Hyundai introduced IONIQ 9, a three-row, fully electric SUV model with a spacious interior, combining cutting-edge design and innovative electric vehicle technology.

Planning to introduce 23 new EV models by 2030, Hyundai attracts all the attention with its IONIQ models and also aims to lead the EV world. Hyundai, which won first place three times in the World Car of the Year Awards (WCOTY) in 2022 and 2023 respectively, wants to continue this success with IONIQ 9 after IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6.

The world premiere of IONIQ 9 started with the opening speech of José Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company. Following the introduction of IONIQ 9, an exhibition discussing the Hyundai brand and the design of IONIQ 9 was also held at the event. While this exhibition area highlighted the development journey of IONIQ 9, it also gave important clues about the future of the brand.

Seven seater electric

IONIQ 9 is a car that stands out with its seating space for up to seven people. With a three-row seating arrangement, IONIQ 9 thus stands out as a very attractive option for users looking for a spacious EV. Filled with an impressive interior and technological features that appeal to individual needs, the car also creates the feeling of being in the living room of a large house. The interior, prepared with elliptical materials, is also characterized by calming tones. The natural light coming from the panoramic ceiling provides a serene and natural feeling to the cabin.

The flat floor of IONIQ 9 also allows seating arrangements for six or seven people. Relaxation seats in the first and second rows can be fully reclined and provide optimum comfort to the vehicle. The vehicle even provides a superior rest opportunity for up to four people while charging. IONIQ 9 also offers 1,899 mm of headroom and 2,050 mm of legroom when the second and third rows are combined.

These IONIQ 9 relaxation seats feature the “Dynamic Body Care System”, a first in this segment, including a massage function. This system uses pressure and vibration to stimulate blood flow and circulation, reducing fatigue, especially on long journeys.

IONIQ 9 also stands out with its second-row swivel seats. The seats rotate on their own axis when the vehicle is parked, allowing second and third row passengers to face each other. This flexible configuration feature offers another way to enjoy the vehicle’s unique interior by increasing interaction and communication between passengers.

IONIQ 9, which has a console called Universal Island 2.0, also offers an impressive storage and loading area here. The two-way armrests of this console, which increases accessibility and comfort in the front row seating arrangement, can also be opened from the front and back.

Universal Island 2.0 can be moved by up to 190 mm and provides easy access for second-row passengers. The console offers a storage space of 5.6 liters in the upper section and a large space of 12.6 liters in the lower sliding section.

When the third row seats are folded flat, the trunk can reach up to 1,323 liters. When the three rows are open, it offers a normal luggage space of up to 620 liters. In addition to this volume, the front luggage compartment is 88 liters in the rear-wheel drive option and 52 liters in the four-wheel drive option.

The IONIQ 9’s infotainment system includes a 12-inch display and a 12-inch integrated monitor as part of the panoramic curved display. The vehicle has a multimedia unit developed for 5.1-channel surround sound. The premium BOSE system comes with stereo 14 speakers. It also features e-Active Sound Design (e-ASD), which produces the virtual driving sound of an EV using the vehicle’s audio system.

IONIQ 9 also emphasizes sustainability in its material choices. These materials include Eco-Leather, Recycled PET Fabric, Wool Fabric, Bio TPO/PU Leather, Bio PET/Suede Fabric and Bio Paint. The vehicle also uses paint made from recycled tire waste. IONIQ 9’s panoramic curved screen, floating instrument panel, thin air vents and ambient interior lighting make the futuristic interior atmosphere of the vehicle even stronger.

“Aerosthetic” design offers a stylish and sophisticated look

IONIQ 9’s stylish design language called ‘Aerosthetic’ offers a very stylish exterior appearance. Prepared with Hyundai’s aerodynamic innovation, the body blends into a highly sophisticated and futuristic style. The front design of the IONIQ 9 features parametric pixels integrated into the LED light units and the lower front panel, giving the car a unique appearance.

The silhouette of the IONIQ 9 creates a flowing aerodynamic profile and a low drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd when equipped with digital side mirrors. In the design, which is continued with a smooth and curved roof line, energy use efficiency is achieved by smoothing and balancing the air flow under the body. For the first time, a new double-action active air flap (AAF) system has been applied for increased efficiency by reducing wheel and tire resistance. Aero-optimization solutions include 3D-shaped underbody cover, aerodynamic wheels and hidden antennas.

IONIQ 9, which has the longest wheelbase among Hyundai models, makes a difference here too with a value of 3,130 mm. The shape of the body and fenders creates a volumetrically impressive impression, while also adding depth and dimension to the car.

Exterior lighting has a similar structure to Hyundai’s other EV models. Standing out with small cube projection headlights and an intelligent front lighting system (IFS) that protects oncoming vehicles from excessive light, IONIQ 9 includes parametric pixel lamps like its other siblings. At the rear, there is an LED combination, while the exterior door handles are also illuminated for improved visibility. This confident stance of IONIQ 9 is supported by 19, 20 and 21 inch wheel options. The interior of the IONIQ 9, which will be produced in 16 different interesting colors, includes black and six two-tone options.

Advanced power electronics and enhanced EV driving experience

Hyundai IONIQ 9 features a two-stage inverter for improved efficiency. Supported by Hyundai’s innovative E-GMP architecture, this system helps reduce engine noise while also featuring improved acoustic laminated glass and a reinforced plate in the A-pillar area. IONIQ 9, which is very quiet with this system that helps eliminate road and wind noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the cabin, offers maximum home comfort on long journeys.

The E-GMP platform enables a high-voltage battery pack for extended driving range and provides a flat floor for increased cargo space. Crash safety and durability are also improved thanks to a robust body structure designed for optimum crash energy distribution.

IONIQ 9 is the first Hyundai model to feature aluminum fenders and quarter panels for a lightweight body. The new dual-action active air flap (AAF) system, along with flat body panels, further improves airflow and exterior appearance for battery cooling and aerodynamics.

Large capacity battery delivers impressive range and performance

The advanced PE system’s high-voltage, ground-mounted NCM lithium-ion battery delivers 110.3 kWh of system energy. Thanks to IONIQ 9’s low drag coefficient, advanced platform and battery technologies, a range of 620 km (with 19 inches – WLTP) is achieved, while it is also expected to reach an energy consumption of 194 Wh/km.

While IONIQ 9 offers charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger, the platform’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) convenience feature and 400V/800V multiple charging capability make the vehicle even more attractive.

The Long-Range RWD (Long Range – Rear Drive) model is supported by a 160 kW rear engine and also has a 70 kW front engine. “Performance AWD (Performance – Four Wheel Drive)” models are equipped with 160 kW engines at both the front and rear.

The performance model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, while the long-range AWD variant reaches 6.7 seconds. The Long Range RWD version also reaches this speed in 9.4 seconds. During mid-range acceleration, such as overtaking, the performance model accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The Long Range AWD variant does this in 4.8 seconds, while the Long Range RWD version does this in 6.8 seconds.

IONIQ 9 supports this impressive performance with capabilities such as towing a caravan. In trailer mode, the vehicle automatically detects the weight of the trailer and adjusts the projected range accordingly. This feature maintains a constant 50:50 front-to-rear engine torque distribution ratio for optimum performance. IONIQ 9 models that will be available in Europe have a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg, while North American models have a towing capacity of 2,267 kg.

IONIQ 9 will be available primarily in Korea and America in the first half of 2025, and will later hit traffic in Europe and other markets. Promising a comprehensive standard equipment and cutting-edge comfort features, IONIQ 9 is expected to make a name for itself in the EV world in a short time.