Loasby even went so far as to suggest there is potential for the Ioniq 9 to make a dent in the full-bore luxury segment. When asked if he expects even Range Rover owners to be tempted into making the switch, he said: “Absolutely. I could see a big band of people being tempted, and I can see a band of people saying absolutely not, as well. That’s okay.”
Hyundai Ioniq 9 powertrains
The Ioniq 9 will be available from launch with three choices of powertrain. The 215bhp, rear-driven Long Range car is the most efficient and has a claimed 385-mile maximum range figure, while the 303bhp dual-motor car returns 376 miles per charge and the top-rung 429bhp AWD Performance model manages 372 miles. They get from 0-62mph in 9.4sec, 6.7sec and 5.2sec respectively, and top out at 124mph.
As with Ioniqs 5 and 6, the large new SUV is in line for a hot N variant.
Each variant is equipped with an 800V, 110.3kWh (usable) battery. It’s rated to charge at speeds of up to 354kW, though as with other E-GMP-based EVs currently on sale, Hyundai suggests the real-world maximum will be closer to 220-230kW.
The battery can also be used to charge external devices with the 230V vehicle-to-load function, and Hyundai has made some subtle improvements to “address common EV customer concerns”, such as improving the consistency of the battery’s performance, providing more detailed energy usage information and enhancing the inbuilt EV route planner.
Other important upgrades for the Ioniq 9 are the introduction of a higher gear ratio at the rear for increased torque at lower speeds, and a two-stage power inverter that is said to improve efficiency.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 design
Hyundai refers to the Ioniq 9 as an ‘aerosthetic lounge’, coining a phrase that reflects the design team’s simultaneous focus on desirability, aerodynamic efficiency and interior refinement.
In keeping with Hyundai’s ‘chess piece’ approach to differentiating each of its models, it is only subtly visually related to its electric range-mates – chiefly through the liberal use of ‘parametric’ pixel lighting designs, which frame the tailgate and wrap around the front end, though as full-width headlights are banned in the UK, cars in this country will have two separate headlight clusters.