The Hyundai Ioniq 9 Is the Electric SUV That Puts Range Rover In The Shade

Hyundai’s biggest EV is a spacious, tech-packed SUV that delivers prestige-car comfort without the six-figure price tag. Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby discover whether this South Korean challenger truly rivals the battery-powered behemoths from premium brands.

Car Review: Hyundai Ioniq 9

Jeremy: Anyone who fancies a prestigious EV with real road presence must think big. We’re still waiting for the long-delayed electric Range Rover but if you can’t stomach a six-figure price tag then there’s always the new Ioniq 9.

A sleek, futuristic SUV, the Hyundai offers distinctive, streamlined styling and an equally cool interior. Equipped with a whisper-quiet cabin packed with technology, the battery-powered behemoth promotes a genuine sense of well-being for everyone on board.

The Hyundai is more spacious and practical than a Range Rover too. Even with the third row of seats in place, this plush family car offers 21.9 cubic feet of luggage space, expanded to 46.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. Lower the middle row too and you could practically live in 87 cubic feet – it’s massive.

A raft of trim levels await, from the entry-level Premium model at £64,205, up to the barnstorming Calligraphy we drove, costing a hefty £78,000. There are neat touches in all of them, from a front centre console that slides backwards so rear passengers can gain access, to no less than seven USB-C charging points.

The cheaper, rear-wheel drive versions use a single 215hp motor, while the mid-range Ultimate and Calligraphy models, with all-wheel drive, offer 422hp and a 0-60mph time of just 4.4 seconds. The latter can also tow big, up to 2.4 tons.

Calligraphy comes with large, 21-inch wheels as standard, ironing out the bumps and potholes with self-levelling dampers. A comfortable, soft and stable ride makes it an excellent long-distance cruiser too, on a par with the best of Lexus.

The svelte body style helps make for an exceptionally quiet cabin. Swift to ‘Sport’ mode and the Hyundai will show a sharp spike in performance, even pumping up the seat bolsters to add extra support around corners.

Larger than its sister car, the Kia EV9, the Hyundai is easy to live with on a day-to-day basis, with handling and comfort that belies its dimensions. It may lack the premium feel of more expensive rivals but the Ioniq 9 is a fine place to travel.

The SUV’s high-capacity, 110 kWh battery will officially cover up to 385 miles in the two-wheel drive models, slightly less for the all-wheel drive versions. Expect around 300 miles in real-world driving conditions.

The 9 is one of the best large, electric family cars available and compares well to the new Volvo EX90, as well as the latest Mercedes EQS SUV. That’s mostly thanks to exceptional value and fast charging speeds, allowing a 10 percent to 80 percent charge in just under 24 minutes, when using a rapid charger.

It has the best, Google-powered navigation system I’ve experienced in any car too – even a Rolls-Royce – and the obligatory driver assistance systems aren’t too intrusive. Finally, what other car has a UV-C sterilisation tray in the dashboard – designed to kill bacteria on small items like your phone, keys or wallet.

Jessica: With a long driving range, fast-charging speeds, lots of space and plenty of practical touches, Hyundai’s biggest EV is a brilliant family car. A well-rounded and compelling argument for those pondering a battery-powered future.

The Ioniq 9 is best for weekends away, sharing the school run and motorway cruising in supreme comfort. A stylish family hauler that also just happens to look like nothing else on the road.

Favourite feature. The ‘Universal Island’ – that sliding centre console that rolls fore and aft to allow access for both front and rear-seat passengers. Clever.

Discover more about the Hyundai Ioniq 9 at hyundai.co.uk

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.