Hyundai premiered its new three-row electric SUV, Ioniq 9, at an event adjacent to the LA Auto Show last night. The seven-seater is based on the same platform as the Kia EV9 SUV.
"The Ioniq 9 looks to be a fitting capstone to Hyundai's lineup, which is already one of the most electrified in the entire auto industry. It has the all-electric range, the styling, and the features that buyers of three-row crossovers are looking for, and it could even give some new luxury EV crossovers — like the Cadillac Vistiq and Volvo EX90 — some stiff competition at a lower price point," Dave Undercoffler, editor-in-chief of Autolist told Newsweek.
"That said, the EV market is facing headwinds right now and there's even greater uncertainty for them around the corner once the next Trump administration takes over. The fact that this Ioniq 9 will be built in the U.S. should help cut through some of that and from a product standpoint, this SUV has a lot going for it."
Ioniq 9 showcases the high level of technology the automaker offers customers and takes design inspiration from mid-century modern architecture, with a design language the company calls "Aerosthetic." The low, boxy SUV features a smooth, curved roofline and active aerodynamics underneath to balance airflow. It has a 123-inch wheelbase making it longer than the Ford Explorer.
In size and styling from the side it has a shape reminiscent of the long lost Mercedes-Benz R-Class, but from the rear and front it takes on a futuristic look. Like other new-style Hyundais the Ioniq 9 features the company's signature Parametric Pixel lamps with small cube projection headlights. The rear lights are LED as are the puddle lights in the door handles.
It's also the first Hyundai to figure out how to eliminate the roof antenna by dividing its functions between the windshield cover, the instrument panel and the tailgate glass for GPS and satellite radio, connected car services and radio.
The Ioniq 9 comes with 19- to 21-inch wheel and is available in 16 exterior paint colors, including new hues like Celadon Gray Matte, Celadon Gray Metallic, Ionosphere Green Pearl, Sunset Brown Pearl and Cosmic Blue Pearl.
Inside, the Ioniq 9 features elliptical design elements and a panoramic sunroof. Like some other Hyundais the Ioniq 9 offers Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows that can fully recline and offer a leg rest for extra comfort. They also massage, and the second row swivels allowing the second- and third-row occupants to face each other when the vehicle is stationary.
The new slidable center console moves back and forth 7.5 inches giving access to first and second row passengers. The armrests can be opened from the front and rear.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 includes an EV Route Planner for charging on road trips while green dots on the steering wheel show drivers the remaining energy in the battery. An AI assistant is standard, activated by a button, and can control certain vehicle features. Over-the-air updates and features on demand will keep the vehicle fresh with new technology. It has several power ports in all rows and a UV-C sterilization tray for phones and other everyday carry items.
Rear-wheel drive models feature one 160-kilowatt (kW) electric motor and the longest range. All-wheel drive (AWD) versions feature a motor at each axle.
The Ioniq 9 Performance model can accelerate to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the Long-Range AWD variant takes 6.7 seconds.
Ioniq 9 comes with a Terrain Traction Control System for rough roads and an Auto Terrain Mode that uses AI to select the optimal mode for road conditions. It can tow 5,000 pounds.
What is Compass Viewpoint?
Hyundai Faces Headwinds with Ioniq 9
Americans’ attitudes toward battery-electric and hybrid vehicles are evolving as automakers roll out new vehicles that fit into numerous lifestyles and barriers to adoption decrease. However, Hyundai is facing a General Motors-like situation with its lineup. GM has Chevrolet and Cadillac offering different gasoline- and battery-powered models next to each other rather than selling the same model in a variety of powertrains. Hyundai will now offer the Ioniq 9 to compete directly with its Palisade. To make Ioniq 9 a success, Hyundai needs to not just steal customers away from Palisade, but also away from Kia, GM, Rivian and Jeep.
The floor-mounted battery offers 110.3 kilowatt-hours of energy. Hyundai says it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes using a 350-kW charger. It also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities meaning it can power other things like a house without power or another EV.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 goes on sale next year in Korea and the first half of 2025 in the United States. It will roll out to Europe and other countries later.
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