Hyundai’s new flagship EV will share the underpinnings of the Kia EV9, and also the same numeral.
The company has confirmed that the newcomer will be called Ioniq 9. It was previewed as the Hyundai Seven Concept back in 2021. The company’s new flagship EV will borrow its futuristic design language from the existing Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, while technical details will largely ape those of the Kia EV9.
Rumour has it that the Ioniq 9 will makes a splash at the LA Motor Show in November. Road-going prototypes are undergoing testing, albeit with heavy camouflage. However, it is clear that the electric alternative to Santa Fe has an upright front end with large vertical DRLs embedded in the bumper and horizontal headlights above. Both will likely have the pixel-style LED design first seen on Ioniq 5.
The profile shows a severely raked windscreen and a roofline gently sloping to the rear, unlike the boxier EV9. Expect a looks that is closer then to Ioniq 6, aiding aerodynamics and range, if not headroom for those in the third-row seats.
Similarly, the interior will borrow heavily from Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, including their dual 12.3-inch displays. However, it will use the brand’s latest software that debuted on the latest Hyundai Kona. Physical buttons and separate climate controls are sure to feature.
The Ioniq 9 will utilise the same E-GMP platform as the Kia EV9. Expect similar battery and motor combinations as its close relative. That means a 99.8kWh battery that feeds either a single 150kW motor or 283 dual-motor set-up. We’d imagine a similar 560km range to a single charge for Ioniq 9 too.
It will feature an 800V charging system. In the EV9 that facilitates a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in 24 minutes.
Don’t hold your breath for an N version of Ioniq 9 as it’s not quite the right size or weight for this.
Renders of the Ioniq 9 are courtesy of AutoExpress.
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