Finding the perfect electric SUV for your family just got easier. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 isn’t just another big car trying to go green – it’s a thoughtfully designed seven-seater that actually understands what families need. Whether you’re planning weekend adventures or daily school runs, this electric SUV promises to make every journey more comfortable and stress-free.
What makes this family car special? It’s not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, Hyundai focused on getting the basics absolutely right: space, comfort, reliability, and yes, impressive range that won’t leave you anxiously hunting for charging stations.
What’s Under the Hood (Or Lack Thereof)
Power That Actually Makes Sense
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 comes with a substantial 110.3kWh lithium battery pack that’s designed for real-world use. The Long Range AWD version delivers 309bhp – enough power to make merging onto highways effortless without being excessive.
Here’s what really matters: this electric SUV can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. That might not sound earth-shattering, but it’s perfectly adequate for a seven-seater that prioritizes comfort over speed.
Range That Actually Works
One of the biggest concerns with any electric SUV is whether it’ll actually take you where you need to go. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 addresses this head-on with a real-world range of over 300 miles in optimal conditions. Even in cold weather testing, drivers achieved 2.85 miles per kWh – respectable numbers for such a large vehicle.
Charging Made Simple
Fast Charging That Fits Your Life
Nobody wants to spend their day waiting at charging stations. That’s why the Hyundai Ioniq 9 supports ultra-fast 800V charging technology. Find a 350kW charger, and you’ll go from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes – perfect for a coffee break during longer trips.
Can’t find a super-fast charger? No problem. The battery management system is designed to work efficiently with various charging speeds, meaning you’re not completely dependent on finding that perfect charging setup.
Your Car as a Power Source
Here’s something clever: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality means your Hyundai Ioniq 9 can power other devices. Planning a camping trip? Your electric SUV can run a campsite setup. Power outage at home? Your car’s battery can keep essential devices running.
Interior That Actually Thinks About Families
Seating That Makes Sense
The seven-seater configuration isn’t just about cramming in extra seats. Each row is designed with actual people in mind:
- First row: Premium seats with Range Rover-level comfort
- Second row: Limo-like space with optional massage functionality and 360-degree swivel capability
- Third row: Actually usable space (not just for emergency use)
When you don’t need all seven seats, fold down the third row for 1,323 liters of cargo space.
Technology That Helps, Not Hinders
The 12.3-inch panoramic dual-screen setup dominates the dashboard, but it’s intuitive rather than overwhelming. Physical buttons still exist for climate control and audio – thank goodness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, plus the steering wheel shows battery charge status through pixelated green dots.
The “Universal Island” console can slide 190mm between first and second rows, with rubberized pixels to stop your phone sliding around. There’s even a cooled wireless charging pad that won’t fry your device.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 110.3kWh |
| Power Output | 309bhp (Long Range AWD) |
| Range | 300+ miles |
| Charging Speed | 10-80% in 24 minutes |
| Acceleration | 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds |
| Seating | Seven seats |
| Cargo Space | 1,323 liters (seats folded) |
| Expected Price | Around £74,000 |
How It Drives
Comfort Over Thrills
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 isn’t trying to be a sports car, and that’s perfectly fine. It uses multi-link suspension with twin-valve dampers, plus active noise cancelling technology and triple-layered acoustic glass. The result? A genuinely relaxing driving experience that prioritizes passenger comfort.
The steering feels appropriately weighted without being overly sporty. Everything works in harmony – the electric SUV stays stable and composed, whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on highways.
Smart Features That Actually Work
Auto Terrain mode uses AI to interpret weather conditions and automatically select appropriate driving modes. Chassis Domain Control delivers torque vectoring for better cornering precision, while lateral wind stability control monitors high-speed behavior.
The regenerative braking system offers single-pedal driving if you prefer it, and brake feel is reassuringly natural – no weird electric car quirks here.
Design Philosophy
“Aerosthetic” Approach
Hyundai’s design team calls their approach “aerosthetic” – prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency without sacrificing visual appeal. The signature pixel lights (inspired by Korean alphabet characters) give the Hyundai Ioniq 9 a distinctive appearance, while carefully crafted curves hide its inherent boxiness.
Despite its large size, the electric SUV achieves a respectable 0.259 drag coefficient thanks to its gently curved roofline and tapered rear end. This directly impacts range efficiency.
Sustainable Materials Done Right
The interior incorporates recycled marine waste, plastics, and aluminum without feeling cheap or compromised. Sustainable fabrics are used throughout, but the focus remains on premium quality rather than just environmental messaging.
Is It Worth Considering?
What Works Really Well
- Genuinely spacious seven-seater configuration
- Impressive 300+ mile range for real-world use
- Fast 24-minute charging capability
- Premium interior quality throughout
- Thoughtful family-focused features
- Refined, comfortable driving experience
Potential Considerations
- Expected £74,000 price point puts it in premium territory
- Size might be challenging in tight urban environments
- 350kW charging infrastructure still limited in some areas
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 represents exactly what the electric SUV market needed: a family car that doesn’t ask you to compromise. It offers genuine seven-seater practicality, impressive range, and fast charging in a package that prioritizes passenger comfort above everything else.
Rather than trying to be the sportiest or most technologically advanced electric SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 focuses on being the most livable. For families ready to make the electric transition without sacrificing space or convenience, this could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
The battery technology is proven, the charging infrastructure is improving rapidly, and the overall package feels remarkably mature for such a new player in the large electric SUV segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the Hyundai Ioniq 9 take to charge?
A: With a 350kW fast charger, it charges from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes.
Q: What’s the real-world range of this electric SUV?
A: Expect over 300 miles in optimal conditions, with 2.85 miles per kWh efficiency even in cold weather.
Q: Is the third row actually usable for adults?
A: Yes, the seven-seater configuration offers genuinely spacious third-row seating, unlike many competitors where it’s emergency-use only.
Subaru E-Outback With 279-Mile Range, 376bhp Set for UK Launch Next Year