We drive the Hyundai IONIQ 9, the most comfortable and high-performance 7-seat electric SUV on the market right now

This new edition, alongside the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, plays a key role in Hyundai Motor’s ambition to launch a complete line of electric vehicles, with a total of 23 battery-powered models by 2030. Developed on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, it features an 800 V battery with ultra-rapid charging capability.

Its exterior dimensions are exceptional, with a length of 5.06 metres, a width of 1.98 m, an overall height of 1.79 m and a wheelbase of 3.13 metres, which positions it as one of the largest models on the market.

Based on the E-GMP architecture, it combines its long 3.13-metre wheelbase with an aerodynamic body, which favours a spacious and flexible cabin. Its bodywork boasts a drag coefficient of 0.259 Cx, an exceptional figure for a model of such dimensions.

It features a system of active air grilles that dynamically adjusts airflow to provide cooling when needed. The design of the partially covered wheels, inspired by turbines, and an underbody cover also help improve aerodynamic performance.

As with the rest of the IONIQ models, the Parametric Pixel lighting is a signature feature of the model, in this case customisable, and the pixelated headlights also incorporate matrix high beams. Optionally, it can be fitted with side mirrors with a high-resolution camera.

It is available in ten exterior colours, including several new matte and pearlescent shades.

Spacious interior

Spacious and airy, it offers plenty of room for occupants, even in the third row, thanks to a flat floor. The configuration allows a choice between six- and seven-seat versions and Relax seats in the first and second rows, which recline fully and, depending on the version, include integrated footrests. In some markets, swivel seats are available in the second row, allowing them to rotate and face the third row when the car is parked.

The centre console can slide up to 190 mm, with a capacity of 5.6 litres in the upper tray and 12.6 litres in the lower sliding compartment. The boot capacity, with up to 908 litres of luggage space with the third row folded and 338 litres with all seats in use, also stands out.

With the seats folded down, cargo volume increases to 2,494 litres in the six-seat version and 2,419 litres in the seven-seat one. The front boot (frunk) offers an additional 88 litres of storage in rear-wheel-drive models and 52 litres in all-wheel-drive models.

It is equipped with a heat pump climate control system with a specific rear climate configuration for second- and third-row passengers and intelligent zone control that allows air outlets to be deactivated in unused seats.

High performance

It is available with rear-wheel drive and 318 CV, or all-wheel drive with 313 CV. The AWD variant is powered by two independent electric motors, one on each axle. For those seeking greater performance, there is also a Performance AWD version with 157.3 kW motors, delivering 435 CV and a range of 600 km (WLTP). This version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h, while the AWD does so in 6.7 seconds with the same top speed of 200 km/h.

For its part, the RWD reaches 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 190 km/h. In all cases, for the Spanish market, only the large 110.3 kWh battery is offered, which in the rear-wheel-drive variant is homologated for 620 km (WLTP).

It can be fitted with rear self-levelling dampers — in the Ecalligraphy version, which adjust automatically to changes in load together with dynamic torque vectoring — and keep the bodywork height stable regardless of load. It also features a driving system with different preset modes for snow, mud and sand.

Notable is the active road noise cancellation technology, integrated into the 14-speaker premium Bose sound system, which actively counteracts road and wind noise. By analysing external noise, the system generates inverse sound waves through the speakers to neutralise unwanted sounds.

It incorporates an intelligent regenerative system capable of automatically adjusting recuperation levels based on real-time navigation data, including information on speed limits, bends, school zones or roundabouts.

Thanks to its 800 V charging capability, with peaks of 255 kW, it can go from 10 to 80% in just 24 minutes when using a 350 kW fast DC charger, which means adding 300 km of range in 15 minutes. It also supports 400 V charging without additional hardware, so it can connect to any DC charging station. It features a route planner that optimises charging stops based on real-time data, taking into account factors such as battery level, upcoming charging stations and driving conditions.

It offers a Vehicle to Load function (V2L), which allows external devices to be powered from the vehicle, such as electric bicycles or camping equipment, or to provide emergency power.

Comprehensive standard equipment

It comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a set of safety and driver assistance technologies, which work together to prevent collisions and improve driver attention, such as the front collision assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind-spot detection system, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, driver attention alert, automatically adjusting headlights and seatbelt pretensioners in all rows except the centre seat of the second row.

GPT-4 artificial intelligence has also arrived in the model, which features a curved panoramic display and integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. It supports OTA updates and is compatible with the digital key, which allows keyless access via smartphone or wearable devices and can be shared with up to 15 devices. It also has an on-demand feature activation system to install customisable options.

To power portable devices such as smartphones or tablets, it includes six high-power USB-C ports, including one rated at 100 W.

Another curiosity of the model is the virtual gear shift (VGS) option for the Performance version, which simulates the driving experience of a combustion-engined vehicle by adding virtual gear-change feedback and dynamic transmission sound.

Very pleasant to drive

We have only had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the seven-seat AWD version with 313 CV, although we have not had enough time to drive it to assess it in different situations: mountain roads, with passengers and cargo, in town and on the motorway… However, the route we covered does allow us to appreciate its excellent comfort, quiet ride, acceleration capability, good finish and the proper functioning of all the controls and accessories at the driving position.

We found it extraordinarily smooth and quiet from the moment it starts moving until it reaches a legal cruising speed, which happens within a few seconds, although it is not a missile. It is true that its dimensions and weight are truly massive (2,594 kg in the lightest version of the range), and certain inertia is produced by such a figure, but at no point does it feel difficult to drive.

But, without a doubt, what we liked most about this model was its spacious cabin and its comfort on the move, which is very quiet and refined.

Range and prices

In Spain all versions will be sold exclusively with the largest battery, with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The first is in Star trim, and four are all-wheel drive in Energy or Ecalligraphy trim with six or seven seats.

Buyers have access to the “Enchufados de Hyundai” plan, which at no cost includes a home charger, the option of returning the car after one month or before covering 2,000 km, five years of assistance, five years of warranty and eight years for the electrical system.

The prices of the model are as follows:

IONIQ 9 218CV 110kWh RWD Star: €69,900

IONIQ 9 313CV 110kWh AWD Energy: €81,600

IONIQ 9 435CV 110kWh AWD Ecalligraphy 7 seats: €87,100

IONIQ 9 435CV 110kWh AWD Ecalligraphy 6 seats 360: €88,100

IONIQ 9 435CV 110kWh AWD Ecalligraphy 6 seats Relax: €88,100

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