Overview
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the South Korean manufacturer's flagship all-electric 7-seat SUV, establishing a bold presence in the premium family EV sector. Utilizing the dedicated E-GMP architecture, this substantial vehicle is designed to compete directly with its sibling, the Kia EV9, as well as high-end alternatives like the Volvo EX90 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz. It marks a significant step upmarket for Hyundai, targeting families who require 3 rows of seats combined with long-distance touring and rapid charging.
Design
The exterior styling of the IONIQ 9 introduces a unique "Aerosthetic" silhouette that departs from traditional boxy SUV shapes by blending elements of an estate and an MPV. Its curved roofline slopes gently toward a vertical rear end, helping the vehicle achieve an impressive drag coefficient of 0.26 with digital mirrors or 0.27 with standard physical mirrors. Upfront, Hyundai's signature Parametric Pixel light graphics define the nose, complemented by a clean underbody, and active air shutters. Wheel sizes range from 19-inch alloys on the entry-level trim up to massive 21-inch wheels on top-tier specifications, giving the five-metre-long SUV an imposing presence.
Interior
The cabin is crafted to resemble a lounge-like environment, characterized by an elliptical design and an airy atmosphere. A large, curved panoramic display houses dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver and central infotainment, which features an AI assistant. Hyundai has preserved physical buttons for the primary climate controls which is good to see. The drive selector and start button are cleanly integrated into the steering column stalk to free up space between the front seats. This space is occupied by the Universal Island 2.0 console, which can slide backward to allow second-row passengers access to its storage and bidirectional armrests. Top-specification models feature upgraded materials such as Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and an innovative UV-C sterilization tray built into the glove box.
Performance & Powertrains
Every version of the IONIQ 9 comes equipped with a substantial 110kWh battery pack operating on an advanced 800V electrical architecture. The entry-level Long Range RWD variant utilizes a single 218hp electric motor delivering 350Nm of torque, achieving a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.4 seconds and a range of 385 miles. The Long Range AWD upgrade introduces an additional front motor for a combined output of 307hp and 605Nm of torque, reducing the 0-62mph sprint to 6.7 seconds while retaining a range of 376 miles. The range-topping Performance AWD version deploys dual 211hp motors on both axles to deliver a total of 427hp and 700Nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds and a 372-mile range. Thanks to the 800V platform, the battery supports DC ultra-rapid charging speeds up to 233kW, allowing a 10% to 80% top-up in 24 minutes. On the road, the driving dynamics prioritise quietness and refinement, utilizing extensive acoustic foam and active road noise cancellation, though the suspension is tuned slightly firm to manage the vehicle's 2.5-tonne mass through corners.
Practicality
Interior packaging takes full advantage of the flat EV platform, offering exceptional legroom and headroom across the first two rows. The car is available as a 7-seater with a 60/40 split-folding middle row or a more luxurious 6-seat configuration where the second-row's individual chairs can rotate to face the rear passengers when the cat is stationary. The third row provides adequate space for teenagers and smaller adults, making it more usable than many conventional three-row SUVs. Luggage space is highly versatile, providing a reasonable 338 litres of boot volume with all seven seats raised, which expands to a vast 2,419 litres when the rear rows are folded flat via the electronic power-folding switches. Additional storage includes an 88-litre frunk on RWD models, which reduces to 52 litres on AWD versions to accommodate the extra front motor.
Buying
Pricing for the Hyundai IONIQ 9 starts at £64,995 for the entry-level Premium trim, which includes a comprehensive standard equipment list featuring 19-inch wheels, LED cube projection headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control, and a wireless phone charger. The Ultimate trim starts from £73,495, adding 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, pure leather upholstery, ventilated second-row seats, and a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system. The flagship Calligraphy model is priced from £75,795, introducing 21-inch wheels, Nappa leather, unique bumper graphics, and an electric steering column, with the six-seat rotating chair configuration adding a further £3,000 to the total. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Premium Long Range RWD, as it maximizes the driving range and provides all the essential luxury, space, and charging performance of the flagship while keeping the price at its most competitive level.