Hyundai has revealed details for its flagship Ioniq 9 electric SUV, which delivers ultra-futuristic looks and is the brand’s first model to feature the smart Hyundai AI Assistant.
First debuted in November 2024, the premium new model is the counterpart to the Kia EV9 and a rival to the Volvo EX90 and is priced from £64,995.
It’s built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, also used for the Ioniq 5 and 6, and features the same bold styling and pixel lighting as its siblings while also offering an 800V architecture for fast charging and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.
The line-up spans three trims, plus a single 110kWh battery, with a choice of Long Range 218hp RWD, Long Range 307hp AWD or 427hp AWD Performance powertrains, all with standard heat pump, manually selectable battery conditioning and V2L with internal three-pin plug.
The Long-Range RWD model is powered by a 218hp rear motor with 350Nm of torque and gets the headline WLTP range figure of 385 miles when fitted with 19-inch wheels. It’s able to deliver the 0-60mph dash in 9.4 seconds and has a top speed of 118mph.
The Long-Range AWD alternative gains an extra 90hp front motor, cutting range but bringing the 0-62mph time down to 6.7 seconds and delivering 605Nm of torque.
For maximum output, the Performance AWD models gain 213hp motors on both the front and rear axles for 700Nmq of torque and a 0-60mph time of 5.2 seconds.
The lounge-like cabin comes with an optional panoramic sunroof and features a three-row setup, accommodating flexible seating arrangements for six or seven occupants. The centre console enables accessibility with a walk-through front-row arrangement alongside bidirectional armrests that open from front and rear, allowing easy access from the second row, while the entire console can slide up to 190mm.
Advanced onboard tech includes the Hyundai AI Assistant. A development of Hyundai’s existing voice recognition system, it uses Generative AI to assist the driver in controlling multiple vehicle systems such as climate control functions and navigation alongside interacting with the driver upon request for information such as local restaurant recommendations.
For the entry pricing of £64,995, drivers get access to the Long Range 218hp RWD version in Premium grade, equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, LED cube projection headlights and LED taillights, automatic door handles, privacy glass and power tailgate.
Interior equipment includes heated leather steering wheel and wool and leather combination seat upholstery. The front seats are heated, ventilated and electrically operated with eight-way adjustment and two-way lumbar support, the second row are heated and get an armrest with 60/40 split folding.
Premium models also come with three zone climate control, automatic dimming rear view mirror, auto headlights and windscreen wipers, Driver’s Supervision Instrument Cluster with 12.3-inch panoramic display, 12.3-inch touchscreen panoramic display with Bluelink, LIVE services and MapCare and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety equipment includes downhill brake control, forward collision avoidance assist, highway drive assist and multi collision brake assist.
Available from £73,495, the Ioniq 9 Ultimate 307hp AWD builds this with 20-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured wheel arch with black inserts and panoramic sunroof. Interior specification enhancements include leather upholstery, four-way lumbar adjustments to driver and passenger front seats, ventilated rear seats for the second row and power-folding third row. There’s also a BOSE premium sound system with 14 speakers and subwoofer, Ergo Motion driver’s seat and Active Noise Control-Road technology.
The range-topping Calligraphy model starts from £75,795 for the 307hp AWD. It adds to the Ultimate trim with 21-inch wheels and full body-coloured wheel arches, as well as bespoke bumper and side skirt graphics, Nappa leather upholstery and UVC Sterilization Tray. The Calligraphy is also available in a six-seat configuration with a sliding centre console, offering the ability to rotate the second row when parked. Calligraphy models can also be specified with Digital Side Mirrors and the 427hp AWD powertrain, which is priced at £78,595.
