Hyundai Ioniq 9: In a bold move that’s set to shake up the electric vehicle (EV) market, Hyundai has unveiled its highly anticipated Ioniq 9, a three-row all-electric SUV that promises to redefine family transportation in the age of electrification. Debuting at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Ioniq 9 has quickly become the talk of the automotive world, showcasing Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV technology and design.
A Design That Turns Heads
The Ioniq 9 is a visual testament to Hyundai’s evolving design language, blending futuristic elements with practical functionality. While it retains some design cues from its smaller sibling, the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 9 stands out with its imposing presence and unique styling elements.
At the front, a distinctive LED light signature stretches across the width of the vehicle, creating an unmistakable face that’s both modern and inviting. The side profile reveals a bold character line that runs the length of the vehicle, emphasizing its substantial size while maintaining a sense of sleekness. At the rear, another full-width LED light bar completes the cohesive design, ensuring the Ioniq 9 leaves a lasting impression from every angle.
Spacious Interior: A Living Room on Wheels
Step inside the Ioniq 9, and you’re greeted by a cabin that redefines the concept of automotive interior design. Taking cues from the original “Concept Seven,” the Ioniq 9’s interior is designed around the philosophy of a living space on wheels. While some of the more radical elements from the concept have been toned down for production, the spirit of innovation remains.
One of the most talked-about features is the flexible seating arrangement. In the six-seat configuration, the second-row seats can swivel to face the rear, creating a more social layout perfect for family interactions or impromptu meetings on the go. This feature, however, can only be activated when the vehicle is stationary, prioritizing safety.
The Ioniq 9 offers impressive space utilization, with three rows of seating available in either six or seven-seat configurations. Cargo space is equally generous, boasting 21.9 cubic feet with all seats up, expandable to a cavernous 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. A front trunk (frunk) adds an additional 1.8 cubic feet in all-wheel-drive models, increased to 3.1 cubic feet in rear-wheel-drive variants.
Cutting-Edge Technology at Your Fingertips
The Ioniq 9’s interior is a tech enthusiast’s dream, featuring a dual-screen setup reminiscent of the Ioniq 5. A large infotainment display seamlessly integrates with a digital instrument cluster, providing a wealth of information and controls at the driver’s fingertips. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
In a nod to user-friendly design, Hyundai has incorporated dedicated physical controls for climate functions, including a temperature control knob. This blend of touch-based and physical controls aims to provide an intuitive user experience, addressing concerns about the over-reliance on touchscreens in modern vehicles.
Performance That Impresses
The Ioniq 9 will be available in two main versions: a Long Range model and a Performance model. Both variants are built on Hyundai’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), featuring an 800-volt architecture that enables ultra-fast charging capabilities.
The Long Range model comes in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The RWD variant sports a single 214 horsepower motor on the rear axle, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. The AWD version adds a 94 horsepower motor to the front axle, reducing the 0-60 mph time to a more sprightly 6.2 seconds.
For those seeking more exhilarating performance, the AWD-only Performance model boasts dual 214 horsepower motors, one on each axle. This configuration allows the Ioniq 9 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds – an impressive feat for a vehicle of its size and class.
Range and Charging: Setting New Standards
At the heart of the Ioniq 9 is a massive 110.3 kWh battery pack, which Hyundai claims will provide a range of at least 300 miles across all variants. While exact EPA-rated figures are yet to be released, this promised range puts the Ioniq 9 at the forefront of long-range electric SUVs.
Charging capabilities are equally impressive. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the Ioniq 9 supports ultra-fast DC charging at rates up to 350 kW. This translates to a charging time of just 24 minutes to replenish the battery from 10% to 80% when connected to a compatible fast charger.
In a move that reflects the changing landscape of EV charging infrastructure, the Ioniq 9 will come equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, popularized by Tesla. This decision opens up access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, significantly expanding the vehicle’s charging options.
Pricing and Availability
While official pricing has not been announced, industry experts speculate that the Ioniq 9 will be competitively positioned against rivals like the Kia EV9. Expectations are for a starting price around $56,000 for the base model, with higher-end trims potentially reaching the $80,000 mark.
Hyundai has confirmed that the Ioniq 9 will hit showrooms in Korea and the United States in the first half of 2025, with other markets to follow. There are also plans to manufacture the Ioniq 9 at Hyundai Motor Group’s new plant near Savannah, Georgia, though it’s unclear if this will apply to the initial production run or come into effect at a later date.
A New Era for Hyundai and Electric SUVs
The unveiling of the Ioniq 9 marks a significant milestone in Hyundai’s electrification journey. By combining cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and a focus on family-friendly functionality, Hyundai has created a vehicle that stands poised to challenge established players in the premium electric SUV segment.
As the automotive industry continues its shift towards electrification, the Ioniq 9 serves as a bold statement of Hyundai’s vision for the future of mobility. It’s not just a new model; it’s a rolling showcase of the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and user-centric design.
With its blend of space, technology, and efficiency, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is set to redefine expectations for electric SUVs when it hits the roads in 2025. As we edge closer to its launch, all eyes will be on Hyundai to see if this ambitious vehicle can live up to its considerable promise and carve out a significant niche in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.