This is not a car. It is an event. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 measures five metres long, just shy of two metres wide, and nearly 1.8 metres tall. Hyundai has created something closer to a cathedral than a car.
Inside, the Ioniq 9 delivers Scandinavian lounge aesthetics. Brushed metal and wood finishes create an upscale environment, while the cabin offers a practical seven seat option, or a limo-like six seater, complete with lie-flat business class seats. The six-seater includes middle-row seats that swivel, which could prove useful for family conversations or business meetings on the move.
The dashboard features twin 12-inch screens, a setup familiar from other Hyundai models, but the sheer scale of the cabin creates a different experience entirely. The sense of space and presence behind the wheel is substantial.
Under the body sits a 110.3 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Hyundai claims charging from 0-80% takes just 24 minutes, whilst the official range stands at 385 miles, for a single motor model. In real-world conditions with heating, passengers, and entertainment systems running, expect around 290 to 300 miles. For most business users, that represents more than a week’s typical driving.
Two powertrain options are available. The single-motor version produces 218PS and 350nm of torque, achieving 0-60mph in around nine seconds. The twin-motor variant delivers 427PS, cutting the 0-62mph time to 5.2 seconds. For a vehicle of this size and weight, that is nothing short of rapid.
Pricing starts at £65,000, rising to just over £78,000 for the Calligraphy edition at the top of the range. That positions the Ioniq 9 firmly in premium territory, but the Ioniq 9 does not have the spartan specification and cheap plastics of an 80s Hyundai. Even entry-level models feature a generous amount of standard kit.
The towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes makes it suitable for operators needing to haul equipment, whilst the vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability means it can power external devices or equipment at remote sites, should you want to use your posh SUV like its an old Hilux with a generator tossed in the back.
Boot space measures 338 litres with all seats in place, sufficient for typical shopping runs or work gear, even with seven on board. Fold the seats down and capacity expands to 2,500 litres, creating a genuinely cavernous load area.
The technology suite includes collision avoidance systems, lane departure warning, and a heads-up display. Hyundai’s artificial intelligence (AI) assistant allows voice control of various functions, including window operation and climate settings. Whether this represents genuine utility or a tech-takeover depends if you keep your tin foil on your head or in your kitchen cupboard.
The Ioniq 9’s tech goes much further than a few screens and a Chat GPT subscription. Hyundai has even included pre-programmed ambient experiences that combine music and visuals themed around seasons and weather. These range from autumn scenes to winter settings with crackling log fires. Unusual for sure, but it at least gives you something to do while waiting for the car to charge.
The Ioniq 9 doesn’t pretend to be a sports car. At this size and weight, it’s not designed for dynamic driving. What it offers instead is space, comfort, rapid charging, and genuine towing capability. For fleet operators needing a large EV that can handle family duties, tow trailers, and charge quickly on the road, the Ioniq 9 presents a credible option, if you can stomach the price.
The combination of range, charging speed, and interior space creates a genuinely desirable and compelling car. The price point means it’s not a volume fleet vehicle, but for operators requiring premium electric transport with genuine capability, Hyundai has delivered something worth considering.
