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Pros: Huge interior space and versatility, quality
Cons: Limited lineup and performance
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Design
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 carries on what the Ioniq 5 started in terms of the ‘Parametric Pixel’ lights front and rear, making the giant Hyundai logos almost redundant as this car is obviously from the same school of design. It’s a noticeably smooth body, though, eschewing rugged SUV cues in the name of a low-drag shape. Hyundai calls the approach “aerosthetic” as it mixes the needs of aerodynamics and aesthetics. It’s certainly distinctive and can be finished in a few eye-catching colours for those that really want to grab attention.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Interior
The generous exterior dimensions translate to a massive cabin, and in the front two rows in particular, there’s stretching room in all directions for passengers. Even the person sat in the middle in row two won’t complain as the seat is wide, headroom is seemingly endless, and the floor is flat all the way across. A big glass roof above keeps it feeling light and airy, too.
Thankfully, the middle seats slide forward and back, as you’ll need to do that if you want larger people to have room for their knees in the third row. No issue with headroom back there, though, and there are ISOFIX points in both rear rows.
Even with all seven seats in use, the boot is an adequate size for daily life – if not quite an airport run with luggage for seven people on board. It’s a cinch to fold down the rear seating at the touch of a button if you need to carry larger items and less people.
Just as impressive as all the space and versatility is the sense of luxury. The Ioniq 9 is not a cheap car, yet it feels worth its price when you sit inside. All the switchgear is solid and tactile, as are all the materials used throughout the cabin. Hyundai has implemented a sensible blend of physical controls with the expected large touchscreen as well, so it’s an intuitive-to-use environment that just so happens to feature all the latest in-car technology.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance & Drive
Just the one version of the Ioniq 9 is available on these shores and, while it is the longest-range model - with up to 620km possible on a charge according to the WLTP schedule – it’s also the least powerful. A single electric motor is used, driving the rear wheels. It musters 217hp, which is adequate. It’ll not win any acceleration contents, but neither does it feel particularly slow when you’re on the move.
Most buyers will be more concerned with comfort and refinement, and that’s where this car really excels. It’s exceptionally quiet, even at motorway speeds, the only noise really coming from the tyres over certain surfaces. Despite its size and lack of fancy suspension upgrades, it also holds its own on a twisty country road.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Pricing
For now, just one variant of the car is offered, in ‘Platinum’ specification with more or less all the bells and whistles included. It’s €78,495, which puts it directly up against the Kia EV9, and therefore undercuts all other premium seven-seat SUVs on the market – electric or otherwise.
Carzone Verdict
If Hyundai launched a big SUV like the Ioniq 9, to sit above the Santa Fe, but with hybrid or diesel power, we’re not convinced it would sell well. However, the adoption of electric power changes the equation, as we’re finding buyers are more willing to switch brands in the move to full electrification. And Hyundai has not been seen as a bargain-basement option for a long time now, instead offering value regardless of the price point. The Ioniq 9, therefore, is likely to steal buyers away from some of the premium marques in their search for an all-electric SUV that offers just as much luxury. Given its success elsewhere in the market, you wouldn’t bet against Hyundai on this one.