New models Hyundai Ioniq 9: The estate form is back—as an SUV

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In 2021, Hyundai provided a preview of a large electric SUV with the "Ioniq 7 Concept" at the LA Auto Show. Three years later, the series version, renamed Ioniq 9, follows on the same stage.

Simply called Ioniq 9, the future largest model of the electric family based on the E-GMP modular platform used by Hyundai and Kia. Sometime between spring and summer 2025, the over five-meter-long SUV with van character and the largest battery of the Koreans to date is coming to Europe.

The Ioniq 9, which appears massive by European standards, will remain inconspicuous in terms of size in the USA, probably the most important sales market for this model. The front looks as bold as that of a Range Rover. There are also many lighting units in the brand's typical pixel style.

Aerodynamically optimized design

Anyone expecting a boxy format in the side view like the tech sibling Kia EV 9 will be surprised. In the Ioniq 9, the windshield rises comparatively flat. Additionally, the roof follows a wide arc that becomes significantly flatter towards the rear and drops vertically in the area of the tailgate. This shape and the slightly tapering flanks towards the back are part of the aerodynamically optimized design. Smooth surfaces and transitions, the absence of a physical antenna in the roof area, and digital side mirrors also contribute to this design. These measures reduce the drag coefficient c_W to a low 0.26. With conventional side mirrors, it is still 0.27, which is at least 0.01 lower than that of the sibling model Kia EV 9.

Of course, the electrically extending door handles of the Ioniq 9 align flush with the door panel when closed. The letters of the Ioniq badge on the tailgate are also flush, where the pixel light elements typical of newer Hyundai models can be found.

Car Interior

Feasibility of futuristic interior concepts

Homely lounge character

As with the other Ioniq models, there are four additional pixel lights in the steering wheel hub, which serve, among other things, as a charging indicator. Further down, there is the accelerator pedal with the + symbol. Cheerful bright colors, the large panoramic glass roof, and the ambient lighting that warmly illuminates many areas give the interior a cozy lounge character. The large longitudinally movable center console is cleverly designed. It can be opened for passengers in the first two rows and has two storage compartments with volumes of 5.6 and 12.6 liters.

The tidy cockpit offers an XL display divided into two segments that surrounds the driver in an arc. The computing technology hidden behind the digital surface ensures fast, smooth operations and modern connectivity. In terms of AI integration, over-the-air updates, or features on demand, the infotainment platform does not need to shy away from comparison.

Relaxed charging breaks in the interior

With 3.13 meters (approx. 10,27 feet), the Ioniq 9 offers the longest wheelbase in the E-GMP world. The correspondingly spacious interior always features three rows of seats. Customers can choose between two individual seats or a three-seater bench in the middle row. The space in the first two rows is generous, especially since there is no driveshaft tunnel to interfere. The front four individual seats come with a reclining function, and the front two even have a fold-out footrest. This allows for relaxed charging breaks. Alternatively, the rotating seats in the second row can be oriented backward. Then, four people can sit facing each other during pauses in the rear.

A clever folding mechanism in the second row allows easy access to the third row. However, the room for movement is somewhat limited here. Behind the backrest, there is space for just under 340 liters of luggage. If the backrests of the third row are laid flat, the storage space increases to 900 liters according to the VDA standard. Additionally, there is a frunk with a capacity of about 50 to just under 90 liters.

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Ioniq 9 with more power and battery capacity than EV 9

The Ioniq 9 is based on the well-known E-GMP platform, but Hyundai opts for more power and battery capacity than its modular sibling, the EV 9. A 110-kWh battery is housed in the vehicle floor, which can be combined with three drive variants. The entry-level model features the rear-wheel-drive version with 160 kW, along with two all-wheel-drive versions with either a 70 kW or 160 kW front motor. Thus, the top version delivers 320 kW, 37 kW more than the most powerful EV 9, which reaches a maximum of 283 kW and 100 kWh battery capacity.

E-mobility

Energy transfer in the car: "The trend is towards aluminum busbars"

The top version called Performance accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. Thanks to the powerful battery, the RWD version offers a range of up to 620 kilometers. Hyundai states a preliminary consumption value of 19.4 kWh for the single-motor drive variant. With 800-volt architecture, the battery can be charged quickly: at 350 kW power, it takes 24 minutes (from 10% to 80%). The Ioniq 9 offers a Vehicle-to-Load function via a 230-volt socket.

Hyundai has not yet revealed what the Ioniq 9 will cost in Germany. However, the prices of the Kia EV 9, which currently start at 72,500 euros (approx. 76.669 USD), might give an approximate idea.