai