Hyundai’s Massive Electric SUV: The Ioniq 9 Takes Shape

Hyundai’s Massive Electric SUV: The Ioniq 9 Takes Shape

Hyundai’s largest electric vehicle yet has been spotted testing again, this time flaunting a wrap that reveals more of its bold bodywork. The new images give us a closer look at its design details, teasing what could be the next big thing in the EV world.

Hyundai's huge electric SUV takes shape

First Glimpse of the Future

Spy photos from a Korean website have captured the new Hyundai SUV undergoing road tests. This time, we get a peek at its unique pixelated headlights and taillights, echoing the design cues of other Hyundai models like the Staria and Ioniq 5. It’s clear this SUV draws inspiration from the Hyundai Seven concept, which previewed the company’s new flagship.

Previously, the SUV was camouflaged heavily, hiding most of its features. However, these latest images allow us to see more of its distinctive styling elements.

The Ioniq 9: A Name to Remember

Originally rumored to be called the Ioniq 7, overseas reports now suggest the SUV might be named the Ioniq 9. This new name aligns it with the Kia EV9, with which it will share Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture. The Ioniq 9 is expected to be similar in size to the EV9, boasting impressive dimensions and a sizable wheelbase for a commanding road presence.

Hyundai's huge electric SUV takes shape

Inside the Ioniq 9

The interior of the Ioniq 9 has also been spied, revealing similarities with the new Santa Fe, such as the steering wheel and dual-screen setup. The gear selector has found a new home on the steering column, a trend seen in other recent Hyundai models.

While specific powertrain options and range details for the Ioniq 9 are still under wraps, the Seven concept hinted at a range of over 480km. Given its shared platform with the Kia EV9, we can expect similar performance figures, with the potential for both single-motor and dual-motor configurations offering a blend of power and efficiency.

Performance and Pricing

The Kia EV9, with which the Ioniq 9 shares its underpinnings, offers a variety of configurations. The base model features a single-motor setup with 160kW of power and 350Nm of torque, while the dual-motor versions ramp up the performance significantly. Expect the Ioniq 9 to offer a similar range of options, catering to different driving preferences.

Pricing for the Ioniq 9 is still a mystery, but we can look to the EV9 for clues. The Kia EV9 starts at around $97,000 and goes up to $121,000, so the Ioniq 9 will likely be in the same ballpark.

Hyundai’s ambitious goal is to sell 6000 Ioniq-badged EVs in Australia in 2024, and the Ioniq 9 will play a crucial role in achieving that target. So far this year, the company has sold 951 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models, paving the way for the upcoming flagship.

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