Hyundai has lifted the veil on its latest electric vehicle, the IONIQ 9. It’s a spacious three-row-seat SUV, boasting a new design philosophy while showcasing the company’s latest EV technology. It was revealed at the iconic Goldstein House in Los Angeles.
The IONIQ 9 joins Hyundai’s ever-growing electric vehicle family, following the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, both recipients of World Car of the Year accolades in 2022 and 2023, respectively. With the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai model at 3130 mm, the IONIQ 9 prioritises interior space while maintaining an aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient as low as just 0.259Cd.
Built on the E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 9 offers seating for up to seven passengers, with innovative features like Relaxation Seats that fully recline and swivelling seats for face-to-face configurations in the second and third rows. With the third row folded, the 9 boasts 1323 litres of cargo space, complemented by a front boot offering up to 88L in RWD models.
Hyundai has incorporated sustainable materials throughout, including recycled fabrics, bio paint, and even paint derived from tyre waste. A panoramic curved display and ambient lighting add a futuristic feel to the cabin, enhancing the vehicle’s premium vibe.
Three variants are being presented, including a 160kW RWD single-motor, a 230kW AWD dual-motor, and a 320kW Performance AWD version. Range figures haven’t been confirmed as yet, except for the RWD version which is projected at 620km.
In terms of acceleration across 0-100km/h, the entry RWD takes a claimed 9.4 seconds, and then down to 6.7 seconds for the AWD, and just 5.2 seconds for the Performance AWD.
Charging the 110.3kWh battery from 10-80 per cents takes just 24 minutes with a 350kW fast charger, while features like vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and over-the-air updates add convenience and future-proofing.
Set to launch in Korea and the USA in early 2025, with global markets to follow, the IONIQ 9 is positioned as a flagship model in Hyundai’s EV lineup. It also aligns with its goal of offering a full lineup of 23 EVs by 2030.
