New Hyundai IONIQ 9 Fully-Electric 7-Seat SUV is Big on Space & Style.
New Hyundai IONIQ 9 is Big on Space & Style.
Hyundai has introduced the IONIQ 9 as the third entrant in their expanding EV-dedicated IONIQ model line-up, and it is the biggest and most upmarket car the Korean brand has ever made. The tech-laden IONIQ 9 delivers the ultimate in spaciousness, practicality and luxury as the company’s new flagship electric SUV. Buyers have the option of a standard seven seat configuration, with a six seat version coming soon, and it competes with premium rivals like the new Volvo EX90 and Kia EV9. The IONIQ 9 is fractionally longer than the standard-wheelbase Range Rover and its close relative, the Kia EV9, with which it shares its basic underpinnings.
Aerodynamic Design.
The IONIQ 9 uses the same E-GMP platform as the EV9, as well as Hyundai’s other IONIQ models, the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. While the EV9 has a sharp look to its design, the IONIQ 9 carries a distinctive look with its rounded nose, tapering window line and narrow glass area over blistered wheelarches. Its sleek, aerodynamic ‘Aerosthetic’ design features crisp, clean lines and a distinctly curved roofline. The IONIQ 9 possesses a substantial presence on the road, while its signature Parametric Pixel lighting at the front and rear highlight its futuristic style.
Sumptuous, Spacious Cabin.
There is plenty of space in the cabin with plenty of room in the front and in the rear, with the third row big enough for two adults. New Relaxation Seats up front come with a dynamic massage function, and they even feature a pop-out leg support should you wish to have a quick nap whilst charging the car. The seats are comfortable, supportive and offer lots of adjustability. Sustainable materials are used within the spacious cabin, and these include recycled PET, wool, synthetic leather and suede. There is also what Hyundai calls a Universal Island, which is a huge storage box that slides between the first two rows of seats. It is also double-hinged so it can be opened from the front or second row. The highlight of the IONIQ 9’s cabin is the Panoramic Curved Display, which combines a 12.3” digital instrument cluster and a 12.3” infotainment touchscreen, along with a smaller 5.3” climate display. This large, curved screen enhances the cabin’s relaxing atmosphere and incorporates advanced features like AI-enabled voice recognition and wireless updates, and there is an advanced EV route planning software to help streamline finding suitable EV public chargers. The use of easily-accessible physical buttons for the climate control is certainly a very welcome move in the right direction in terms of usability and safety. There are a total of seven USB-C charging ports located throughout all three rows of seats, and a standard 8-speaker audio system, with a 14-speaker BOSE system also available. Boot space is excellent with all seats in place, with 338-litres of capacity on offer. This expands to 908-litres with the third row seats folded down, with a maximum of 2,462-litres available with both rows of seats folded. There is also an 88-litre ‘frunk’ located under the bonnet for times when you want to keep valuable items out of sight. If you require an EV for towing, the IONIQ 9 can tow a braked trailer up to a maximum weight of 2,500kg.
Impressive WLTP Range.
The IONIQ 9 is powered by a 110.3kWh battery pack, making this one of the biggest batteries to be fitted to a production car in Europe, and it generates 160kW (215bhp) and 350Nm of instant torque, and it comes with a claimed WLTP range of 620km. The IONIQ 9 is capable of a super-fast 350kW DC charging speed, which means that a 10-80% charge can be completed in as little as 24 minutes. Alternatively, spend just 15 minutes at such a charger, and you will have increased your range by over 300kms in that time. The only IONIQ 9 available in Ireland at present is the Long Range RWD version, but this will be followed by the Long Range AWD and Performance AWD versions in the near future.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a new IONIQ 9 Long Range RWD model, which was finished in Biophilic Blue Pearl paintwork (which looked black from some angles). Standard equipment is plentiful with front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, smart cruise control, climate control, Panoramic Curved Display, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirror screening, keyless entry, 21” alloys, and an eight-speaker stereo to name but a few. It is also loaded with Hyundai’s latest SmartSense safety tech, which helps to keep you safe and avoid collisions. Such safety equipment includes Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Assist Park and Forward /Side/Reverse Parking Distance Warning. As with all SUVs you get a commanding view of the road ahead due to the high seating position, and excellent all-round visibility through its large windows. A collection of cameras are also helpful when navigating the road ahead, or road behind when reversing. Upon pressing the accelerator pedal, the instant surge of electric power becomes evident, and this makes everything from city traffic to motorway cruising feel effortless. On the ride-quality side, the IONIQ 9’s suspension is designed for speed-compliant stability and composure, and it is extremely quiet at speed. Hyundai’s engineers have worked tirelessly to enhance noise reduction in the cabin, including acoustic laminated glass for the first two rows, foam lining in the tyres, and active noise cancellation that uses the sound system to deaden unwanted road noise. The IONIQ 9’s low centre of gravity gives it a fixed, planted feel through corners, while delivering limo-like levels of composure when tackling potholes and speed ramps. Despite its size and weight, the mighty IONIQ 9 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 190km/h (where permitted). There are a selection of driving modes available – Normal, Eco, and Sport, along with a My Drive mode that allows you to personalise the set-up for maximum driver enjoyment.
Verdict, Price & Warranty.
The Long Range RWD IONIQ 9 is priced at €78,485 ex works. From the IONIQ 9’s stylish looks to its spacious interior, impressive practicality, efficiency, generous specification, and ease of drivability, it is a very strong and worthy contender in the electric 7-seat SUV market. The IONIQ 9 comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and an 8 year/160,000km EV battery warranty as standard. Hyundai Assist Roadside Rescue is provided by AA Ireland, and it is valid for a full 5 years from time of first registration.
Visit www.hyundai.ie for further information.
