Hyundai Ioniq 9 is brand's largest and most luxurious car ever
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has been revealed as the firm's largest, most luxurious model designed to rival the Volvo EX90 and Mercedes EQS SUV at their own game.
The largest of Hyundai's Ioniq range sits on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5 crossover and Ioniq 6 saloon, and it plays a significant role in attracting customers to the brand away from established manufacturers such as Audi or Mercedes-Benz.
Its premium positioning means it is expected to have a premium price tag, approaching £80,000 for the top specifications when it goes on sale.
The Ioniq 9 will be available with three powertrains: one with a single, 215bhp motor mounted on the rear axle, another with a second motor on the front axle for a total output of 308bhp, and the most powerful version with two motors and 429bhp. They get from 0-62mph in 9.4, 6.7 and 5.2sec respectively, and top out at 124mph.
You can also expect a hot N variant to make production, which will likely share the same 577bhp powertrain as the Kia EV9 GT.
The powertrain itself has been given a higher gear ratio at the red for increased torque at lower speeds, and a two-stage power inverter that is said to improve efficiency.
The chassis has been tuned to blend long-distance refinement and smooth, predictable handling. It also has torque vectoring and a new suspension system that has been "designed specifically for EVs and SUVs".
At each end, there is multi-link suspension and self-levelling twin-valve dampers to keep the body flat in corners and reduce vibration on the move.
Other measures have been taken to reduce interior noise. The tyres have sound-absorbing foam, there is acoustic glass, reinforcement of key structures and an active sound control system that can "isolate noise at the source", according to Hyundai.
As far as the battery is concerned, all cars get a 110.3kWh unit - one of the largest fitted to any electric car on sale today - that is able to charge at up to 350kW, although Hyundai has admitted that this will likely be closer to 230kW in the real world.
The battery will also be fitted with vehicle-to-load charging, which means it can be used to charge external devices.
The most efficient version - the RWD car - will be able to travel up to 385 miles on a single charge, and the twin-motor long range version 320 miles.
In terms of the design, it is only subtly differentiated between each of its stablemates, with bespoke pixel lighting that frames the tailgate and wraps around the front end. The SUVs overall silhouette, according to the chief designer, has been influenced by aircraft fuselages and is "not typical for an SUV."
Its aerodynamic design means that it has a drag coefficient 0.259, allowing it to slip through the air better than its Kia and Volvo rivals.
Elsewhere, it has an active air flap in its undertray to help it better manage the air passing underneath it - along with aero-optimised alloy wheel designs and 'hidden' antennae to minimise obstructions.
Available either with seven seats or a pair of swivelling middle-row armchairs, the Ioniq 9's interior promises "a relaxed, caring space". At 3130mm, it has the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai on sale - longer than a Land Rover Defender 110, in fact.
As a result, Hyundai says that it has up to 2050mm of legroom for the second and third rows combined.
There is also a lot of boot space on offer. There is up to 1323 litres with the third row folded flat, and 600 litres with the seats in their normal position. In addition, it has one of the largest 'frunks' of any electric car in the world, with up to 88 litres of space.
Its interior technology will be familiar to those who have sat in other Hyundai EVs. It has a large, one-piece panoramic curved display that combines both the infotainment display and instrumentation. Physical buttons have been kept for key controls, however.
