Hyundai Ioniq 9 : In a bold move set to reshape Australia’s premium electric vehicle landscape, Hyundai has officially unveiled the long-awaited Ioniq 9, its most technologically advanced and luxurious electric vehicle to date.
Positioned as the flagship of Hyundai’s expanding electric lineup, the Ioniq 9 enters the Australian market with cutting-edge features, impressive range capabilities, and a level of refinement that challenges established luxury EV makers.
This comprehensive three-row electric SUV represents the culmination of Hyundai’s aggressive electric vehicle strategy and signals the brand’s serious intentions in the premium segment.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Architectural Evolution: The E-GMP Platform Expanded
The Ioniq 9 builds upon Hyundai’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which underpins its successful Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models.
For the Ioniq 9, however, engineers have significantly expanded the architecture to accommodate the vehicle’s larger dimensions and enhanced capabilities.
Measuring 5,060mm in length, 1,980mm in width, and 1,790mm in height, the Ioniq 9 casts an imposing presence on Australian roads.
The 3,130mm wheelbase—longer than even the Hyundai Palisade—creates exceptionally generous interior space across all three rows of seating.
The extended platform enables the integration of a massive 111kWh battery pack, the largest currently offered in any Hyundai vehicle.
This engineering achievement delivers an impressive WLTP-rated driving range of up to 620 kilometers for rear-wheel drive variants, while the all-wheel drive model maintains a substantial 590-kilometer range despite its additional power and mechanical complexity.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Next-Generation Powertrain Technology
The Ioniq 9 arrives in Australia with two distinctive powertrain configurations, each targeting different segments of the premium electric SUV market:
Ioniq 9 Earth (Rear-Wheel Drive)
This single-motor variant produces 160kW and 350Nm of torque, delivering a balanced approach to efficiency and performance.
The 0-100km/h sprint takes 8.5 seconds, while the focus remains on maximizing range, achieving 620 kilometers on a full charge.
Ioniq 9 Sky (All-Wheel Drive)
The dual-motor flagship generates a combined 384kW and substantial 700Nm of torque, providing performance capabilities that rival many sports cars.
This variant accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds while maintaining a range of 590 kilometers.
Both versions benefit from Hyundai’s latest battery thermal management system, which incorporates an advanced heat pump and liquid cooling circuit that operates independently for the battery, motors, and power electronics.
This sophisticated system ensures optimal battery performance across Australia’s diverse climate conditions, from the cold winter mornings of Tasmania to the scorching summer heat of Queensland.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Revolutionary Charging Architecture
Perhaps the most impressive technological achievement in the Ioniq 9 is its 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling some of the fastest charging capabilities currently available in the Australian market.
When connected to compatible ultra-rapid DC chargers, the Ioniq 9 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes—a remarkable feat considering the size of its battery pack.
For Australian drivers, this means adding approximately 320 kilometers of range in the time it takes to enjoy a coffee break at a highway service station.
The Ioniq 9 also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality with up to 3.6kW output, allowing owners to power external devices, from camping equipment to household appliances during power outages.
To further enhance the ownership experience, Hyundai Australia has partnered with major charging networks to offer complimentary charging for the first three years of ownership, with details of this program to be announced closer to the vehicle’s official launch date.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Interior: A Digital Sanctuary
Stepping inside the Ioniq 9 reveals Hyundai’s most sophisticated cabin environment to date, centered around a panoramic curved display that seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an additional 5.0-inch climate control display.
The system runs on Hyundai’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), which offers processing power approximately twice as fast as previous systems.
This enables responsive performance even when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, alongside a comprehensive suite of connected car services through the Bluelink telematics platform.
Interior innovation extends beyond screens to include practical features like the “Universal Island” center console that slides back and forth by up to 140mm to serve all three rows of passengers.
The first and second-row seats feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while additional luxuries include a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, UV-C sterilization compartment for personal items, and a refrigerated console compartment.
Particularly noteworthy is the integration of what Hyundai calls “Rest Mode” seating in the first and second rows—these seats can recline nearly flat, creating a business class-like experience during charging stops.
Combined with the electronically controlled rear-window sunshades and acoustic laminated glass throughout, the Ioniq 9 offers exceptional refinement for both driver and passengers.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Autonomous Capability: Leading the Australian Market
The Ioniq 9 debuts Hyundai’s most advanced driver assistance package in Australia, incorporating hardware and software that enable Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities. Central to this system is a suite of sensors including:
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Three forward-facing cameras with different focal lengths
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Four surround-view cameras providing 360-degree vision
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Five radar sensors (one forward, four corner)
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Twelve ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle
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LiDAR sensors integrated into the front bumper
This comprehensive sensor array enables features previously unavailable in Hyundai vehicles sold in Australia, including:
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Highway Driving Assist 2.0 with automatic lane changing
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Remote Smart Parking Assist (allowing the vehicle to park itself with or without the driver inside)
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Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0 with junction turning and crossing capability
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Blind-Spot View Monitor with live camera feed in the instrument cluster
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Intelligent Speed Limit Assist that automatically adjusts to changing speed zones
Hyundai Australia has worked closely with regulatory authorities to ensure these advanced features comply with local regulations, making the Ioniq 9 one of the most technologically progressive vehicles available in the Australian market.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Sustainable Luxury Redefined
Environmental consciousness extends beyond the zero-emission powertrain in the Ioniq 9. The interior features extensive use of sustainable materials, including:
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Recycled PET fabric for seating surfaces and door panels
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Bio-based leather alternative derived from eucalyptus pulp
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Recycled fishing net carpets
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Door trim panels made from paperette, a paper-based alternative to plastic
These materials contribute to a significant reduction in the vehicle’s overall carbon footprint while maintaining the premium feel expected in the luxury segment.
Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability is further reinforced by the implementation of over-the-air (OTA) update capability, allowing the vehicle’s software to evolve over time without requiring dealer visits.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Australian Market Positioning and Availability
Set to arrive in Australian showrooms in September 2024, the Ioniq 9 will be offered in three distinct trim levels with pricing that reflects its premium positioning:
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Ioniq 9 Earth (RWD): $94,000 (before on-road costs)
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Ioniq 9 Forest (AWD): $109,000 (before on-road costs)
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Ioniq 9 Sky (AWD): $124,000 (before on-road costs)
The pricing structure places the Ioniq 9 in direct competition with established luxury electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X, Audi e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, while undercutting many of these rivals on price-to-specification ratio.
Hyundai Australia has secured an initial allocation of 500 units for the first six months, with deliveries prioritized for customers who participate in the online reservation program opening next month.
The company expects significant demand, particularly from luxury SUV owners looking to transition to electric mobility without sacrificing space or refinement.
To support the ownership experience, Hyundai is extending its warranty coverage specifically for the Ioniq 9, offering a 7-year/unlimited kilometer vehicle warranty and a 10-year/200,000km high-voltage battery warranty—the most comprehensive coverage currently available in the Australian electric vehicle market.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Conclusion: Redefining Expectations
The arrival of the Ioniq 9 in Australia represents a watershed moment for the brand, completing its transition from value-oriented manufacturer to legitimate luxury contender.
By combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, impressive performance, and a focus on sustainability, Hyundai has created a compelling alternative to established premium electric SUVs.
For Australian consumers, the Ioniq 9 offers a rare combination of three-row practicality, long-range capability, and advanced technology in a package that doesn’t require European luxury pricing.
As the electric vehicle market continues to mature in Australia, Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV sets a new benchmark for what consumers can expect from the next generation of premium electric vehicles.
With the Ioniq 9, Hyundai isn’t just entering the premium electric SUV segment—it’s redefining expectations for what an electric vehicle can be in the Australian market.
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