A Stylish New Seven-Seat Electric SUV
We’ve sung the praises of Hyundai’s excellent lineup of electric cars numerous times here on GreenCars. The Kona Electric, Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 offer a great combination of range, charging speed, performance, space, and overall value for many EV buyers, but one thing has been missing so far from Hyundai’s electric lineup: a larger SUV for larger families. That changes today with the introduction of the all-new Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row all-electric SUV with speed, style, and lots of space to spare.
Built on the same set of class-leading technologies underpinning the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 – Hyundai calls it the “E-GMP architecture” – the Ioniq 9 brings together cutting-edge design and innovative tech into an appealing new choice for drivers that want to carry up to seven occupants. It should offer strong competition for the Kia EV9, which is a distant relation, as well as upcoming three-row SUVs like the Cadillac Vistiq.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Range and Performance
Using the latest, and largest, version of Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture, the Ioniq 9 has all-new power electronics and motors coupled with a floor-mounted NCM lithium-ion battery with 110.3 kWh of capacity. Thanks to an 800-volt system architecture, the Ioniq 9 can charge at up to 350 kW – among the fastest in the industry – which equates to going from 10 to 80 percent charge in just 24 minutes, if you can find a charger that can deliver sufficient outputs.
A long-range rear-wheel drive model is the range champion, featuring a rear-mounted motor capable of producing 214 hp. Hyundai claims a range of 385 miles on the European WLTP cycle, which tends to have more city driving in the mix; expect about 330 miles of range on the U.S. EPA’s testing regime. Aerodynamic 19-inch wheels, along with the smooth sculpting of the body, help contribute to this impressive figure.
There is also a long-range all-wheel drive model which adds a second, front-mounted motor to the mix, producing 94 hp, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, compared to 9.4 seconds for the rear-wheel drive model. Should that not be fast enough for you, there is also a Performance model that offers twin 214-hp motors, for a total of 428 hp, which can accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
Hyundai also says the Ioniq 9 will offer impressive towing capability, with a rating of up to 5,000 lb. There is also a dedicated trailer mode, which automatically detects the trailer’s weight and maintains an even front-to-rear torque distribution for better stability. Trailer mode also automatically recalculates the predicted range.
Modern High-Tech Design Inside and Out
The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai model to use aluminum fenders and quarter panels, helping to reduce weight and improve efficiency. Its exterior shape is also instantly recognizable, a combination of straight lines and rounded corners that is like nothing else on the road. Hyundai’s signature “pixel” LED lighting, used on all of its EV models, is another highlight, while active air flaps close up when they’re not needed to improve this large vehicle’s aerodynamic performance.
Inside, it’s no surprise that you’ll find exceptional room with ample space in all three rows of seats; thanks to being engineered from the ground up as an electric vehicle, the Ioniq 9 doesn’t need to accommodate a gasoline engine, fuel tank, and other ancillary items. The floor is completely flat, with no transmission hump, and buyers can choose a six- or seven-seat layout. Relaxation seats, with a dynamic touch massage function, in the first and second rows can fully recline and have leg rests for optimum comfort.
Indeed, the interior of the Ioniq 9 is best described as lounge-like, with plenty of natural light thanks to the panoramic sunroof, calming tones, elliptical design elements, and natural materials. The second row of seats can swivel so they face the third-row occupants when the vehicle is stationary, as well.
This is also a practical vehicle, with a large trunk area, a sliding “universal island” that has an impressive amount of storage built-in, and a usable front trunk as well. Material choices reflect the overall message of sustainability, with ecologically-processed leather, recycled PET fabric and wool, and even paint made from recycled tire waste.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Technology and Safety
A panoramic curved display sits on top of the Ioniq 9’s floating dashboard and slim air vents. The large central touchscreen incorporates an refined EV route planner to help drivers plot the most efficient route for road trips, including locating the fastest charging stops. The dash also houses an AI-enabled voice recognition system, similar to a home assistant like Alexa, which is activated by a simple button. The steering wheel incorporates LED lights to keep drivers informed of remaining energy.
Hyundai is also offering a new “features on demand” service which allows customers to personalize their vehicles with digital upgrades from an online store – including special lighting patterns, content streaming options, different display designs, and more. 100-watt USB-C ports help passengers keep all their devices charged, and there’s even a vehicle-to-load power outlet in the rear cargo area to power electrical devices with a standard plug.
Standard driver assistance features include forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, safe exit warning, driver attention monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking cameras, and more.
An Awesome Three-Row EV SUV
The Ioniq 9 cements Hyundai’s ongoing leadership in electrification amongst mainstream legacy car manufacturers, and is another step toward the company’s goal of offering a full lineup of 23 fully-electric models by 2030.
Final pricing for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 has yet to be announced, but we expect it to be competitive with other three-row SUVs – and thus to jump to the top of its class.
