Hyundai Should Consider Bringing the Ioniq 9 to Our Market

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 has been here for a while now. And if you’ve spent any time around one, you’ll know it’s a proper head-turner — futuristic design, premium feel, and solid EV credentials.Despite launching in 2022, the Ioniq 5 remains one of the most compelling electric crossovers available today.

But here’s the thing: Hyundai has something even bigger, bolder, and better suited for large families — the Ioniq 9. And we think it’s about time Hyundai brings it here too.

Why? Because Kia, Hyundai’s sister brand, already has the EV9 on sale here, and more premium electric SUVs are set to follow. The full-size electric SUV segment is no longer a niche. Hyundai has the product, and the market is ready. So, what’s the hold-up?

The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai’s largest electric vehicle yet. It’s a full-size, three-row SUV that combines futuristic design with real-world practicality. Think 5,060mm in length, 1,980mm wide, and a wheelbase of over 3.1 metres. This thing is massive — even longer than the EV9 — and makes a strong visual statement.

Underneath, it packs a 110.3kWh battery. In its Long-Range rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, the Ioniq 9 delivers an impressive 620km of WLTP range — and that’s on the standard 19-inch wheels. The single motor setup produces 218hp and 350Nm, enough for a 0–100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds. It’s not quick, but it’s smooth and efficient. Step up to the Long-Range AWD version, and you get an additional front motor (95hp/255Nm) that cuts the 0–100 time down to 6.7 seconds.

If you want speed, the Performance trim is where it’s at. Dual 218hp motors, 0–100 in 5.2 seconds, and 80–120 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed? 200 km/h. Not bad for something this size. It also comes with features like AI-powered Auto Terrain Mode, Terrain Traction Control, torque vectoring, and even lateral wind stability control — which should help it stay planted on fast highways or windy hill roads.

Inside, the Ioniq 9 is more lounge than SUV. The cabin gets a dual-tone Dark Teal and Dove Grey finish, and a clean, minimalist layout. The curved display integrates a 12-inch instrument cluster and a 12-inch infotainment screen.

An 8-speaker setup comes standard, but you can spec it with a 14-speaker Bose system if you’re into your music. Space-wise, you get 620 litres of boot space behind the third row, which expands to 1,323 litres with the third row folded down. There’s also a front trunk — 88 litres in RWD models and 52 litres in AWD.

Hyundai’s loaded it with safety kit too: 10 airbags, a full suite of ADAS features, and third-row seatbelt enhancements — which is something even many high-end SUVs skip.

Here’s the bottom line — Hyundai already sells the Ioniq 5 here, and it’s done well. The Ioniq 9 feels like the natural next step. With rivals like the Kia EV9 already on sale and more premium electric SUVs on the way, it’s the right time for the brand to consider introducing the larger and more capable Ioniq 9.