VeloceDrive

Hyundai motors has just unveiled a new addition to their electric car lineup in the IONIQ 9 SUV, a three row all-electric SUV with striking design and technology that will put its Kia EV9 sibling to shame. The IONIQ 9 looks to build on the success of its smaller cousins the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 while also adapting the brands Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to create a spacious cabin capable of seating seven adults comfortably, a feature claimed by many manufacturers but perfected by a few.

While for a long time, the Palisade stood atop the Hyundai SUV ladder, IONIQ 9 comes with the intention of usurping the Palisade. THE IONIQ 9 also has some tricks up its sleeve in the technology and charging department.

IONIQ 9: A Recognizable Design with Aerodynamic Emphasis.

The IONIQ 9 embodies the brands signature Parametric pixels styling that seen on the Ioniq 5 and 6 which distinguishes Hyundai’s electric models from the internal combustion counterparts. The front fascia features a horizontal lightbar that extent from fender to fender and two-row vertical LED light units in the lower fascia, creating a bold and unique visual identity.

Aiding the IONIQ 9 to achieve its aerodynamic prowess is a smooth, curved roofline that give the big three row SUV the silhouette resembling a station wagon and an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd when fitted with digital side mirrors, a feature that unfortunately is reserved for selected market. The side profile of the IONIQ 9 features a wide wheel arch with flushed door handles. On the wheel arches lies a semi-circle eyebrow design on both front and rear fenders that can be optioned in contrasting colours to the vehicle, a design that’s strange but fits the mold of the IONIQ 9.

 The rear of the IONIQ 9 is reminiscent of old Volvo station wagons with its flat tail-gate design and vertically placed tail-lights. With the pixel lighting theme extending to the rear, the IONIQ 9 will be hard to miss in the dark.

Inside the IONIQ 9: Spacious, Quiet, and Packed with Technology.

Like many electric vehicles, the IONIQ 9 floor-mounted NCM lithium-ion battery allows Hyundai to make use of every available inch of space available in the cabin. With room to play, Hyundai has equipped the IONIQ 9 with comfortable seating capable of fitting 6 adults, plenty of usable storage, a moveable center console and loads of cup holders for all your drinks on a long road-trip.

For those of us whose’ bum goes to sleep on a long drive, Hyundai’s dynamic touch massage function will use pressure and vibration to stimulate blood flow and circulation to reduce fatigue in drivers, nice. The IONIQ 9 has a few more tricks up its sleeves including second-row swiveling seatsthat allow the second- and third-row occupants to face each other when the vehicle is stationary. To ensure a quite cabin, Hyundai has fitted the IONIQ 9 with acoustic laminated glass, triple sealed all areas and reinforced plate in the A-pillar area that all work together to help reduce cabin noise.

The tech available in other Ioniq models has been upgraded for the IONIQ 9 to reflects the SUV’s luxurious position.  Device charging in the IONIQ 9 should be a breeze with its 9 ports strategically positioned throughout the vehicle, giving all passengers access to keep their phones, tablets fully charge. Hyundai has equipped the IONIQ 9 with advanced route planning software that allows drivers to plan a consistent charge. This forward thinking is applied to charge status indicators which are four-pixel lights on the steering wheel that shows drivers the remaining battery, kind of like a battery bar on your cell phone.

IONIQ 9 Configurations: RWD, AWD, And High-Performance Models with Impressive Range and Speed.

Hyundai offers three configurations with the IONIQ 9. Beginning with a long- range RWD model powered by a single motor pushing out a modest 215 horsepower. A long- range AWD variant adds 112 horsepower single motor to the front axle for a combined output of 327 horsepower. For the speed enthusiast out there, Hyundai’s three option is a performance AWD model equipped with the standard 215 – hp motors in both front and rear axles, this model sprints from 0-60mph in just 5.2 second according to Hyundai.

Hyundai claims a 125-mph top speed for the all-wheel drive models. Depending on the configuration, the IONIQ 9 is expected to achieve a range of up to 335 miles on a full charge, thanks to its high-capacity 110.3 kWh battery and advanced drivetrain. However, as with many manufacturers, real-world testing will ultimately confirm whether these figures hold true, as advertised ranges often differ under practical driving conditions.

The IONIQ 9 goes on sale in Korea and United States on early 2025 with other markets scheduled for later in the year. Although no official pricing has been released, we expect the IONIQ 9 to the price similarly to its Kia EV9 stablemate at about $65,000 to $76,000. Expect to have the all new 2026 IONIQ 9 on the streets of Ghana fairly early due to importation from the US.