Hyundai’s electric vehicle model line-up continues to grow with the company unveiling the large IONIQ 9 SUV. The Ioniq 9 is underpinned by Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture (which it shares with Kia) which boasts an enhanced power electronic system and a 110.3kWh battery. Hyundai says a WLTP range of 620km is achievable for a Long-Range RWD model with 19-inch wheels. Powering that model is a 160kW rear motor. A Long-Range AWD model features an additional 70kW front motor, while a Performance AWD model boasts 160kW motors at both the front and rear. Hyundai says the Performance model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, while the Long-Range AWD variant takes 6.7 seconds, and the Long-Range RWD version takes 9.4 seconds. Ultra-fast charging using a 350kW charger will enable the Long-Range RWD model to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes.
The Ioniq 9 has dynamic torque vectoring and lateral wind stability control for high-speed stability. There’s also a Terrain Traction System for rough roads, and an Auto Terrain Mode that automatically recognises the road surface and selects the optimal driving mode. The suspension system sees a MacPherson multi-link setup at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. It includes self-leveling suspension dampers and hydro-bushing. Hyundai says that European Ioniq 9 models can tow up to 2500kg. In selected markets, Digital Side Mirrors replace glass mirrors, displaying a side-rear view on a seven-inch OLED monitor.
The Ioniq 9 accommodates seating arrangements for six or seven occupants. Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows can fully recline. Depending on the market, relaxation seats feature a Dynamic Body Care system including a massage function. Also available are second-row swiveling seats (in select markets). Tech in the cabin is, unsurprisingly, top notch. There’s Bluelink Connected Services, fast wireless charger, and 100W high-output USB-C ports for passengers in the first, second and third rows.
The infotainment system includes a 12-inch cluster and a 12-inch integrated monitor as part of the panoramic curved display. Standard in-car audio features and 8-speaker sound system with the option of a premium BOSE 14-spear set-up. Safety and driver assistance systems are plentiful. Hyundai says the standard application of third-row seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters significantly improves third-row passenger protection in the event of a collision, preventing head impacts with the second-row seats and reducing head and neck injuries. Ioniq 9 is also equipped with 10 airbags to further enhance safety.
The SUV also features Hyundai’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) with features that include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot View Monitor, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning and more. Ioniq 9 is to go on sale in Korea and the U.S. in the first half of 2025 with subsequent rollout planned for Europe and other markets later.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (December 2024 / January 2025)
19 February 2025