Hyundai's Electric Behemoth Ioniq 9 Storms Korea, America Next!
Image Credit: Hyundai.
Hyundai just unleashed its first electric flagship SUV, the Ioniq 9, onto the unsuspecting roads of South Korea. And this thing? It is a beast. I mean, seriously, it looks like they took the Kia EV9, stretched it a bit, gave it a fancy makeover, and said, "Ta-da! Behold!"
What, another electric SUV? Yawn. But just before you fall asleep - this isn't just any electric SUV. This is the flagship model, which means Hyundai pulled out all the stops. We're talking "best-in-class" interior space, which, let's be honest, is crucial if you plan on hauling the whole family, the dog, and grandma's prized collection of porcelain cats. And the driving range? More than any other EV in their lineup.
Image Credit: Hyundai.
This fancy lake cottage on wheels is slightly larger than the Kia EV9. We're talking 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 123 inches. It's available in six or seven-seat configurations, because apparently, Hyundai understands that some people actually like having extra seats. Personally, I prefer the six-seater with the premium relaxation seats. Why? Comfort is key.
Hyundai, being Hyundai, has packed this thing with all the latest tech. A panoramic curved infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens? Check. It's literally a movie theater on your dashboard. And under the floor, we've got a 110.3 kWh battery powering the whole shebang. They claim it has a range of up to 330 miles in Korea. Of course, we'll see how that translates to real-world driving here in the US.
And don't even get me started on the interior. They've got four different seating options! Swivel seats, relaxation seats, dynamic body care seats… it's a spa on wheels! I'm half expecting them to throw in a masseuse and a personal chef.
Now - the money. In Korea, the seven-seater "Exclusive" model starts at around $46,000. But with incentives, Hyundai expects the actual purchase price to drop to somewhere between $41,000 and $45,000. Not bad for a flagship EV, right? The premium "Calligraphy" six-seater will set you back around $54,500.
Image Credit: Hyundai.
Hyundai will build the Ioniq 9 at their new EV plant in Georgia, alongside the updated 2025 Ioniq 5. And get this – both the Ioniq 9 and the Ioniq 5 will have a native NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. Because, you know, sharing is caring.
So, when can we get our hands on this electric marvel? Hyundai says it's coming to the US in Spring 2025. As for the price, they're keeping that under wraps for now, but rumors are swirling that it'll start at around $60,000. Which is a pretty penny. But you get what you pay for, right? And in this case, you're paying for a whole lot of electric awesomeness.
Image Credit: Hyundai.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is about to take the world by storm. Or at least, by a gentle, electric breeze. I'm excited to see this thing in action. It's big, and it's packed with technology. What's not to love? Well, except maybe the price tag. But if you're in the market for a flagship electric SUV, the Ioniq 9 is definitely worth a look.
