Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review: The Electric Flagship Takes Aim at the Premium Class

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review: The Hyundai Ioniq 9 marks a bold new chapter in the Korean carmaker’s electric evolution — and a confident push into the premium electric SUV segment. As the third model in Hyundai’s Ioniq EV family, it sits above the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, offering more space, tech, and refinement than ever before.

Built on the E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 9 houses a massive 110.3kWh battery, delivering an impressive WLTP range of up to 385 miles. Its flat-floor design accommodates six or seven seats, depending on the configuration. At the heart of the cabin sits Hyundai’s so-called “Universal Island” — a versatile sliding console that moves between the first two rows, enhancing practicality. With the third row folded, the luggage space rivals that of some London flats.

Charging and Battery Tech

Hyundai continues its technical leadership with an 800V electrical architecture, enabling 10–80% charging in just 24 minutes — provided you’re plugged into a 350kW ultra-rapid charger. It can also step down to 400V infrastructure seamlessly. Thanks to Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, the Ioniq 9 also doubles as a mobile power source for your gadgets, tools, or even another EV.

Powertrain Options

The Ioniq 9 comes in three main flavours:

• Long Range RWD:
  A 215bhp single rear motor with 258lb ft of torque, offering smooth, relaxed driving dynamics.
• Long Range AWD:
  Adds a 92bhp front motor for a combined 303bhp and 446lb ft, bringing more grip and confidence without losing comfort.
• Performance AWD:
  Twin 215bhp motors on both axles crank up output to 421bhp and 516lb ft, good for a 0–62mph time under 5 seconds. Not quite a Tesla-beater, but brisk enough for the family hauler class.

Despite its performance credentials, the Ioniq 9 focuses more on refinement than raw speed — and your passengers will thank you for it.

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Trim Levels and Pricing

Buyers can choose from three trim levels:

• Premium
• Ultimate
• Calligraphy (the top-spec with the most luxurious touches)

Pricing starts from £65,000 for the base Long Range RWD variant, while the fully loaded Performance AWD in Calligraphy trim will set you back around £75,500. Opting for the six-seat layout — available only on the top trim — adds an extra £3,000.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Rivals and Verdict

With these specs and pricing, the Ioniq 9 goes toe-to-toe with EVs like the Volvo EX90, BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Tesla Model X. Yet it manages to bring Hyundai’s signature blend of innovation, usability, and value — pushing the brand further into premium territory than ever before.