How far Hyundai has come in the last decade is astonishing. The Korean behemoth is now entering the upper echelons of the car industry with the Ioniq 9, a properly premium three-row electric SUV that will have the big European brands worried. The world will have to wait until 2025 to see the Hyundai Ioniq 9 on the roads, but the halo car is still one of the first large BEVs with VIP credentials.
Sleek Looks Also Reduce Drag
Not only does the Ioniq 9 look futuristic but there are elements of the design that increase efficiency. There is some underfloor trickery, including active flaps, while the visible features are the sloping roofline and the optional digital mirrors. With this option, there is a drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd.
Enough with the science side of the flagship’s appearance. The front features slender lights and is reminiscent of the new Santa Fe. There are Parametric Pixels in the LED lights and lower fascia, in line with other luxury brands using light wizardry like Audi. The side view emphasises how chunky the Ioniq 9 is, as the high, bulging arches will give it a menacing road presence. The rear contrasts the front, with a more retro design with wrap-around LEDs.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 will be available with wheels ranging in size from 19 inches to 21 inches, with 16 exterior colours on offer.
Space and Configurations for Days
There’s no shortage of room in the back of the new Ioniq, thanks to Hyundai’s longest-ever wheelbase of 3,130 mm. There is room for up to seven, with 1,899 mm of headroom and 2,050 mm of legroom, when the second and third rows are combined. The front four seats can recline, while the second row can swivel, creating a living room within the car.
The slidable Universal Island 2.0 console can be moved by up to 190mm, adding convenience to passengers in the first and second rows. The boot can fit up to 620 litres of luggage with the third row in place, or up to a gargantuan 1,323 litres with it folded down.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 uses sustainable materials such as Eco Process Leather, Recycled PET Fabric and Wool Fabric. There is also independent climate control for the front and rear, USB-C ports for all passengers and the option of a panoramic sunroof.
Up front, the infotainment system features two 12-inch screens on a floating dashboard. Ambient lighting hints at the technology included, while the e-Active Sound Design plays a virtual sound during driving.
Power or Practicality? Take Your Pick
The Ioniq 9 features a giant 110.3 kWh battery. All models feature a 160kW motor at the rear, with the Long-Range AWD getting a 70kW front motor and the Performance AWD receiving another 160kW motor.
The Long-Range RWD is the model to go for if you want the most range, with 385 miles possible. If speed is more your thing, the Performance model can accelerate to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds. The most efficient model completes it in a much more sedate 9.4 seconds.
Versatility is Not a Problem
The Chassis Domain Control Unit includes dynamic torque vectoring and lateral wind stability control. The Ioniq 9 also features a Terrain Traction Control System, while AI is used to recognise the surface and select the right driving mode accordingly.
The new large SUV also offers something few are likely to use: fantastic towing provisions. It can tow up to 2,500kg, and in trailer mode, it detects the trailer’s weight and adjusts the predicted range. This mode uses a fixed 50:50 front-to-rear motor torque distribution ratio to optimise performance.
