Hyundai Ioniq 9: A New Giant in the Room

Hyundai has ambitious plans for the coming years, particularly in the premium segment, where it aims to make a strong impact on the global stage. The latest example of this bold vision is the Hyundai Ioniq 9, an all-electric luxury SUV that commands attention. Love it or hate it, you won’t be able to ignore it.

Bold Statements in Design and Ambition

The South Korean automaker continues to expand its reach with a lineup that caters to a wide range of customers. Fresh off the successful launch of the compact Hyundai Inster, which targets budget-conscious buyers, Hyundai has now unveiled its flagship model at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Ioniq 9 represents Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to electrification
Jaehoon Chang, Hyundai CEO

Built on our highly acclaimed E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 9 offers unparalleled interior space, delivering unique value to customers while reinforcing the leadership in the global EV market.

The 5.06-meter-long crossover features an imposing pixelated front, a bold side profile, and a distinctive pixel-inspired rear design that sets it apart. Despite sharing its E-GMP platform with the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 boasts a visionary design that’s entirely its own. It’s daring and polarizing, but its appeal goes beyond aesthetics. As a six- or seven-seater, it excels in practicality, offering vast interior space and a wealth of convenience features.

A Spacious, Thoughtful Interior

With a 3.13-meter wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 provides ample room in the first and second rows, and even the third row offers comfortable seating for adults. Luxurious touches like power-adjustable, rotatable, and ventilated seats enhance the experience, along with numerous storage options and USB ports for every passenger.

The six-seat configuration stands out for its comfort, featuring a versatile center console that slides nearly 20 centimeters in both directions for easier access. The console offers 5.6 liters of storage in the upper compartment and 12.6 liters below. Cargo space ranges from 338 to 908 liters, depending on the seat arrangement, with an additional 52 to 88 liters available in the front trunk (Frunk) for items like charging cables.

The cabin layout, with large driver-focused curved displays and tactile buttons for essential functions, feels modern and intuitive. Hyundai has taken inspiration from premium competitors while maintaining practicality and style.

Tailored Electric Performance

The Ioniq 9 is exclusively electric, but buyers have options when it comes to power, range, and drivetrain. All models feature a robust 110-kWh battery and a maximum charging speed of 260 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes using a 300- or 350-kW fast charger.

At the rear, a standard 160-kW motor (218 PS) with 350 Nm of torque ensures smooth, confident performance. The rear-wheel-drive models offer a range of up to 620 kilometers on a single charge, making it an ideal choice for long journeys.

For those seeking more power, all-wheel-drive versions are available. These include a 70-kW front motor for the Long Range variant or an additional 160-kW front motor for the Performance version, which delivers a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 5.2 seconds. Regardless of the configuration, all versions are electronically limited to a top speed of 200 km/h.

At launch, the Ioniq 9 will be offered with outputs of 218 PS (160 kW), 313 PS (230 kW), and a 435 PS (320 kW) flagship model. Pricing in Europe is expected to start around €60,000, with the U.S. and South Korea receiving the SUV in early 2024, followed by a European debut in summer 2024.

Verdict

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a bold statement of intent from the South Korean automaker. Combining innovative design, luxurious space, and cutting-edge electric technology, it’s poised to take on rivals like the Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes EQS SUV, and BMW iX. While its daring styling may not appeal to everyone, its practicality and range of options make it a serious contender in the growing electric luxury SUV market.