Summary
- Hyundai released the first teaser for the Ioniq 9, a three-row electric SUV to be unveiled in November
- The Ioniq 9 will have an upright profile with a raked-back roofline based on the E-GMP platform
- The model was previously teased in 2020 and previewed with the Hyundai Seven concept in 2021
- The Ioniq 9 will be part of the Ioniq EV sub-brand, aligning it with similar EVs from Kia and Genesis
- Production site for the Ioniq 9 is still a question mark, while Hyundai is also expected to launch the Genesis GV90 electric SUV
Article
Hyundai has released a teaser for the Ioniq 9, a three-row electric SUV that will be unveiled in November. The vehicle will have the traditional SUV profile with a raked-back roofline for aerodynamics and will be based on the same E-GMP dedicated EV platform as the current Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 9 was announced as part of the Ioniq EV sub-brand in 2020 and was previewed with the Hyundai Seven concept at the 2021 Los Angeles auto show.
In July, Hyundai confirmed that an electric three-row SUV would be coming as a 2025 model, and now it has officially been named the Ioniq 9. Initially expected to be named the Ioniq 7 after the Hyundai Seven concept, the Ioniq 9 brings Hyundai in alignment with similar EVs from sibling brands Kia and Genesis. The Ioniq 9 is likely to share some specifications with the Kia EV9, which was named the Green Car Reports Best Car to Buy in 2024.
The Genesis luxury brand will also be launching its own “super-large GV90” electric SUV, likely in 2026. The GV90 is expected to take inspiration from the Genesis Neolun concept that was unveiled ahead of the 2024 New York auto show. One major question regarding the Ioniq 9 is its production site, as the GV90 is set to be built in South Korea and the Kia EV9 is to be produced at Kia’s West Point, Georgia plant. Hyundai has its own Georgia EV “Metaplant” set to manufacture 2025 Ioniq 5 models, but adjustments will have to be made to accommodate the production of the Ioniq 9.
The teaser images of the Ioniq 9 suggest that it will have a unique design with an upright profile typical of SUVs but with a raked-back roofline for improved aerodynamics. The vehicle is set to make its debut at the Los Angeles auto show. The use of the Ioniq 9 name aligns Hyundai with its sibling brands Kia and Genesis, bringing a sense of uniformity to the EV lineup across the brands.
The Ioniq 9 represents Hyundai’s continued commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings and catering to a wider range of consumers with a three-row SUV model. The collaboration with sister brands Kia and Genesis indicates a strategic alignment in the development and naming of EV models. The production site of the Ioniq 9 is a key consideration for Hyundai, as it aims to ensure the vehicle meets tax-credit eligibility requirements and is set up for successful production and distribution.
The anticipation surrounding the Ioniq 9 highlights the growing interest and investment in electric SUVs in the automotive market. With Hyundai’s track record of innovative and well-received electric vehicles, the Ioniq 9 is expected to make a significant impact upon its release in November. The shared specifications with the Kia EV9 and the upcoming Genesis GV90 suggest a coordinated approach within the Hyundai Motor Group to offer a diverse and appealing range of electric SUVs to consumers.
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