Hyundai Ioniq 9 First Drive Review

In the world of Ioniq, numbers aren't entirely sequential. After the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 comes this: The new Hyundai Ioniq 9. Well, it was first known as the Seven concept, but today, it's been developed into the Ioniq 9, the latest flagship model to join Hyundai's electric sub-brand, marking its entry into the competitive large 3-row SUV segment.

This model is long-awaited, especially since its cousin, the Kia EV9, made a splash at the Singapore Motorshow earlier this year. Now, it goes up against established names like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq, and EV9 - combining sportiness, utility, and striking aesthetics in a single package. In conjunction with the model's global reveal, we headed to the California Proving Grounds, Hyundai's dedicated facility for testing and refining its vehicles under various challenging conditions, for a first drive. 

It may be difficult to make out behind all that camouflage, but the Ioniq 9 features what the brand calls an "aerosthetic" styling

All-rounded looks

The Ioniq 9 commands presence. It is long and expansive, yet its somewhat spherical silhouette gives it a distinctive, almost organic shape. Picture a Prince Rupert's drop - sleekly stretched yet with a bulbous end - and you'll have a sense of its design language. The car's profile is sleek, with a pinched tail that tapers off into a sharp, aerodynamic conclusion.

Hyundai describes the Ioniq 9's design as "aerosthetic" - a blend of aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetics. One of the most striking features is its boat tail rear, reducing drag and giving it a distinct silhouette. The car features a "hanbok line" that traces a subtle arc along the rear doors, reminiscent of the traditional Korean garment's flow. The wide shoulders extend seamlessly from the bonnet to the rear, creating a muscular stance that is further accentuated at the C-pillars.

The accentuated shoulders toward the rear are inspired by a boat tail

The signature pixelated taillights runs from one side across the top and down the other, echoing the iconic design cues found across the Ioniq family. The rear glass panel is noticeably rotund and pronounced, much more than most other cars. With a wheelbase of 3,130mm, it's the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai to date, promising plenty of interior room. At a squint, it resembles the droopy rear of a nostalgic American wagon like the Buick Estate.

A striking front LED light bar, reminiscent of the Kona EV, runs across the 'grille', cleverly concealing safety tech like the front radar sensor. The Ioniq 9 integrates its safety systems seamlessly into its sleek design, and the untouched surface also aids with aerodynamics. The shark fin antenna has been removed, a first for any Hyundai; its functions split across the windshield cover, instrument panel, and tailgate glass, further enhancing aerodynamics efficiency. 

The signature Ioniq pixels run from across each side, and are connected at the top

Lounging in high-tech

Step inside, and the cabin feels more like a lounge than a typical SUV. The dashboard features a stone-material finish, complemented by nature-inspired colours like muted white, soft silver, and calming greys. The entire interior exudes a zen-like ambience, perfect for long journeys.

The materials on the inside feel premium to the touch, and you wouldn't know it, but Hyundai says the cabin is filled with sustainable materials, including Eco Process Leather, Recycled PET Fabric, and even Bio Paint derived from recycled tyres.

The Ioniq 9's design pays homage to both Ioniq and Hyundai cars

The Ioniq 9 debuts Hyundai's first "Dynamic Body Care System", which uses pressure and vibration for a relaxing massage for the front row. The middle row offers dual swivelling captain's chairs, which allow passengers in the middle to face each other, or even face toward the rear for a more social setup. The third row is leg-spacious, though passengers may need to tuck in slightly vertically due to the tapered boat tail design of the rear. With all seats in place, the cargo area still offers a generous 338 litres. If you need more space, the frunk provides up to 88 litres for the RWD model and 52 litres for the AWD variant. The panoramic sunroof further enhances the sense of space, letting in plenty of natural light.

The interior is a tech lover's dream, with familiar pixelated motifs from the Ioniq 5 and 6 scattered throughout the cabin. The steering wheel design mirrors that of the Santa Fe Turbo Hybrid but with light-up dots (where the Santa Fe's didn't), a nod to the Ioniq 6. Practical tech features include a UV-C steriliser for sanitising phones, wallets, or masks, and high-output 100W USB-C ports that draw power directly from the high-voltage battery (cars typically draw auxiliary power from the 12V battery), ensuring ultra-fast charging. Additionally, the Ioniq 9 supports V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality right from the cabin, allowing you to power external devices by plugging into the car's battery from the boot area.

Audiophiles will appreciate the immersive 14-speaker Bose sound system. Additionally, the Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai model to feature active noise cancellation, creating a more insulated in-cabin experience akin to noise-canceling headphones, by generating inverse sound waves, canceling out noise frequencies picked up with microphones on the outside.

Don't be fooled by the Ioniq 9's large SUV format - it can handle quite a lot of punishment on the tarmac

Driving the dreamboat

The Ioniq 9 will be available in three configurations. The Long Range RWD model utilises a 160kW motor at the rear axle, while the Long Range AWD model gets an additional 70kW electric motor at the front. The range-topping Performance AWD gets twin 160kW electric motors front and rear. 

Built as a 5-metre-long family carrier, the Ioniq 9 packs a massive 110.3 kWh battery. On the road, it's clear that comfort is its priority. However, even with its size, it's surprisingly agile. The dual-motor AWD setup delivers confident acceleration, making it easy to sprint off the line, even before you step into the Performance variant. Around S-curves, the car remains relatively planted despite its heft, offering ample grip, even at speeds of up to 110km/h, it feels nimble; push harder, and the limits of physics betray the mechanical grip of the car. The ride is plush and quiet, with wind noise only becoming noticeable at speeds above 140km/h. On longer drives, it excels as a refined, comfortable cruiser, though it seems keen to remind you of its eager power on tap.

The new addition to the Ioniq family

The Ioniq 9 serves as a welcome addition to Hyundai's lineup of large SUVs, blending electric efficiency with spacious utility. Its design may not have the retro charm of the Ioniq 5 or the sporty streamliner vibe of the Ioniq 6, but it brings something unique to the table with its bold boat-tail aesthetics. While the Santa Fe quickly gains a cult following for its rugged look, the Ioniq 9 charts a different course with its futuristic and functional design.

Being part of the Ioniq family, it carries with it the brand appeal of the 5 and 6, backed by hardware innovations like its 800V architecture for rapid charging. It’s an SUV that's not just about getting from point A to B, but doing so with flair, inner prestige, and a sense of purpose. The Ioniq 9 might take some getting used to visually, but for those seeking a blend of sustainability, tech-savvy features, and spacious practicality, it's bound to resonate.