Hyundai has officially revealed the much-anticipated Hyundai Ioniq 9, an electric vehicle (EV) that sets new benchmarks for the brand and expands its electric vehicle portfolio above the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. As Hyundai’s flagship offering, the Ioniq 9 is a bold move towards achieving a more sustainable future while offering cutting-edge features and top-tier performance. With a claimed range of up to 620 km, the Ioniq 9 promises to revolutionize the way we perceive electric SUVs. This article will take a closer look at the Ioniq 9’s exterior design, interior features, battery and motor specifications, performance, and price range, along with its competition in the EV market.
Ioniq 9: Hyundai’s Flagship EV with a Bold Design
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a three-row electric SUV that carries a distinct, futuristic design. Based on the same platform as the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 adopts a boxy structure, giving it a rugged yet premium look. It sits above the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 in Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup, setting itself apart with its bold styling, luxurious features, and impressive range.
Exterior Design:
The Ioniq 9 takes a boxy design with sharp edges, a stance that conveys both sophistication and strength. The front is dominated by a black strip housing an LED light bar that spans across the grille. This light bar incorporates pixel-shaped LED elements that are in line with Hyundai’s futuristic design philosophy. Below the LED light bar, there are two headlight units, each with vertically stacked pixel LEDs, giving the Ioniq 9 a unique and distinctive appearance.
The aero-efficient profile of the Ioniq 9 is further enhanced with body-colored outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) with integrated turn indicators, flush door handles, and a drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd, helping to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The SUV features 19-inch wheels as standard, with an upgrade option to 20- or 21-inch rims. The wheel arches are also body-colored, and there is a silver roof rail to further enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
At the rear, the Ioniq 9 continues with the theme of pixel-LED lighting. Vertically stacked tail lights are connected through a high-mounted stop lamp above the rear windshield. A rear fog lamp in a pixelated design sits centrally in the bumper, making the rear of the Ioniq 9 as distinct as its front.
Dimensions:
The Ioniq 9’s size further emphasizes its presence as a flagship SUV. Here’s how the Ioniq 9 compares to its platform sibling, the Kia EV9:
| Dimensions | Hyundai Ioniq 9 | India-spec Kia EV9 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,060 mm | 5,015 mm | + 45 mm |
| Width | 1,980 mm | 1,980 mm | No difference |
| Height | 1,790 mm | 1,780 mm | + 10 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,130 mm | 3,100 mm | + 30 mm |
As shown, the Ioniq 9 is slightly longer and taller than the Kia EV9, contributing to a spacious and comfortable interior.
Interior: Futuristic and Luxurious Cabin
Inside, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 follows a clean, modern, and luxurious design. The cabin gets a dual-tone color theme, adding a sense of elegance and modernity. The layered dashboard includes curved dual screens, which house the 12.3-inch displays—one for the touchscreen and the other for the driver’s display. The steering wheel is designed in a 4-spoke configuration, inspired by the Ioniq 5, and features a silver finish on the lower spokes.
The seating arrangement in the Ioniq 9 is flexible, with the option for either a 6-seater configuration (with captain seats in the second row) or a 7-seater configuration. The captain seats in the second row can be rotated 180 degrees when the vehicle is stationary, offering more interaction between front and rear passengers. Both front and second-row seats come with electric adjustability, full recline, and massage functions.
Other key interior features include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless phone charger
- 8-speaker sound system (upgradable to a 14-speaker Bose sound system with noise cancellation)
- Multiple USB ports for device charging
- Sleek AC vents and central console with terrain/drive mode controls
Technology and Safety Features:
The Ioniq 9 comes packed with advanced technology and safety features, ensuring both comfort and peace of mind for its occupants. The dual 12.3-inch screens provide high-tech interfaces, while the wireless phone charger and panoramic sunroof enhance convenience and luxury.
The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are another highlight, offering level-2 autonomy features such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. The SUV also gets multiple airbags, including side and curtain airbags, ensuring top-notch protection in the event of a collision.
Battery Pack and Performance:
The Ioniq 9 comes with an impressive 110.3 kWh battery pack, ensuring a significant range of up to 620 km (WLTP claimed). It is offered in two variants: the Long Range (RWD) and Performance (AWD) options. Let’s break down the specifications of these variants:
| Variant | Long Range (RWD) | Performance (AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 218 PS | 218 PS (front axle) / 218 PS (rear axle) |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 255 Nm (front axle) / 350 Nm (rear axle) |
| WLTP Claimed Range | 620 km | N.A. |
| Acceleration | N.A. | 0-100 km/h in 5.2 secs |
| Top Speed | N.A. | 200 km/h |
The Performance AWD variant is the quicker option, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 5.2 seconds. For charging, the Ioniq 9 supports 350 kW fast charging, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes under optimal conditions.
Expected Price and Rivals:
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is expected to be priced around Rs 1.30 crore (ex-showroom), making it a premium electric SUV offering. Although the India launch date is not confirmed yet, the Ioniq 9 could rival other high-end electric SUVs such as the Kia EV9, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQB in terms of pricing and features.
Conclusion: The Future of Electric SUVs
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is undoubtedly an exciting addition to Hyundai’s electric lineup. With its futuristic design, advanced features, impressive range, and outstanding performance, the Ioniq 9 stands as a flagship vehicle in the EV segment. Whether it’s the design, technology, or the powertrain options, the Ioniq 9 has something to offer to everyone looking for a luxury electric SUV.
With a projected release in 2025 in markets like Korea and the United States, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is poised to make a mark in the global EV market. The Indian market is yet to see an official launch, but once it does, it will be interesting to see how it competes with rivals like the Kia EV9 and other luxury electric SUVs. If you’re looking for an electric vehicle that combines cutting-edge technology with luxury and performance, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 might be the one for you.
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