How does the Hyundai Ioniq 9 stack up against luxury electric SUVs?
If you’re eyeing the electric SUV market, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is bound to catch your attention. Priced from £64,995, it undercuts rivals like the Volvo EX90 by a whopping £20,000 and comes in at about half the cost of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. That’s not a typo. Even more interesting, it’s priced neck-and-neck with its close cousin, the Kia EV9, but with a distinctly Hyundai twist.
What’s the catch? There isn’t one, really. Hyundai is aiming squarely at the premium crowd, and the Ioniq 9 is their boldest move yet. Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s design boss, says the car is a statement of just how far the brand has come—from utilitarian beginnings to a genuine contender in the luxury space. The Ioniq 9 isn’t just about matching the big names; it’s about redefining what buyers expect from a premium electric SUV.
Which powertrain options are available, and how do they perform?
Hyundai didn’t skimp on variety. At launch, you’ll get three powertrain choices. The rear-wheel-drive Long Range version offers 215bhp and a claimed 385-mile range—impressive for a vehicle of this size. Step up to the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model, and you’re looking at 303bhp and 376 miles per charge. If you crave performance, the AWD Performance variant delivers a punchy 429bhp, sprinting from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds, with a range of 372 miles. Top speed? 124mph across the board.
All versions use an 800V, 110.3kWh battery, supporting ultra-fast charging up to 354kW (though real-world rates will likely hover around 220-230kW). That means you can add serious range in the time it takes to grab a coffee. Plus, the vehicle-to-load function lets you power external devices—think camping or tailgating without compromise.
Hyundai’s engineers have also tweaked the rear gear ratio for better low-speed torque and introduced a two-stage power inverter to boost efficiency. These aren’t just technical footnotes—they translate to smoother, more responsive driving and real-world usability.
How does the Ioniq 9’s design set it apart?
Hyundai calls the Ioniq 9 an “aerosthetic lounge,” and it’s more than marketing fluff. The design is a blend of aerodynamic savvy and premium aesthetics. The pixel lighting details—think digital meets art deco—frame the tailgate and front end, giving the SUV a signature look, even if UK versions get split headlights due to regulations.
The silhouette is “Teutonic,” inspired by aircraft fuselages, with a bluff rear and a flat roofline that’s more estate car than traditional SUV. The result? A drag coefficient as low as 0.259, which is remarkable for a vehicle this size and shape. For context, that’s slipperier than the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90, and on par with some sleek saloons.
There’s also a dual-motion active air flap underneath to manage airflow—a first for Hyundai—along with new wheel designs and hidden antennae to keep things clean. The 3130mm wheelbase outstretches even the Land Rover Defender 110, maximizing interior space without making the exterior unwieldy.
What’s the interior experience like for families and VIPs alike?
Step inside, and the Ioniq 9 feels more like a modern lounge than a conventional SUV. You can opt for seven seats or go all-in on luxury with six, including swiveling middle-row armchairs that fully recline. The wheelbase means there’s ample legroom in all three rows—up to 2050mm for the second and third rows combined. That’s the kind of space that makes long road trips genuinely comfortable, not just bearable.
The dashboard features a panoramic curved display, merging driver and infotainment screens, but crucially, Hyundai hasn’t ditched physical buttons for key controls. It’s a thoughtful touch—sometimes you just want to adjust the climate without diving into a screen menu.
Storage is another strong suit. The Universal Island 2.0 center console offers a hidden 12.6-litre cubby and a 5.6-litre top tray, and it slides to free up space as needed. Boot space is generous: 908 litres with the third row down, 338 litres with all seats up, and a frunk offering up to 88 litres (52 litres in AWD models). That’s plenty for family gear, shopping runs, or even a couple of bikes.
How does the Ioniq 9 handle on the road?
Hyundai’s engineers tuned the Ioniq 9 for a sweet spot between comfort and control. Multi-link suspension at both ends, self-levelling twin-valve dampers, and hydro-bushing components all work together to keep the ride smooth and composed—even when the road isn’t.
No rear-wheel steering here, but the turning circle is a tidy 12.4 meters, close to that of the much smaller Hyundai Tucson. That means city parking and tight maneuvers are less stressful than you’d expect from a full-size SUV.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) are kept in check with sound-absorbing foam in the tires, acoustic glass, and reinforced structures. There’s even an active sound control system to isolate unwanted noise. The result? A cabin that’s as quiet as some bona fide luxury cars, making every journey feel a bit more special.
What’s the real-world value compared to established luxury brands?
Here’s where things get interesting. The Ioniq 9 isn’t just about undercutting the competition on price. It’s about delivering a genuinely premium experience—inside and out—without the badge snobbery or inflated costs. Hyundai’s rapid evolution is on full display, and the Ioniq 9 is proof that you don’t have to compromise on luxury, tech, or performance to go electric.
Industry analysts have noted that Hyundai’s E-GMP platform (shared with Kia) is among the most advanced in the EV world, and the Ioniq 9 leverages it to full effect. According to a 2023 report by BloombergNEF, Hyundai and Kia are now the world’s second-largest EV manufacturers by volume, trailing only Tesla. That scale brings both innovation and reliability—two things that matter when you’re investing in a family hauler.
The big takeaway? The Hyundai Ioniq 9 isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re upgrading from a traditional SUV or dipping your toes into electric for the first time, the Ioniq 9 makes a compelling case for thinking differently about what premium really means.