Hyundai’s push into the electric vehicle wars has been very impressive with the company already releasing the Ioniq 5 and 6 with the duo being rolling examples of Hyundai’s advanced EV technology in action. But while both of these models deliver the goods when it comes to competing against their respective rivals, the one thing that the EV lineup as a whole lacked was an offering that could be a true family hauler like the gas-powered Palisade.
Hyundai is out to rectify that problem with the all-new Ioniq 9 which will be the first attempt that Hyundai has made into addressing the needs of large family buyers who are willing to embrace an all-electric lifestyle but need a vehicle that can still haul the kids and their gear.
Ioniq 9’s unusual styling focuses on space
At first glance, the Ioniq 9’s unusual shape may cause some buyers to do a double take with the rounded shape attempting to maximize on its aerodynamics to allow the big SUV to cut through the air. The front end features the company’s Parametric Pixel lighting which is integrated into the LED headlights and the lower fascia with the large skid plate making it have a wider stance.
The side profile leads out to the rear end where the large boat tail like rear-end features stacked pixel lighting and an integrated roof spoiler to further sharpen the Ioniq 9’s aerodynamic qualities. The rear is also where the charge port is located so the SUV will need to be backed into a charging station to get access to a cord. The Ioniq 9 is also the first Hyundai model to completely eliminate the roof antenna with the piece being replaced by three integrated antennas with the front and rear glass covering the radio, GPS, and Digital Media Broadcasting (DMB) while the instrument panel gets the Car Connected Services feature integrated into it.
The SUV will also get 16 different exterior colors and several wheel choices with 19-inch wheels standard. Buyers looking for bigger hoops can climb up the trim ladder with 20 and 21-inch wheels also being available.
Ioniq 9 interior maximizes roominess
Slip inside the Ioniq 9 and you’ll find that the interior takes full advantage of all the space with the second and third row seats offering exceptional amounts of space. Hyundai designers used elliptical elements and carefully selected color tones to promote a sense of calmness and serenity inside the interior. A large panoramic sunroof lets in light and the SUV can seat six to seven passengers depending on seat layout. Hyundai’s Dynamic Body Care system makes its debut on the Ioniq 9 and includes a Dynamic massage function that stimulates blood flow in certain areas to help reduce driver fatigue via pressure and vibrations. The second-row seats can also swivel to face the third-row seats to further enhance the lounge like atmosphere. A pair of 12-inch screens enhance the futuristic vibe and while an eight-speaker audio system is standard, buyers can upgrade to a 14-speaker audio system when they move to a higher trim level.
Range and performance are pillars in Ioniq 9
Like other Hyundai EVs, the Ioniq 9 will come with two electric powertrains with the base Long Range RWD model getting a single 160 kW motor mounted on the rear axle. A front-mounted 70 kW motor provides all-wheel drive for improved four-season capability and performance. A range-topping Performance model will also be available with this model putting the 160-kW motor on both axles with all models getting a 110.3 kWh NCM lithium-ion battery to supply the juice. Hyundai didn’t release formal horsepower numbers, but did confirm the Performance model can make the sprint to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds while the two Long Range models can do the same task in 6.4 and 9.7-seconds respectively.
When can I buy one?
Hyundai didn’t release official pricing at the Ioniq 9’s debut in Los Angeles, but the company did confirm that the Ioniq 9 will come to the United States in early 2025 with Europe and other markets getting their chance later i the year. South Korea will (not surprisingly) get first dibs with Hyundai using some of the real-world data it gets in that market to hone and fine tune the model before it’s released in other markets.
Look for pricing to reflect the Ioniq 9’s place as a true flagship model with the model’s ladder being the most expensive to climb in the EV family. That’s also true of the Hyundai Palisade which is the flagship of the ICE-powered family.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.