Hyundai unveils spacious Ioniq 9 electric SUV

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has finally landed. Unveiled at the LA Auto Show earlier today, it offers a compelling blend of space, performance, and the latest technology. As the newest addition to Hyundai's Ioniq family, this three-row SUV builds on the success of its predecessors, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, with an even larger and more versatile package designed to appeal to American families.

One of the Ioniq 9's standout features is its impressive range. Hyundai is targeting an EPA rating of up to 335 miles, surpassing many of its competitors in the electric SUV segment. This long-range capability comes courtesy of the vehicle's 110.3 kWh battery, which is larger than the one found in the Kia EV9, Ioniq 9's technological cousin. Even the base trim of the Ioniq 9 is expected to offer at least 300 miles of range, putting any concerns about range anxiety to sleep.

The SUV can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes, thanks to its 800-volt architecture. The only issue will be finding a 350 kW DC fast charger. The Ioniq 9 comes standard with the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. That means it will have access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network from day one without the need for any adapters.

The Ioniq 9 will be available in three powertrain options: a single-motor 160 kW Long-Range RWD, a twin-motor 320 kW Performance AWD, and a 230 kW AWD Long Range. The Long-Range RWD variant prioritizes maximum range, taking nearly 10 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph. The Performance AWD delivers the quickest acceleration at just 5.2 seconds. The AWD Long Range offers a balance of performance and efficiency with a sprint time of 6.7 seconds.

Inside the cabin, there's ample space and comfort for up to seven passengers. The stretched-out wheelbase of 123.2 inches is the longest of any Hyundai model. It provides generous legroom and headroom in all three rows. The second row is very spacious and can be configured with either a bench seat or two captain's chairs. The third row also looks surprisingly accommodating, even for adults.

The Ioniq 9's interior design is modern and functional, featuring a flat floor that enhances passenger comfort. A unique touch is the sliding center console, which can be moved forward or backward to create more space between the front seats or in the rear. The dashboard is dominated by a curved dual-screen setup, with both the driver's instrument cluster and the infotainment screen measuring 12 inches. The infotainment system supports over-the-air software updates and includes a new "Features on Demand" store where owners can purchase digital upgrades such as lighting signatures, display themes, and streaming services.

Hyundai has not yet announced the official pricing for the Ioniq 9, but it is expected to be competitive with the Kia EV9, which starts at around $55,000 in the US. European customers can expect the prices to start at much higher $67,000. The Ioniq 9 will go into production this spring at Hyundai's Georgia plant and will be eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, provided it stays in place when the vehicle goes on sale.

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