Big and beautiful? Hyundai’s giant Ioniq 9 brings luxury EV appeal into the mainstream. By Simon Harris.

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The Kia EV9 has proved there is an appetite for a premium-feeling, seven-seat electric SUV from a mainstream brand. Now, the Ioniq 9 – its Hyundai counterpart ­– arrives to complete the E-GMP stable.

While it sits at a price point that puts it firmly into luxury territory, Hyundai’s flagship justifies that positioning by offering a ‘lounge-on-wheels’ experience that few traditional prestige brands can currently match.

Despite its imposing silhouette and sheer physical scale, the Ioniq 9 is surprisingly approachable on the road. Hyundai calls this design philosophy ‘aerosthetic’ – a portmanteau of aerodynamic and aesthetic.

Large SUVs often suffer from a ‘top-heavy’ sensation, but by housing the massive 110.3kWh battery low within the floor, Hyundai has created a vehicle with a low centre of gravity that belies its dimensions.

I found it surprisingly enjoyable to drive; it certainly doesn’t feel quite as big on the road as it looks. The steering is precise enough to navigate narrower routes with confidence, and the suspension is tuned for a serene, gliding ride that irons out motorway imperfections. It doesn’t attempt to be a sports car, but it feels composed and manageable, making it an exceptional long-distance tool for the high-mileage driver.

Inside, the Ioniq 9 feels special. Any user-chooser moving across from a traditional premium brand will not be disappointed; the material quality, tactile switchgear and minimalist ‘architectural’ layout are top-tier. The flat floor – a benefit of the dedicated electric platform – creates a level of interior flexibility that makes an ICE-derived SUV feel archaic.

The ‘Universal Island’ sliding console and swivelling second-row seats (depending on configuration) turn the cabin into a mobile executive suite. For a company car driver, this isn’t merely about passenger capacity; it’s about a stress-minimised environment. The interior is remarkably well-insulated from wind and road noise, providing a quiet sanctuary that makes a four-hour stint behind the wheel feel far less taxing.

Underpinning this luxury is a range of up to 385 miles on the longer-range, single-motor RWD model. While its larger cross-section means it can’t quite match the headline figures of executive saloons, it remains a formidable distance for a vehicle capable of carrying seven adults in genuine comfort.

Crucially for the fleet operator, the 800V charging architecture remains a standout attraction. The Ioniq 9 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes when using a 350kW ultra-rapid charger. For a driver covering longer distance, the ability to add significant range during a brief coffee stop is a vital operational advantage that keeps the wheels turning.

The Ioniq 9 is a bold alternative to the Volvo EX90. While the Volvo leans into Scandi-minimalism, the Hyundai offers a more adventurous, lounge-like interior and arguably superior charging technology. It also sits as a softer, more rounded aesthetic alternative to the brutalist, boxy look of the Kia EV9.

The Ioniq 9 represents a great deal of metal and luxury for the money. It effectively democratises the ‘private jet’ travel experience for the premium fleet sector.

Verdict

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a confident statement of intent. It doesn’t try to mimic a sports saloon; instead, it uses its electric platform to provide a level of space, light and refinement that is genuinely world-class. For the user-chooser who prioritises passenger capacity and long-distance comfort, it is a compelling, high-status flagship that marks a new peak for the Hyundai brand.

In Brief

Key fleet model: Ultimate AWD

Pros: Space and luxury feel; office-on-the-road capability

Cons: Brand credibility against premium rivals

Seven-word summary: A premium, seven-seat lounge on electric wheels

Also consider: Kia EV9; Volvo EX90