First Drive: Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 feels like an electric seven-seater from the future

What is it?

The range of EVs available today is broader than it ever has been. From compact city cars through to sleek estates, there’s a wealth of choice out there if you’re looking to go for plug-in power. The thing is, there aren’t all that many seven-seaters – which is where the Ioniq 9 comes in.

As the sister car to the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 is a large, spacious and family-focused electric vehicle. But is it only space that it is able to offer? We’ve been behind the wheel to find out.

What’s new?

As mentioned, the Ioniq 9 is fundamentally the same underneath as the Kia EV9. The pair share motors and batteries, for instance, but whereas the EV9 has a blocky, upright design this Ioniq 9 has a far sleeker, more aerodynamic-looking appearance. It’s one which is inkeeping with the rest of Hyundai’s range, too.

Elsewhere, we’ve got loads of clever technology, a big boot and a flexible seating arrangement. These traits should, in theory, put it right within the target market for family drivers.

What’s under the bonnet?

All Ioniq 9 models come with a mammoth 110kWh battery, enabling a range of up to 376 miles on certain models. You can get this large EV in either Long Range or Performance setups, too, with the latter bringing 421bhp to the former’s 302bhp. All versions get all-wheel-drive as standard, too.

Opt for the standard Long Range model like our test car and you’ll still manage 0-60mph in six seconds alongside a 124mph top speed. Clever 800-volt charging architecture means that the Ioniq 9 can charge at speeds of up to 350kW, too, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent charge of this car’s very large battery could be completed in 24 minutes.

What’s it like to drive?

Make no mistake, the Ioniq 9 is a big car. It’s over five metres in length, in fact, making it slightly longer than a standard Range Rover. You sit high and tall over the road ahead and though you do have to get a little used to this car’s dimensions, the relatively light steering and good visibility ensure you get up to speed in a short enough time.

The Ioniq 9 definitely sits on the more comfort-focused end of things, too. While larger potholes can tend to send a shimmy through the vehicle, it’s a largely well-softened place to be with road and wind noise kept to a pleasing minimum. While this non-Performance model may be slightly less powerful, it feels more than quick enough for the size of vehicle and you can get up to motorway speeds without much need for a run-up.

How does it look?

As we’ve touched upon, the Ioniq 9 has a more rounded appearance than its Hyundai cousin. The slim headlights and dotted daytime running lights do give it a very futuristic appearance, though around the back it’s got a touch of the early 2000s to it. All cars get 19-inch wheels as standard, too, though Ultimate and Calligraphy specifications boost these up to 21 inch versions.

There’s a decent range of exterior colours to choose from, too, with ‘Ionosphere Green Pearl’ being one of our favourites. There are even matte shades within this car’s colour choices.

What’s it like inside?

It’s all about space inside the Ioniq 9. Those sitting middle row has absolutely acres of room to stretch out and even people in the rearmost chairs have a good amount of space to use up. The seats themselves are relatively flat, but comfortable, and the lack of a transmission tunnel means there’s plenty of space for your feet.

Boot room is, as you’d expect, plentiful. Even with all the seats in place, you’ve got a hatchback-beating 338 litres, or 908 litres with that rearmost row folded down. Flatten both second and third rows and you’ve got a van-like 2.419 litres to play with. Switch to a six-seater Ioniq 9 model and this rises slightly to 2,494 litres.

What’s the spec like?

Here’s the kicker with the Ioniq 9 – the price. You’re looking at a starting price of £64,995 for the seven-seater, or £78,595 for the more executive-style six-seater model. It’s a huge chunk of cash and makes this one of the most expensive Hyundai models, but at least it’s got a load of kit included. You’d expect it for the price, mind you.

Highlights include a 12.3-inch infotainment system with full smartphone mirroring systems, six separate USB-C charging sockets and a full suite of parking sensors and cameras. A heat pump – which helps to boost efficiency in colder temperatures – also comes as standard, though you’d want it to be at this price point. You can opt for more expensive Ultimate or Calligraphy, but the standard trim feels more than well-equipped enough.

Verdict

Yes, the Ioniq 9 is expensive but given its space, equipment levels and decent range, it feels quite well justified. Hyundai has become one of the go-to names within the world of electric vehicles and the Ioniq 9 is an example of the brand pushing things a little further, and pushing things a little closer into the premium segment, too

If you don’t need a car this large, then the Korean manufacturer offers a number of cars that’ll deliver the same for less, but if outright space is what you’re after, then the Ioniq 9 should definitely be on your list.