FIRST LOOK: HYUNDAI IONIQ 9 - BIG HIT OR HUGE MISTAKE?

EV Channels Review

The Hyundai IONIQ 9, a three-row, seven-seat electric SUV, makes a significant debut, aiming to compete with established luxury brands. The reviewer highlights its striking design, reminiscent of the concept car, with notable features like the pixelated light stacks. The interior is praised for its spaciousness, comfort, and premium feel, offering ample room for passengers in all three rows, including innovative features like massaging seats and a versatile sliding center console. Practicality is a strong suit, with generous boot space and numerous storage compartments. However, the reviewer expresses strong reservations about the digital door mirrors, deeming them dangerous and a step backward. Performance figures are provided for various configurations, with the dual-motor Performance trim accelerating from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The official WLTP range for the single-motor version is 385 miles, with an estimated drop to around 330 miles for the dual-motor variant. Charging is rapid, capable of 10-80% in 24 minutes with a 350kW charger. While pricing is unconfirmed, it's expected to be competitive with the Kia EV9, making it a potentially strong contender in the premium electric SUV market, despite the controversial digital mirrors.