The Hyundai Ioniq 9: A Game-Changer in the Luxury SUV Segment
Hyundai’s latest offering, the Ioniq 9, has caused quite a stir in the automotive world. Andrew Loasby, Hyundai’s head of product planning, believes that the Ioniq 9 has the potential to shake up the full-bore luxury segment. In fact, he even hinted that Range Rover owners might be tempted to make the switch to the Ioniq 9. Loasby stated, “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.”
While full UK specifications are yet to be revealed, it is expected that the entry-level Ioniq 9 will start in the low £60,000s, with the top-spec Performance model reaching around £75,000. This price range comfortably positions the Ioniq 9 as the most expensive Hyundai model to date, surpassing the Santa Fe.
Powertrains for the Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 will be offered with three different powertrain options. The Long-Range variant, with 215bhp and rear-wheel drive, boasts an impressive projected maximum range of 385 miles. The dual-motor model, delivering 308bhp, offers a range of 320 miles per charge. The top-of-the-line AWD Performance model, featuring 429bhp, can cover 311 miles on a single charge. Acceleration from 0-62mph ranges from 9.4 seconds for the Long-Range model to an impressive 5.2 seconds for the AWD Performance version, with a top speed of 124mph.
Similar to the Ioniq 5 and 6 models, Hyundai has hinted at the possibility of a high-performance N variant of the Ioniq 9 in the future.
All variants of the Ioniq 9 come equipped with an 800V, 110.3kWh battery, making it the largest battery in any EV currently available in the UK, even surpassing models like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Rolls-Royce Spectre. The Ioniq 9 is capable of charging at speeds up to 350kW, although real-world charging speeds are expected to be around 220-230kW. The battery also features a 230V vehicle-to-load function, allowing it to charge external devices.
Hyundai has made several enhancements to address common EV customer concerns, including improvements in battery performance consistency, more detailed energy usage information, and an enhanced EV route planner. Additionally, the Ioniq 9 features a higher gear ratio at the rear for increased torque at lower speeds and a two-stage power inverter for improved efficiency.
