Hyundai Ioniq 9: The XXL Electric SUV Arrives

Seven-Seater Aims for European Roads, Balancing Space and Style

Hyundai’s new Ioniq 9 SUV is making waves with its sheer size and family-friendly design. This electric behemoth, measuring over five meters long, aims to capture the market for spacious family transport, challenging rivals like the Kia EV9.

Massive Presence, Refined Design

The Ioniq 9 commands attention with its 5.06-meter length, nearly two-meter width, and 1.79-meter height. While comparable in length to a BMW 5 Series Touring, it stands significantly taller, offering a much larger cabin. Its styling is noted as smoother and more elegant than the Kia EV9, a deliberate choice for a more European aesthetic.

Family-Focused Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Ioniq 9 shines with its abundant space, accommodating up to seven passengers as standard, with a six-seat configuration available featuring individual second-row seats. The third row, surprisingly accommodating for adults on shorter journeys, can fold flat into the floor for increased cargo capacity. Even with all seats occupied, the rear offers decent headroom and access to climate controls.

Generous legroom and headroom are found in the first two rows, complemented by electrically adjustable and foldable seats in higher trims. The cabin boasts numerous cup holders, a clear nod to its North American market focus. The cargo space is substantial, offering 338 liters in seven-seater mode, expanding to 908 liters with the third row folded, and a massive 2,494 liters with all rear seats down. A handy storage compartment for charging cables is located under the hood.

Intuitive Technology and Refinements

Despite its advanced technology, the Ioniq 9’s controls are designed for clarity. Climate functions are managed by a rotary dial, while the steering wheel features a sensible array of buttons. The central 12.3-inch touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, providing easy access to information like range and consumption. The movable center console, opening from both sides, offers practical utility for families.

Optional features include digital exterior mirrors, cloud integration, and a Bose sound system with active noise cancellation. However, some interior materials, particularly a marble-effect trim, were noted as not quite meeting expectations for the vehicle’s price point.

Driving Dynamics: Comfort-Oriented Cruising

The Ioniq 9 is available with two powertrain options: a 160 kW (218 hp) rear-wheel-drive variant and a 226 kW (307 hp) all-wheel-drive model. Both deliver smooth, confident acceleration suitable for their substantial weight, with the all-wheel-drive version offering a more spirited performance. The ride prioritizes comfort, featuring soft suspension that effectively absorbs road imperfections, though it can lead to some body roll.

While the driving modes adjust powertrain characteristics, the fundamental driving feel remains consistent. The steering is light and somewhat synthetic, though direct enough. The vehicle’s considerable dimensions mean it is best suited for open roads, with tight European city streets and parking garages presenting a challenge.

Range and Charging Capabilities

The Ioniq 9 boasts a WLTP range of 600 to 620 kilometers, though real-world conditions may yield closer to 500 kilometers, as observed during testing with consumption averaging between 20 and 26 kWh per 100 kilometers. The range indicator proved accurate. The 800-volt architecture allows for rapid charging, with Hyundai claiming a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 24 minutes at a maximum of 233 kW DC.

Pricing and Market Positioning

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is offered in three trim levels: the base “Ioniq 9,” the mid-range “Techniq,” and the top-tier “Uniq.” Pricing starts at CHF 76,900 for the rear-wheel-drive base model. The all-wheel-drive flagship “Uniq” commands a price of around CHF 89,900. Given its size and segment, the vehicle is expected to appeal significantly to commercial customers, who typically represent a high percentage of buyers in the large SUV market.