Hyundai Ioniq 9 – space, style and quality

I have commented before in these pages that the designers of EVs seem to be competing to produce the most striking, brash and ‘out there’ designs possible to make their cars stand out in an ever-increasing automotive EV crowd. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a good example of this. It’s a large car that feels spacious. This is not always the case with large cars.

My Ioniq 9 tester model received a mixed response from the style standpoint, which is subjective. However, the feedback was different for the interior, which everyone agreed was not only spacious, comfortable, but also tactile, stylish and premium.  Ioniq 9 exterior looks better than ever with lighter finishes. Interiors that are lighter in colour tend to be more elegant, but they also feel much lighter and airier.

The range starts from €74,930/£64,995 with three trim levels, the top-line version costing €90,610/£78,595. All models except for one have seven seats. A six-seater model has two individual chairs at the middle of the seating row. Standard features across all models include three zone climate control with smart cruise, power-folding and heated door mirrors, heated seats and steering wheels, power front chairs, automatic flush door handle, auto lights and wipers as well as dimming and auto-dimming mirrors.

My test vehicle was the Ultimate model, which added such features as heated and ventilated seats in front row and front row middle rows. A head-up display (very helpful and easy to see), a Bose audio system, and rear privacy glasses. With a Biophillic Blue pearl finish and a light interior, the car looked like it was worth a thousand dollars as far as style, quality and feel.

All Ioniq 9s have a 110 kwh battery. The lead-in model with rear-wheel drive develops 218PS and the top-line model develops 427PS. My 307PS, all-wheel-drive, test version offers a possible range of 372miles, though in real-world driving, I’d say a more realistic distance would be around 300miles. It’s still an impressive range.

The handling of the Ioniq 9 is surprising considering its size, even though you won’t be tearing along winding cross-country routes. The standard equipment is so high that you can’t ask for more. Comfort is key. Ioniq 9 offers a stylish interior and a high-quality feel.

Fascinating facts at a glance

• Model: Hyundai Ioniq 9 Ultimate AWD
• Engine: 110 kwh battery, 307PS
• Gears: Automatic
• Price: €84,755/£73,496
• Performance: 0 to 62mph/100kph in 6.7 seconds. Maximum speed 199kph/124mph
• Range: Combining driving 598km/372miles
• Emissions: 0 g/km Co2

Model tested was UK specification, and equipment levels and pricing may vary on other markets