Hyundai is expanding its all-electric lineup with the highly anticipated Ioniq 9, a three-row SUV that combines spaciousness with cutting-edge electric performance. Following a series of successful models like the Ioniq 5 and the high-performance Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai aims to bring a fresh competitor to the growing three-row electric SUV market, with a full reveal slated for November.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Teaser: A Look at the Upcoming Three-Row Electric SUV
Inspired by the Seven Concept: Evolution of a Bold Design
The Ioniq 9 first gained attention as the Seven concept, unveiled in 2021 as a futuristic EV showcasing Hyundai’s ambitious design direction. The production model stays true to its conceptual roots, with a long, streamlined body, and a unique lighting approach featuring Hyundai’s signature pixelated elements. Hyundai’s design ethos for the Ioniq 9, coined “Aerosthetic,” underscores a clean and aerodynamic look intended to reduce drag while maintaining a sleek and futuristic appearance. This approach is evident in the teaser images that reveal smooth lines running from headlights to taillights, creating a unified and sophisticated profile.
Building on Success: Hyundai’s Rising Electric Portfolio
The Ioniq 5’s rapid rise in popularity laid the groundwork for Hyundai’s electric vehicle strategy. Garnering the 2022 EV of the Year award and an impressive sales record with over 30,000 units sold by the third quarter of this year alone, the Ioniq 5 has solidified Hyundai’s position in the EV market. Building on this success, Hyundai is ready to introduce a larger, family-oriented model to appeal to those looking for a spacious electric SUV with the practicality of three rows.
Platform and Layout: Shared E-GMP Architecture
The Ioniq 9 will be built on Hyundai’s E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), the same platform that underpins other Ioniq models as well as Kia’s popular EV6 and the three-row EV9. This architecture supports Hyundai’s modular EV design, offering flexibility, extended range, and high-speed charging. By sharing the E-GMP platform with models like the Kia EV9, Hyundai aims to streamline production while ensuring the Ioniq 9 meets the demands of U.S. buyers looking for ample space and family-friendly features in an electric format.
Design Details: What We Know So Far
The exterior design of the Ioniq 9 closely mirrors the aesthetic of the Seven concept, with an elongated wheelbase and bold D-pillars that convey stability and strength. The lighting, which has become a signature feature in Hyundai’s EV lineup, incorporates pixelated themes for a futuristic look. A sketch of the front end highlights a set of horizontally-oriented LED lights, accompanied by an additional row of pixelated lights below, signaling continuity in Hyundai’s distinct visual language across its electric lineup.
From the shadowy teaser, the Ioniq 9’s bodywork appears sleek and cohesive, with swept-back lines that create a streamlined look, complementing Hyundai’s focus on aerodynamics. The unbroken crease along the body length underscores a refined design approach, balancing style with functionality—a critical aspect as Hyundai seeks to capture the interest of a broad consumer base.
Future Prospects: Launch Timeline and Availability
Although Hyundai has not yet announced specific release dates, the Ioniq 9 is expected to arrive in the United States market sometime in 2025. The launch of this flagship electric SUV signals Hyundai’s commitment to offering a diverse range of electric vehicles, catering to both the urban commuter and the adventurous family looking for more space and versatility in an electric SUV.
Final Thoughts
The Ioniq 9 represents Hyundai’s ambitious leap into the three-row EV market, building on the success of its current models while introducing a new level of sophistication and functionality. With its elegant Aerosthetic design, spacious interior, and innovative technology, the Ioniq 9 has the potential to redefine what families expect from an electric SUV. As Hyundai continues to release more teasers, anticipation builds for the official unveiling of this flagship model in November, marking yet another milestone in Hyundai’s journey towards a fully electric future.