As the world waits with bated breath, at the time of writing, to see what British brand Jaguar have in store for us with their new electric-vehicle-only (EV) philosophy, South Korean car maker Hyundai have quietly released details for their forthcoming, range-topping EV, the Ioniq 9. This full size premium SUV is an electric equivalent to the mighty Sante Fe, from the same stable.
The Ioniq 9 will not be released in Europe until later in 2025 but the excellent Sante Fe is available now for export from the UK to worldwide destinations that include Kenya, Ireland, Cyprus and New Zealand. See the list of destinations served on our website and review the excellent Sante Fe on this page.
Ioniq 9 Outside
As is to be expected in the EV world, the exterior design is all about the slipperiness of the SUV through the air, or, as the company insist on calling it: ‘Aerosthetic’. The design is all about blending aerodynamic innovation with futuristic styling. The Ioniq 9’s front-end design features lighting described as ‘Parametric Pixels’(see image) integrated into the LED light units and lower fascia, creating a unique and sophisticated look.
The silhouette is defined by a smooth, curved roofline, creating a streamlined aerodynamic profile and a very low drag coefficient, especially when fitted with digital side mirrors. Energy usage efficiency is also enhanced by smoothing and balancing airflow under the body, and by reduced wheel and tyre resistance. To address these needs, a new dual-motion active air flap system has been applied for the first time. Other aero-optimising solutions include a 3D-shaped underbody cover, aerodynamic wheels and hidden antennas.
The long wheelbase of the Ioniq 9 impresses with its expansive cabin and grand proportions. The pure volume of the body and bumpers (fenders) create an imposing impression, while intricately designed accents add depth and dimension. The flowing rear wheel arch character line, contributing to the dynamic design.
Reminiscent of a boat tail, the rear continues the theme of seamless integration while contributing to IONIQ 9’s outstanding aerodynamic performance. The streamlined roofline and rising lower line create balance and give the silhouette a sleek, dynamic look. Notably, this SUV is the first Hyundai model to eliminate the roof antenna by dividing its functions between the wind-shield cover (for GPS and satellite radio), the instrument panel (for Connected Car Services) and the tailgate glass (for FM/AM and Digital Multimedia Broadcasting), again contributing towards its advanced and minimalistic design.
Exterior lighting aligns with Hyundai’s other EV models, featuring, as mentioned, signature ‘Parametric Pixel’ lamps with small cube projection headlights and an intelligent front-lighting system to support improved vision and driving safety while preventing glare to oncoming vehicles. The rear features a full LED combination lamp. For enhanced visibility, the outside door handles feature indirect lighting. The look is nicely finished off by a range of wheel options, including standard-fit 19 inch items, 20 inch and 21 inch wheel options, and a top-of-the-line 21 inch Calligraphy design, allowing buyers to customise the vehicle further.
Ioniq 9 Inside
The Ioniq 9 offers superior roominess with ample second and third row space, providing an exceptionally spacious experience for occupants. The interior design is characterised by elliptical elements and calming tones to create a lounge-like atmosphere. This provides a serene and natural feel, especially when immersed in natural light from the Panoramic Sunroof. Just like being at home really, which seems to follow the ‘lifestyle’ ideal that’s so popular with car makers right now.
A flat floor accommodates seating arrangements for six or seven occupants. The ‘Relaxation Seats’ in the first and second rows can fully recline and offer a leg rest for optimal comfort, allowing up to four people to rest during vehicle charging (a neat idea) depending on the configuration. The car also boasts plenty of head and legroom, when second and third rows are combined.
The aforementioned ‘Relaxation Seats’ feature Hyundai Motor’s first ‘Dynamic Body Care’ system, including a ‘Dynamic Touch Massage’ function. This system uses pressure and vibration to stimulate blood flow and circulation, reducing fatigue on long drives. This model also introduces second-row ‘Swivelling Seats’, allowing the second and third row occupants to face each other when the vehicle is stationary. This flexible configuration enhances interaction and communication among passengers, adding another way to enjoy the vehicle’s unique space.
The Ioniq 9’s panoramic curved display, floating dashboard, slim air vents and ambient interior lighting further enhance the vehicle’s futuristic interior atmosphere. The SUV’s ‘slidable’ ‘Universal Island 2.0’ console provides an impressive level of storage and delivers a walk-through front-row seating arrangement, enhancing accessibility and convenience. The bidirectional armrests can be opened from the front and rear allowing easy access to the console from the second row. The console also provides 5.6 litres of storage in the upper tray, as well as 12.6 litres of storage in the lower sliding tray.
With the third-row seats folded flat, the boot (trunk) can accommodate up to 1,323 litres of luggage, while with all three rows in place there’s up to 620 litres of luggage. This is of course an EV so there’s the additional front boot (trunk) which offers a maximum volume of 88 litres for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models and 52 litres for all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions. Sustainability also raises its head with a wide mix of material choices.
Ioniq 9 Power
The Ioniq 9 is underpinned by Hyundai Motor's innovative E-GMP architecture with an optimized gear ratio for hill climbing and the application of a two-stage inverter for improved efficiency. A fully encapsulated system helps reduce electric motor sound, while improved acoustic laminated glass, triple sealing in all areas and the application of a reinforced plate in the A-pillar area all help eliminate road and wind noise, vibration and harshness inside the cabin. The platform boasts a high-capacity, high-voltage battery for extended electric range. Collision safety and durability have also been improved thanks to a robust body structure with aluminium elements designed for optimal crash energy distribution.
The car charges from ten to eighty percent in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger while the platform’s vehicle-to-load signature convenience feature and 400V/800V multi-charging capability lower the usual barriers to EV adoption, the company state.
The Long-Range RWD model is powered by a 160 kW rear motor, the Long-Range AWD alternative features an additional 70 kW front motor, while the Performance AWD models boast 160 kW motors at both the front and rear. The Performance model can accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds, while the Long-Range AWD variant takes 6.7 seconds, and the Long-Range RWD version 21 takes 9.4 seconds.
