Hyundai has added to its Ioniq range of EVs with this, the Ioniq 9 SUV. Pitched as a seven-seat family car ‘designed to meet the needs of consumers who are hyper-connected but also value space, privacy and relaxation’, it is expected on sale over here in the middle of 2025.
Like the 5 and 6, the Ioniq 9 is built on the E-GMP architecture, for maximum interior space and super fast charging. All Ioniq 9s will get a chunky 110.3kWh battery, which in a best-case scenario can be replenished from 10-80 per cent in 24 minutes from a 350kW charger. There will be single and dual-motor versions available; the former will be 217hp and rear-wheel drive which, if it’s anything like the Kia equivalent, might be a tad feeble for five metres of SUV. There’s a standard dual motor, all-wheel drive variant, with that 217hp rear motor joined by a 95hp one up front, then a Performance that boasts double 217hp units. There’s no confirmation of an N yet, though it seems more than likely given the reception of the 5 and the rumours of an EV9 GT. For now, Hyundai reckons that a Performance will reach 62mph in 5.2 seconds and 124mph.
In the same way that Hyundai doesn’t shout too loud about acceleration stats for the single motor Ioniq 9 (0-62mph in 9.4 seconds), so there’s not range and efficiency for the dual-motor variant. A long-range, rear-drive model on the 19-inch wheels (this car is on 21s, so much smaller will look really tiny) will offer 385 miles of WLTP range, which Kia partly attributes to a 0.259Cd for the 9 when fitted with the digital side mirrors. Efficiency of 3.2mi/kWh for the rangiest model is being targeted.
Which isn’t anything exceptional, but then the Ioniq 9 is pretty massive by all accounts. The 5,060mm of length accommodates a 3,130mm wheelbase, it’s 1,980mm wide, and despite a ‘streamlined roofline’, still 1.8m tall. So nobody will want for space, at least, with Hyundai claiming that there’s 620 litres of boot even with all seven seats in place. Drop the sixth and seventh pews and that jumps to 1,323 litres. That’s in addition to a small bit of space in the frunk for both rear-drive and AWD models, plus storage dotted around the cabin including 5.6 litres in a centre console upper tray and 12.6 litres in its lower sliding tray. However much junk the family travels with, the Ioniq 9 will be able to contain it. Additional features inside include Swivelling Seats, so those behind the front row can travel like they’re in a cab, Dynamic Body Care that massages to stimulate blood flow (and reduce fatigue) on long journeys, plus the familiar Relaxation Seats for a snooze while charging.
Hyundai says that the 9’s ‘panoramic curved display, floating dashboard, slim air vents and ambient interior lighting further enhance the vehicle’s futuristic interior atmosphere.’ Interior ambience was one of the gripes of the Kia, because it felt a lot like a cheaper EV while costing much more, so hopefully that perceived quality will have improved this time around. Plenty looks familiar, including the pair of 12-inch screens, but some new materials and colours are nice to see. New features for the Ioniq 9 include 100W high-output USB-C ports in every single row for all the TikTokers in the family, a ‘refined’ EV Route Planner, Features on Demand that allows personalisation through the online shop, and even a UV-C steriliser to disinfect devices as required. They’ve really thought about the parents on this one. An optional Bose 14-speaker stereo ought to keep you entertained when everyone has their headphones in.
This Hyundai isn’t all just about family trips to Peppa Pig World, however. If unlikely to be as capable off-road as the forthcoming electric Range Rover, there’s an Auto Terrain Mode that’s AI-enhanced to recognise the surface and adjust the car as required; the Terrain Traction Control System is there for rougher surfaces. The Ioniq 9 will also be able to tow 2,500kg. Dynamic Torque Vectoring and lateral wind stability control (it’s a thing) ought to keep the 9 tracking straight and true whatever the scenario.
Finally, we must talk about the Ioniq’s design. Like the 5 and the 6, the SUV is notable for looking nothing like the Kias it shares parts with - or, really, anything else on the road. Hyundai describes the outside as ‘Aerosthetic’, bringing together ‘aerodynamic innovation and sophisticated, futuristic styling’. The LED pixel lights are a familiar feature from the other Ioniqs, and an attempt to see the least disturbance possible to the design means this Ioniq goes without a roof antenna, with all required functions contained in the glass and the instrument panel. The underside has also been designed for smoothest airflow possible, including an active air flap for the first time. The 9 will be available in 16 exterior colours, and there are six two-tone choices for the interior (as well as just black, if needed).
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said: "Ioniq 9 embodies Hyundai Motor's unwavering commitment and confidence in electrification. Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s acclaimed Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Ioniq 9 offers outstanding interior space, providing customers with unique value while solidifying our leadership in the global EV market.” Expect the Hyundai to be priced broadly in line with the Kia, which kicks off at £65k, when it arrives next year.
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