Hyundai and Kia, the Korean siblings, have had an incredibly strong showing in the electric car market. The Kia e-Niro, Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 all received high praise, taking off at breakneck speed with the public. While Kia has been ahead in bringing out further models, Hyundai has been biding its time. Having unveiled the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in 2023, things got quiet. That is until now. Step forward the Hyundai Ioniq 9.
In this blog we will have a look at the Korean vehicles, and celebrate the arrival of the next generation of Hyundai electric cars.
Laying the Ground for Korean Dominance
Of the Asian powerhouses, it was Japan who were always seen as the leaders in automotive technology. However, since the advent of the EV revolution, Japan has fallen behind, and the Chinese and Koreans are stepping up to the plate. China has been stealing the headlines with the number of vehicles coming out of the country, but it is arguably the Koreans who have won the battle of incredible electric cars.
Kia brought out three award winning cars in the Kia e-Niro, Kia Soul EV and the Kia EV6. Both of which grabbed headlines for their performance and practicality. Kia further strengthened their EV lineup with the Kia EV3 and the Kia EV9. Both proving to be incredibly successful already.
Hyundai, on the other hand, brought out the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to much fanfare. Not since the release of the BMW i3 almost a decade earlier had a car looked so unique and recognisable. The retro yet modern styling was a stroke of genius. A superb performance just solidified this vehicle’s place in the EV market and in our hearts. This was followed up by the Hyundai Ioniq 5N, and then the Hyundai Ioniq 6, a sporty saloon vehicle with real appeal to the eyes.
The Koreans had arrived and their game was strong!
Time for the Next Generation to Shine
When it comes to great EVs I can get a bit greedy. It had been a couple of years since we saw the launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and I was becoming hungry for more. Then the Everything Electric Show 2025 at the ExCeL in London delivered. There in the metal was the all-new Hyundai Ioniq 9. Before we had the futuristic looking Ioniq 5 and the very sporty Ioniq 6. Now we have the stunning family SUV to add to the collection.
I have to say, I doff my cap to the design team at Hyundai. Their latest creation is absolutely spectacular. Gorgeous styling from the big, imposing nose to the large derriere, all with perfectly rounded edges. This is my kind of SUV. In a world full of SUV vehicles, this one will still stand out as different.
What About the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance?
As the Czech model, Eva Herzigova, once said, “beauty isn’t enough, there must be something more”. So what lies beneath the beauty of the Hyundai Ioniq 9? Is there more?
Every version of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 comes with the same 106kWh (usable) battery, but how far you’ll get between charges mostly depends on how much performance you’re after.
If you’re fine with more chilled-out acceleration (0–60mph in 4.9 seconds), the entry-level 215bhp rear-wheel drive model is up your street. Although official figures haven’t been rubber-stamped just yet, it’s expected to achieve around 385 miles, which is further than any version of the Kia EV9. That’s mainly down to the Ioniq 9 having a slightly bigger battery, but also because its sleeker shape means it slices through the air more efficiently, using less energy as it goes.
The Long Range all-wheel drive version, which adds another motor up front for four-wheel drive and bumps power up to 308bhp. That has a 0–60mph time down of 6.2 seconds, and includes a range of 372 miles.
In other words, yes, there is more to this vehicle than just stunningly good looks!
Wrapping it Up
It seems that the Koreans are not just keeping up the great work in the EV world, they are taking it to another level. A gorgeous car that performs like a thoroughbred. Surely this is what dreams are made of. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a car with heart and soul. Or should that be Seoul?
*All information correct as of 13th May 2025
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