Hyundai Ioniq 9 seven-seater pricing and details revealed

Hyundai has revealed local specs and pricing for its next EV on the market, the seven-seater Ioniq 9. Joining the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, as well as the cute and cheery Inster and the electric version of the Kona, the Ioniq 9 sits at the top of the South Korean carmaker’s range. 

Available to purchase now, the Ioniq 9 starts at $119,750 including the Luxury Car Tax but before options and on-road costs. This large all-electric SUV is available in just one flagship Calligraphy AWD variant that will compete against its ‘twin under the skin’ stablemate Kia EV9 , which was introduced in late 2023 in three variants from $97,000 before on-roads.  

It will also compete with the Volvo EX90 (which starts at $124,990 before on-roads), while buyers may also consider people movers like the ID.Buzz (priced from $87,990 before on-roads) and the $135,000 Zeekr 009. 

While billed for sale as a single Calligraphy AWD variant, buyers can also opt for a six-seater layout for an additional $2000. Other options include adding digital side mirrors for $3000, metallic or pearl paint for $750, or matte paint for $1000. 

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 packs a hefty 110.3kW battery that powers two 157kW motors (one per axle), delivering a combined output of 314kW and 700Nm. This is estimated to offer 600km range using the combined WLTP cycle, and despite the size of the battery Hyundai says it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 24 minutes (noting this requires an appropriate 350kW high-speed charger.) 

Acceleration from a standing start to 100km/h can be achieved in 5.2 seconds – which is quick, though not quite as fast as the Zeekr 009 people mover, which can reportedly do the sprint in a swift 4.5 seconds. It also comes with a tow rating of 1600kg braked and 750kg unbraked. 

Interior design and comfort  

Step inside the Ioniq 9 and it’s immediately clear Hyundai is aiming for more than just A-to-B transport. The so-called “Ultimate Lounge” interior promises a proper sense of calm, not least thanks to its long wheelbase and flat floor.  

Tactile details include Nappa leather and suede headlining, door panels finished in synthetic leather, and aluminium inserts which combine to deliver a premium feel. 

The centre console design lends itself to a TV-remote station complete with cupholders and wireless phone charger. This also comes with a UV-C sterilisation function, purportedly to help keep handy objects like wallets, phones and sunglasses clean. 

As mentioned, both 6- and 7-seat layouts are available, each designed with lounging, rather than cramming, in mind. Up front are curved dual 12.3-inch displays sitting above aluminium and synthetic leather accents, while ‘relaxation seats’ for the driver and front passenger proffering comfort. There’s no massage option on offer like in some of its rivals, however Hyundai’s Ergo Motion driver’s seat does have air-cushion support. 

Choose the six-seater, and you get a sliding “Universal Island 2.0” centre console that slides up to 190mm to give front and second-row occupants extra flexibility, as well as second-row relaxation seats that can be adjusted via front seat controls.  

Getting in the back row should be an easy affair thanks to one-touch tilting for the second row, and once there, drinks can be placed in cupholders in window ledges on either side while a large drawer under the front armrest allows plenty of storage space for rear occupants. 

Exterior styling and aerodynamics  

Hyundai’s “Aerosthetic” design philosophy is alive and well here. The Ioniq 9’s slab-sided, pixel-lit bodywork looks both futuristic and inviting, with signature parametric pixel LED lights. A boat-tail rear end is aimed at maximising aero efficiency. 

A long roofline and crisp body crease down the flanks underline a grand-SUV presence, complimented by big, machined 21-inch alloys. Sculpted wheel arches, angled D-pillar and flush, powered door handles add to the Ioniq 9’s bold flagship appeal. 

Despite the hefty appearance of this seven-seater, aerodynamics haven't been a second thought. Hyundai says its active air flaps, optimised underbody panels, and boat-tail rear all work together to keep drag low and stability high at speed (although it didn’t specify a drag coefficient.) Ten paint choices, including three matte finishes, are on offer: two metallic and two matte greys, pearl white, black, green, blue, or brown, and matte gold. 

Connectivity, Google Places and keyless entry  

For the first time, Hyundai is stepping away from needing a physical key. The Ioniq 9 debuts Hyundai’s Digital Key 2, letting drivers unlock and start the car with their smartphone via UWB or NFC – no need to juggle keys, just walk up and get in. You can even share access with up to 15 other devices, making it ideal for families or the odd car-share arrangement. There’s also six 100W USB-C ports in addition to the wireless phone charging. 

On the infotainment side, the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) brings AI voice recognition and natural language commands, while the 12.3-inch display provides all the mod-cons you’d expect, from live traffic updates to weather reports. Google Places Search is also making a debut, meaning you can ask for “cafés near me” and get detailed results straight to the dash. (Note though, that EV charging stations do not currently appear in Google Places Search.) 

Hyundai’s Bluelink is also on board, with a complimentary 5-year subscription offering everything from remote start and climate pre-conditioning to automatic collision notification, vehicle tracking, and even valet alerts. Over-the-air (OTA) updates mean the tech will stay current long after delivery day. 

Keeping vehicle software up-to-date should be easy according to Hyundai, thanks to over-the-air (OTA) updates first introduced in 2023. The system covers not only navigation and infotainment but also key safety, braking, and performance systems.  

Space, cargo and dimensions  

If you’re after room, the Ioniq 9 doesn’t disappoint. With a 3130mm wheelbase, it’s among the most spacious three-row EVs going. Headroom and legroom are generous in all three rows (headroom: 1005/996/1000mm; legroom: 1052/1086/813mm), and shoulder room is similarly ample. 

Boot space is not as roomy as other two-row SUV rivals – 338L with all seats up, expanding to 908L with the second row stowed. However, put down both rear rows and there is ample room for a mattress. There is also extra storage up front (the now-expected ‘frunk’) and thoughtful touches like the sliding tray under the armrest, motorised folding third row, and easy-access seat switches for maximum flexibility. 

Safety and driver assist  

As with others in Hyundai’s stable, the Ioniq 9 gets plenty of safety kit, headlined by ten airbags, including a front-centre airbag to prevent first-row collisions in a side impact. Though the Ioniq 9 hasn’t yet been rated by safety body ANCAP or Euro NCAP, the Kia EV9 sibling built on the same E-GMP platform gets five stars, and structural reinforcements plus Hyundai’s SmartSense driver-assist suite are promising. 

You’ll find second-gen Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, and a top-drawer Surround View Monitor, to name a few. The tech goes beyond the basics, with features like Evasive Steering Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, letting you park from outside the car. 

Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist, and Parking Collision Avoidance in all directions should give peace of mind for families. The list is genuinely long. 

Warranty and lifetime service plan 

The IONIQ 9 gets a 5-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. 

A Lifetime Service Plan is on offer, with transparent pricing for regular servicing. The first two major services (at 30,000km and 60,000km, or 24 and 48 months) priced at $660 and $685 respectively. Roadside support and map updates are included while you service with Hyundai.  

Lastly, Bluelink connected services are free for the first 5 years and transferrable if the car is sold. 

Final thoughts 

The Ioniq 9 arrives as Hyundai’s most ambitious electric SUV to date, and it shows. There’s a lot to like about its blend of lounge-like comfort, on-trend technology, and bold design – not to mention the promise of serious range and rapid charging. The premium price point will narrow its audience, especially given the competition, but what’s on offer feels well-considered for families and drivers who value space and cutting-edge convenience. 

It’s not without its downsides – boot space with all seats up lags behind some rivals, and the lack of a massage function may prompt pause for some buyers looking at rivals. Still, Hyundai has thrown everything at the Ioniq 9’s standard feature and safety list, and the attention to interior detail will make it a stand-out for those looking beyond the badge. 

Ultimately, the Ioniq 9 doesn’t reinvent the electric SUV, but it does raise the bar on comfort and tech for the segment. For those ready to take the plunge, it’s a flagship that delivers a distinctive and genuinely impressive package.