The Hyundai IONIQ 9 made its grand debut at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. Positioned as a spacious, tech-forward family car, this flagship model is set to rival heavyweights like Volvo, Kia, Tesla or BMW in the growing EV market. While our initial impressions of the IONIQ 9 are based on a heavily camouflaged pre-production model, it’s clear that Hyundai is aiming high with this seven-seat electric SUV. Here’s everything we’ve discovered so far.
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
Before its public unveiling, we were invited to a covert preview of the IONIQ 9 in a private studio in West Hollywood, California. Security was tight, with non-disclosure agreements signed and personal devices prohibited. Hyundai’s secrecy underscores the strategic importance of this model as a halo car for its EV lineup.
Our next stop? The Hyundai and Kia California Proving Ground, a sprawling 4,300-acre desert facility 100 miles (160 km) from Los Angeles. Here, we were granted the opportunity to experience the IONIQ 9 on a variety of roads and driving conditions, albeit under a cloak of camouflage both inside and out.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The IONIQ 9 impressed during our test laps on the facility’s 6.2-mile high-speed oval, offering a sense of stability and comfort even at higher speeds (estimated to be around 70mph or more, though the covered dashboard made exact readings impossible). However, some wind noise around the A-pillars was noticeable as speed increased, which may be refined in the production model.
Key highlights of the driving experience include:
- Ride Comfort: A balanced setup ensures a firm yet smooth ride, particularly on smaller wheels. The optional 21-inch wheels could alter the dynamics, and we’re eager to test these in the production version.
- Acceleration: While strong in initial bursts, the power seemed to taper off at higher speeds. Hyundai’s paddle-operated regenerative braking system and one-pedal drive mode are intuitive and effective, as seen in previous models.
- Handling: On twistier sections, the IONIQ 9 felt stable and predictable. Its safe, understeer-prone handling makes it ideal for family use, though it lacks the agility of a Kia EV9 or the sporty prowess of a BMW iX.
Spacious and Practical Interior
Where the IONIQ 9 truly shines is its interior. Designed as a seven-seat family SUV, it offers exceptional space for passengers in all rows, including the rearmost seats. Notable features include:
- Seating Configurations: Flexible layouts allow for prioritizing passengers or cargo, with a large boot adding to its practicality.
- Premium Interior Quality: A curved digital dashboard spans a significant portion of the cabin, delivering a clean and modern aesthetic. While the infotainment graphics might not outshine rivals like the BMW iX or Volvo EX90, the system’s functionality and build quality justify its anticipated its noticeably lower price tag compared to these.
Range and Charging Capabilities
Although we couldn’t verify the claimed range during our drive, Hyundai asserts that the IONIQ 9 will offer up to 335 miles (620 km) of the standard model thanks to a new NCM9 battery.
Hyundai’s charging technology remains one of its strongest selling points. With the ability to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes, the IONIQ 9 promises convenience for long-distance travelers. Estimated peak charging speeds of 230-240kW put it at the forefront of the segment.
Verdict: A Promising Contender
While our test drive was limited by the pre-production state of the IONIQ 9, the experience offered enough insight to recognize its potential as a comfortable, spacious, and practical family car. Its strong range and class-leading charging capabilities further enhance its appeal in the electric SUV market.
As we await the production version’s launch in 2025, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 stands as a bold statement of the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability. Whether it can fully match the driving dynamics of its competitors remains to be seen, but in areas that matter most to families, it’s shaping up to be a winner.
