Hyundai‘s just thrown down the gauntlet in the premium electric SUV arena with the IONIQ 9, a seven-seat behemoth that’s gunning for the Volvo EX90 and Mercedes EQE SUV. Starting at £64,995, this is Hyundai’s most expensive production car ever, but you’re getting a lot of metal (and tech) for your money.
Bigger, Bolder, and Packing Serious Tech
Let’s address the elephant in the room first – this thing is massive. At over 5 metres long, the IONIQ 9 makes a Range Rover look almost dainty. But Hyundai’s designers have worked some magic with the proportions, giving it a sleek, aerodynamic profile (0.28Cd) that helps maximise that all-important range.
Speaking of which, the top-spec 99.8kWh RWD model will do 336 miles on a charge, while the dual-motor AWD version manages a still-respectable 300 miles. Both support 350kW charging, meaning 10-80% in just 24 minutes – perfect for those long family road trips where the kids need constant toilet breaks.
Interior: More Screens Than a Gamer’s Bedroom
Step inside and you’re greeted by Hyundai’s new ‘mindfulness cabin’ (yes, really), featuring:
- A 12.3-inch digital cluster
- A 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- A 5.8-inch climate control touch panel
- Optional relaxation seats with built-in leg rests
The third row isn’t just an afterthought either – Hyundai claims there’s proper space for adults back there, with clever sliding second-row seats that create up to 1,000mm of legroom. When you’re not hauling the entire football team, the seats fold flat to reveal a 2,500-litre boot.
Performance That Surprises
Don’t let the family-friendly specs fool you – the range-topping dual-motor version pumps out 379bhp and 516lb ft of torque, enough for a 0-62mph sprint in 5.3 seconds. That’s proper hot SUV territory, though we suspect most buyers will opt for the more efficient RWD model.
Hyundai’s thrown in some clever tech too, including:
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) – power your gadgets (or a whole campsite)
- Over-the-air updates – because nobody wants to visit a dealership
- Remote Smart Parking Assist – for those tight multi-storey spots
Pricing and the Premium Problem
At £64,995 for the entry-level Premium trim, Hyundai’s playing in proper luxury car territory. The range tops out at £76,495 for the Ultimate trim with all the bells and whistles. That’s a lot of money for a Hyundai badge, but when you compare the spec sheet to a £90k+ Volvo EX90, it starts to look like a relative bargain.
The IONIQ 9 arrives in UK showrooms this autumn, just in time for the school run season. Whether British buyers are ready to spend BMW money on a Hyundai remains to be seen, but on paper at least, this might just be the most convincing premium Korean car ever made.
