Hyundai unveiled the Ioniq 9 concept at the LA Auto Show, boasting an innovative interior design that allows for swiveling second-row seats, transforming the vehicle into a versatile lounge space.
After years of anticipation, we’ve finally reached the moment of truth: the highly anticipated Hyundai Ioniq 9 is ready to hit the market.
In anticipation of the LA Auto Show, kicking off this Friday and with a media preview day scheduled for tomorrow – which can be attended to – Hyundai has confirmed the Ioniq 9’s arrival, set to make its formal debut at the auto show (livestreamed) on November 21st morning.
The Ioniq 7, an automotive, met our expectations – a spacious, three-row SUV reminiscent of its cousin, the Kia EV9, which shares the same platform as Hyundai’s sister brand.
However, it’s evident that the “lounge-like” interior also harbors some unaccounted-for benefits, such as an unexpected layer of readability that surprisingly doesn’t stem from mere marketing rhetoric alone. The cozy retreat is equipped with plush La-Z-Boy recliners featuring adjustable footrests and swivel chairs that allow you to comfortably turn towards your friends. Let’s dive into the details a little further then?
The Ionic 5, equipped with a substantial 110.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, can offer up to 335 miles of range on its Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive model, featuring 19-inch wheels. Are 20- and 21-inch wheels available as options, which we recommend pairing with shorter gearing to ensure optimal performance.
The massive battery retains the E-GMP platform’s exceptional DC charging efficiency, capable of replenishing from 10-80% in just 24 minutes when connected to a high-power charger, such as one offering 350kW “under optimal conditions”.
The Longevity-inspired model features a potent 160kW (215 horsepower) rear electric motor, while its all-wheel-drive variant boasts an additional 70kW (94 horsepower) from its front motor. With Efficiency AWD, 160kW motors can be paired to provide seamless power delivery on both axles.
The extended range RWD model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.4 seconds, while AWD models take 6.7 seconds and Efficiency AWD models achieve this feat in just 5.2 seconds – or a thrilling 4.9 seconds when measured from 0 to 60 mph.
At an imposing 5,060 millimeters (199.2 inches) in length, 1,980 millimeters (78 inches) in width, and 1,790 millimeters (70.5 inches) in height, the SUV’s substantial dimensions are characteristic of its three-row design. Standing at two inches taller than its sibling, the EV9, yet one inch shorter in length compared to the Rivian R1S, this model showcases a distinct physical profile.
The exterior design builds upon the successful design language of its predecessor, the Ioniq 5, but on a larger scale, with softer, more rounded lines. The design maintains subtle echoes of the pixelated quality characteristic of dot-matrix displays.
I don’t love the roundedness of the Ioniq 5; its design is remarkably characterized by numerous straight lines throughout, whereas the rounded hood and elongated rear end of the 9 spoil that consistency to some extent.
While Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and EV6 exhibit distinct design profiles – one being more angular and the other more curvaceous – a similar dichotomy can be observed between the Ioniq 9 and EV9, albeit with the roles reversed. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 appears more rounded, while the electric SUV, EV9, adopts a more angular and boxy design. As a result of their distinct characteristics, these two closely related vehicles have established enough differentiation to anticipate a segmented market, where many consumers will favor one over the other, minimizing cannibalization between the pair.
The interior seems remarkably expansive, despite our inability to personally experience it thus far. While most three-row SUVs in this segment often struggle with cramped third rows, we’re eager to discover whether Hyundai has pulled off a remarkable feat in this regard.
The rear and front trunks offer ample storage space, with the frunk capable of holding 88 litres in RWD and 52 litres in AWD configurations. Additionally, the centre console provides a substantial amount of storage within (18.2 litres), divided into an upper and lower tray, which can be slid back and forth to facilitate easier movement between front or rear seats.
By infusing a touch of magic into its design, Hyundai has achieved something unprecedented – transforming the interior of its vehicle into a cozy lounge through innovative swiveling center seats.
While concept cars often feature innovative interior designs, these ideas rarely translate into production models, as was the case with the EV9, whose design trait did not survive to the production stage. While some drivers’ habits are undeniably eye-catching, which individuals dare to flaunt such unconventional vehicular behavior?
Hyundai believes that families and groups of friends will appreciate the added flexibility offered by its innovative swiveling second-row seats. Despite this claim, the availability of these seats is limited to “select markets only,” with the company refusing to disclose which markets they are, although it’s worth noting that the US market is unlikely to be one of them. It appears that this feature will be exclusive to the six-seat layout, as opposed to the seven-seat version.
The seats don’t just swivel; they also recline and feature a built-in leg rest. Hyundai is keen on showcasing its innovative “Leisure Seats,” which enable both the primary and secondary row seats to convert into a multitude of configurations, promising unparalleled comfort and versatility. This innovative solution can be particularly beneficial for those seeking to recharge and unwind during lengthy car charging sessions, despite the fact that just 24 minutes of downtime might not be sufficient to catch a full nap even on an optimal 350kW charger.
The charging process can be seamlessly facilitated through a dedicated NACS port, marking a groundbreaking milestone as the first non-Tesla vehicle to exclusively employ this technology throughout its entire model cycle. Although various E-GMP autos have transitioned to NACS, the Ioniq 5, being an older model, has a higher likelihood of featuring CCS technology, unlike its successor, the Ioniq 9, which will likely debut with NACS support.
Similar to various electric GMP vehicles, this model will be capable of discharging its battery via vehicle-to-load technology to power external devices, though the exact total output remains unclear. Unlike traditional electric vehicles, newer E-GMP models typically draw around 1.8 kilowatts of power during the initial charging phase, allowing for moderate recharging at popular retailers and charging stations; nonetheless, this power output is insufficient to fully energize a residential space.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is slated for a rollout in Korea and the United States during the first half of 2025, with subsequent launches in Europe and other markets to follow. The US model can be constructed at Hyundai’s plant in Georgia – one other instance of a automotive dropped at the US by the home sourcing provisions of President Biden’s EV push (and which might be put into Jeopardy if Dumb & Dumber get their means in making an attempt to kill this boon for US manufacturing).
Pricing and technical specifications remain elusive for now; stay updated, though, as more information is forthcoming.
Catch the official debut livestream of the new Hyundai model on their website, starting at 9:10am PST on November 21st. At the LA Auto Show, we can take a walk around and pose some remaining queries to gather any remaining information.
