Hyundai has introduced its largest car yet, an electric SUV named the Ioniq 9.
The six- or seven-seat SUV is Hyundai’s rival for the Kia EV9, with which it shares its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
It’s due here in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025. Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
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Unveiled earlier this month to CarExpert in Los Angeles, the Ioniq 9 joins Hyundai’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) lineup, which in Australia includes the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. It serves as the brand’s flagship model.
Powered by a 110.3kWh nickel manganese cobalt lithium-ion battery, the Ioniq 9 delivers a WLTP-estimated range of 620km in Long-Range rear-wheel drive guise when fitted with the standard 19-inch wheels.
It supports ultra-fast charging, allowing a 10-80 per cent recharge in just 24 minutes using a 350kW charger.
Hyundai will also offer the Ioniq 9 in dual-motor all-wheel drive Performance and Long-Range guises.
| Long-Range RWD | Long-Range AWD | Performance AWD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 160kW | 70kW (front), 160kW (rear) | 160kW (front), 160kW (rear) |
| Torque | 350Nm | 255Nm (front), 350Nm (rear) | 350Nm (front), 350Nm (rear) |
| 0-100km/h | 9.4s | 6.7s | 5.2s |
| 80-120km/h | 6.8s | 4.8s | 3.4s |
Hyundai executives wouldn’t disclose the vehicle’s weight, instead focusing on the SUV’s Chassis Domain Control Unit, which incorporates dynamic torque vectoring for better handling and lateral wind stability control for secure high-speed driving.
The Ioniq 9 includes a Terrain Traction Control System and what Hyundai claims is an AI-powered Auto Terrain Mode that detects road surfaces and adjusts the drive mode accordingly.
The suspension system is specifically engineered for an electric SUV, with a MacPherson multi-link setup at the front and a multi-link system at the rear.
Although it lacks air suspension, self-levelling suspension dampers are fitted.
When it comes to towing the all electric SUV has a 2500kg braked capacity and is available with a few specific modes.
As an example, in trailer mode the vehicle automatically detects the trailer’s weight and adjusts the predicted range and performance balance, maintaining a 50:50 front-to-rear motor torque distribution.
The new SUV has a design that – like other vehicles from the brand – has its own character while still being recognisably part of the Hyundai family.
There’s a full-width front light bar like other recent Hyundai products, as well as the brand’s ‘parametric pixel’ lighting elements, but there’s a swoopy roofline, a long wheelbase, and a distinctive ‘boat tail’ rear end.
It has a drag coefficient of 0.259 when fitted with digital side mirrors.
It’s available in 16 exterior colours, including new hues like Celadon Grey Matte and Cosmic Blue Pearl, and rides on 19-, 20- or 21-inch wheels.
Dimensions are as follows:
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5060mm |
| Width | 1980mm |
| Height | 1790mm |
| Wheelbase | 3130mm |
| Boot space | 620L (behind third row) 1323L (third row folded) |
| Under-bonnet storage | 88L (RWD models) 52L (AWD models) |
Hyundai has revealed the Ioniq 9’s lounge-like interior in a distinctive two-tone Dark Teal and Dove Grey colourway.
Other options include Obsidian Black; Dark Pebble Grey and Dove Grey; Obsidian Black and Dove Grey; Mud Grey and Creamy Beige; Cognac Brown and Creamy Beige; and Dark Wine and Dove Grey.
There’s a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, situated within a curved display.
An eight-speaker sound system is standard, with a Bose 14-speaker system optional.
The final specification for the Australian market is yet to be confirmed, however the list of potential options includes:
- Relaxation Seats: Fully reclining seats in the first and second rows with leg rests
- Swivelling second-row seats, allowing passengers to face those in the third row
- A slidable front console, which offers up to 190mm of movement
As with other recent Hyundais, there’s a shift-by-wire system with a column-mounted shifter that provides haptic feedback when the vehicle is in reverse.
The Ioniq 9 is equipped with high-output 100W USB-C ports for passengers across the first, second, and third rows, delivering consistent power directly from the vehicle’s high-voltage battery instead of a traditional 12V source. This mean even a modern power-hungry laptop can be charged using the vehicles power supply.
Additionally, a vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet in the cargo area allows users to power and charge electrical devices and appliances using the EV’s battery through a standard power outlet.
Some other interesting features of the Ioniq 9 include the company’s so-called AI assistant, which is essentially a voice recognition system that will integrate with in-car functions.
Digital upgrades such as lighting patterns, streaming services, and customisable display themes can be downloaded onto the car’s infotainment system.
There’s also a UV-C steriliser for sanitising small items like phones and masks.
The Ioniq 9 features a raft of active safety technology, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot assist
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Driver attention warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Rear occupant alert
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Safe Exit Assist
- Intelligent speed limit assist
On the passive side, ten airbags, including third-row seatbelt pre-tensioners, are fitted to the vehicle.
It’s unclear how much the Ioniq 9 will cost. Its Kia EV9 platform-mate is priced between $91,000 and $121,000 before on-road costs.
