Hyundai Ioniq 9 takes the brand to new luxury levels

Hyundai has officially revealed its latest electric vehicle, the Ioniq 9, ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The three-row SUV is the equivalent of the Kia EV9 and is slated to hit the market in 2025. As the brand’s flagship model, the SUV must draw in more premium-oriented buyers and rival the Volvo EX90.

While the Ioniq 9’s exterior doesn’t fail to catch attention, the new big Hyundai primarily breaks ground with its interior design. It introduces a “lounge-like” cabin concept, with second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees, allowing passengers to create a communal, living room-style environment.

These swiveling seats, available in select markets, also recline and include footrests. Hyundai has branded them “Relaxation Seats,” emphasizing comfort during vehicle charging stops or extended journeys.

Room and then some

The Ioniq 9 offers both six- and seven-seat configurations. The six-seat option focuses on luxury and comfort, including middle-row armchairs that recline fully and offer massage features.

Storage is another strength, with features like a movable center console and a generous frunk capable of holding up to 88 liters of cargo—without the charging cable.

The Ioniq 9 is built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform and features a robust 110.3 kWh battery, providing up to 620 kilometers of range on the Long-Range RWD model with 19-inch wheels.

The AWD version adds a front motor for enhanced traction, while the Performance AWD model boasts dual 160kW motors and achieves 0 to 100 km/hour in just 4.9 seconds.

Charging capabilities further illustrate the extensive experience in electric powertrains from the Hyundai group; the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes when connected to a 350 kW DC charger. As with the other Ioniq models, the nine also includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, enabling it to power external devices.

Nod to the Seven Concept

The SUV’s design reflects both aerodynamics and aesthetics. Inspired by Hyundai’s Seven Concept, the Ioniq 9 features rounded contours and a pixelated lighting design, which have become a brand signature. These are complemented by aerodynamic details such as hidden active air flaps.

Measuring 5,060 millimeters in length, it is slightly larger than its Kia EV9 counterpart. Still, it distinguishes itself with unique styling, including a tapered rear design and streamlined bodywork that achieves a drag coefficient of 0.25, exceptional for a vehicle of this size.

Back to the inside, the Ioniq 9 combines a panoramic dashboard that integrates a 12-inch driver display and a 12-inch infotainment screen, while physical buttons for essential controls ensure convenience. Hyundai already acknowledged that it was bringing back physical buttons to enhance ergonomics.

According to the brand, the cabin is designed for quiet and comfort, incorporating sound-absorbing materials, acoustic glass, and advanced suspension systems to minimize road noise and vibrations. Combined with multi-link suspension and self-leveling dampers, these features aim to deliver a refined ride experience.

A shift in perception of the brand

Hyundai has emphasized the Ioniq 9’s role in its broader strategy to capture the premium electric vehicle market. Positioned as a competitor to models such as the Volvo EX90, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and – inevitably – the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 targets customers seeking luxury previously not associated with the brand. The vehicle’s most important mission is to elevate the brand’s status.

The SUV is set to launch in Korea and the United States in the first half of 2025, with production based at Hyundai’s plant in Georgia. This aligns with domestic sourcing requirements under the Biden administration’s EV policies, ensuring the Ioniq 9 qualifies for US and European incentives.

Belgium will follow later in the year. Pricing details and full specifications for the Ioniq 9 have yet to be revealed, but Hyundai has indicated that it will be its most expensive model to date.