All shapes and sizes of electric SUV appear to remain a big priority for the moment. But especially the biguns: Volvo has just launched its humongous EX90, the BMW iX has recently been revised, the Range Rover Electric is imminent, there’s the G580 with EQ Technology… you get the idea. Big batteries, big range, big presence. Big.
You’ve probably already seen a few Kia EV9s around, the sister car to the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Certainly you wouldn’t forget seeing one in the metal; it still looks like the family car of the future, just supersized. There’ll be no mistaking this Ioniq, either, with its ‘clean, sophisticated and stylish design that not only projects the strength and confidence of a modern SUV but also produces an aerodynamically optimised form’. The drag co-efficient is 0.27Cd, which seems incredible for a car so cubic. A few familiar Ioniq cues like the light design link the 9 back to the (slightly) smaller 5 and 6.
Now we know what the new three-row SUV will cost in the UK: prices are from £64,995. While not available to order just yet, that money will buy a Premium-spec rear-wheel drive model with 218hp. Which, yes, isn’t very much - 0-62mph takes 9.4 seconds, the lightest kerbweight is 2,470kg - but there’s something quite refreshing about an EV that doesn’t deliver daft performance for the sake of it. The Kia was very pleasant with modest power, so we’d expect similar here. Speaking of the EV9, the Hyundai looks a good deal by comparison, at a bit less money (the Kia is from £65,985 in Air trim), with a bigger battery (110kWh against 99.8) and a smidge more range - a best case scenario of 385 miles bests the other 9’s 349. Standard kit on a Premium Ioniq 9 includes 19-inch wheels, roof rails, a heated wheel, three-zone climate and enough charging ports for a small gaggle of influencers. All of the Hyundais get a heat pump as standard and manually selectable battery conditioning, plus Vehicle 2 Load capability.
Next rung in the ladder is the 307hp, dual motor, all-wheel drive powertrain. It slashes the 0-62mph down to 6.7 seconds and catapults torque from a very unassuming 258lb ft to a much more promising 446lb ft. Imagine taking the five-a-side team and all the kit and 2.5 tonnes with less torque than a Golf GTI. The Long Range 307PS AWD Ioniq 9 is priced from £73,495 in Ultimate spec, bringing 20-inch wheels, a pano roof, leather, Bose premium sound with a sub (those influencers will be pleased) and a power-folding third row. Everyone’s happy - expect that to be the most popular model.
Calligraphy is where the Ioniq 9 gets properly plush, with 21s in body coloured arches, ‘unique bumper and side skirt graphics’, and the option of a six-seat spec instead of seven with a sliding centre console. It’s the only model that unlocks the option of Digital Side Mirrors (£1,000 best not spent, if prior experience is anything to go by) as well as the 427hp powertrain. So if you must get to 62mph in 5.2 seconds, that’s the one to have; it costs from £75k with 307hp, then £77,595 for the seven-seat with 427hp or £78,595 as a six-seater. Interestingly, there isn’t a huge range premium to pay for the extra performance, with 372 miles claimed for a maximum potential from the Performance AWD. Efficiency is between 3.01mi/kwh and 3.12 for all models.
Ashley Andrew, is President of Hyundai and Genesis in the UK. He said: “Ioniq 9 is a bold statement of innovation, sustainability, and design. From its E-GMP fast charging and long-distance capabilities, driver-centric technology and enhanced cabin comfort, every detail has been crafted to redefine the electric driving experience. We can’t wait for our customers and their passengers alike to feel the thrill and freedom this SUV brings to the road.” It won’t be far off knowing Hyundai’s rate of progress. Just don’t forget about the Kia as well, and EV depreciation - this 2024 9 is £10k less than a new Hyundai, with dual motor power as well.
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