​Tell me about the Hyundai IONIQ 9

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a big car for Hyundai – in more ways than one. This all-electric, three-row, seven-seat SUV is expected to make its debut at the LA Motor Show this November. Hyundai recently teased the IONIQ 9, hinting at a bold and distinctive design that resembles the Hyundai Seven concept, which first introduced the public to Hyundai's vision for their range-topping car. Positioned as the sister car to the current World Car of the Year, the Kia EV9, the IONIQ 9 will share the same underpinnings, providing both models with similar battery and motor configurations.

What will the IONIQ 9 look like?

All we have to go on so far is a teaser image of the side profile and some spy shots taken earlier this year in Korea. But when the Seven concept was launched at the 2021 LA Motor Show, Electrifying.com spoke to Hyundai's Head of Design, SangYup Lee – and he told us it was a “serious concept” and that the production car wasn’t going to change much. From the outside, it looks like he’s been true to his word. The IONIQ 9 combines distinctive IONIQ styling elements with a sleek, slightly rakish silhouette that contrasts with the boxier, upright profile of the EV9. This more streamlined shape is expected to improve aerodynamics and potentially enhance the range, although it may slightly compromise rear headroom.

If the concept is anything to go by, the front end will feature Hyundai’s signature pixel-style LED lights, which are seen across all the brand's models, including the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, along with their new entry-level car, the Hyundai INSTER. The lighting configuration will include vertical running lights integrated into the bumper, with horizontal headlights positioned above, capturing the futuristic, concept-car look.

What do we know about the interior of the IONIQ 9?

The spy shots taken earlier this year in Korea give some insight into the IONIQ 9's minimalist interior, which borrows design elements from Hyundai's latest models. No word yet if it will get the Seven concept's rear-hinged doors and an “L”-shaped sofa to lounge around on – although we expect not!

Other features we don’t expect to see on the production version are the Hygiene Airflow System, inspired by the airflow management of passenger aircraft to reduce cross-contamination, and a UVC Sterilisation system that uses UVC lights to remove bacteria and viruses – tech that reflects the fact the SEVEN concept was designed at the start of the pandemic.

What batteries will the IONIQ 9 get?

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 will be based on the same underpinnings used for the EV9, and should share the same range of battery and motor combinations. The UK version of the EV9 is equipped with a 99.8 kWh battery pack, available in both single-motor and dual-motor configurations, delivering 201 bhp and 379 bhp, respectively. The IONIQ 9 will likely offer the same options, allowing for a balance between range and performance, with Hyundai's dual-motor setup expected to provide all-wheel-drive capabilities.

How Much Range Will the IONIQ 9 Have?

The single-motor variant of the EV9 achieves close to 350 miles of range on a single charge, so we can expect the IONIQ 9 to offer a similar range. Hyundai’s 800V charging architecture allows for rapid DC fast charging, which should mean the IONIQ 9 will charge from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes when connected to a high-speed charging station. In addition to efficient charging, like the EV9, we expect it to come with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, allowing the IONIQ 9 to function as a power source for homes and even provide energy back to the grid during peak demand periods.

When will the IONIQ 9 go on sale in the UK?

The IONIQ 9 is expected to be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November, with an arrival in showrooms expected in early 2025. When it arrives in the UK, it will compete with models like the Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, and BMW iX in the premium electric SUV market, and Hyundai hopes it could also attract buyers from brands like Range Rover, which is yet to offer an all-electric model.

Hyundai’s electrification plans include ambitious production goals, with the company aiming to fully electrify its lineup by 2040. The IONIQ 9 would mark a significant step in that direction, expanding Hyundai’s offerings for families or those who need more space and comfort in an eco-friendly package. The vehicle's aerodynamic design, inherited from the IONIQ 6, could help improve efficiency and increase the appeal of the IONIQ 9 in this growing segment.

How much will it cost?

While pricing hasn’t been confirmed, the IONIQ 9 is expected to fall within the higher end of Hyundai’s EV range due to its size, seven-seat capacity, battery size, and tech. Its sibling, the Kia EV9, has been positioned within the £60,000-£80,000 range, and it’s likely that the IONIQ 9 will be priced similarly to remain competitive.