Hyundai Ioniq 9 Electric Three-Row SUV Unveiled

Hyundai has introduced its latest addition to the electric vehicle (EV) lineup, the Ioniq 9, ahead of the LA Auto Show. The new Ioniq 9 is a three-row battery-electric SUV built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which also underpins other Hyundai EVs such as the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Ioniq 5N. 

According to Hyundai, the Ioniq 9 will feature a robust 110.3 kWh battery, providing over 483 km of range across all trims. The SUV will be offered in two versions: Long Range and Performance, with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations available for the Long Range variant.

The Long Range RWD model has a single motor delivering 214 bhp and a torque output of 350 Nm. For those seeking enhanced traction and power, the Long Range AWD variant combines a 70 kW front motor producing 255 Nm of torque with a 160 kW rear motor providing 350 Nm of torque. 

At the top of the lineup is the Performance AWD model, which features dual 160 kW motors. This configuration is positioned as the brand's second most powerful offering, with horsepower estimates trailing only the 592 bhp Ioniq 5 N within Hyundai's portfolio. Hyundai has yet to confirm the final horsepower and torque numbers for the Performance AWD trim. 

The Ioniq 9 will support the North American Charging System (NACS), making it compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network. Hyundai will also provide an adapter for non-Tesla chargers. However, the charging port’s placement on the passenger-side rear panel could present challenges for Superchargers with shorter cables. This issue is expected to be mitigated with Tesla’s V4 chargers, which have longer cords.

Additionally, the Ioniq 9 will offer bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing homeowners with Hyundai’s Home charging setup to power their residences during outages. The SUV will also have access to the Ionna charging network, a collaboration between eight automakers.

Hyundai has equipped the Ioniq 9 with a host of luxury features to appeal to families and tech-savvy buyers with fully reclining second-row seats with leg rests and massage functions, which also swivel along with a sliding centre console available in models with captain’s chairs, improving accessibility to the third row. 

The Ioniq 9 will be produced at Hyundai’s newly constructed Metaplant in Bryan County, Georgia. This $7.6 billion facility, a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, highlights Hyundai’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing. Pricing details have not yet been revealed, but the Ioniq 9 is expected to compete with other premium electric SUVs. The Ioniq 9 will be shown at the LA Auto Show and on sale in Korea and the United States in the first half of 2025; rollout planned for Europe and other markets later.