The 2024 Philippine International Motor Show saw the launch of Kia’s three-row EV SUV, the EV9. Well, here comes its twin from the other side of the fence.

Making its world premiere is the Ioniq 9 – Hyundai’s take on a three-row, full-size, all-electric SUV underpinned by the award-winning E-GMP platform. Essentially, the Ioniq 9 is the production version of the Seven concept revealed back in 2021.

Hyundai carried over the Seven concept’s sloping roofline and the “boat tail” rear design to the Ioniq 9. Likewise, the distinctive front fascia with the double-stacked headlight design does not stray far from the concept, along with its pixel LED patterns.

Meanwhile, the rear end tapers with the vertical LED taillights, finishing off an aerodynamic body that only has a drag coefficient of 0.259 Cd. The low drag was achieved through the Ioniq 9 having active air flaps, digital side mirrors, and a 3D-shaped underbody among other things.

Hyundai says the Ioniq 9 is designed to “meet the needs of consumers who are hyper-connected but also value space, privacy, and relaxation”. Thus, the interior was designed to offer superior roominess and create a lounge-like atmosphere. With the EV’s flat floor, the Ioniq 9 can seat six or seven passengers depending on the configuration.

The dashboard has a panoramic view display made up of two 12-inch screens, with high output USB-C chargers, climate control, air purification system, and an optional 14-speaker Bose sound system filling up the list of the Ioniq 9’s interior features.

The Ioniq 9 gets relaxation seats for the first and second rows which can fully recline and offer a leg rest for better comfort. It also includes a dynamic touch massage function where the system uses pressure and vibration to relax its occupants.

Moreover, the second row has swiveling seats that allow second and third-row passengers to face each other while the Ioniq 9 is parked. Hyundai says this enhances better interaction between passengers while enjoying the Ioniq 9’s spacious cabin.

In terms of cargo, the trunk can accommodate up to 1,323 liters of luggage with the third-row seats folded flat. In its standard configuration, the Ioniq 9 offers up to 620 liters of luggage room. Additionally, the frunk can also be used to store luggage, offering a maximum volume of 88 liters for RWD models and 52 liters for AWD models.

For enhanced comfort and refinement, the Ioniq 9 has sound-absorbing tires, an acoustic windshield, active noise cancellation, and reinforced A-pillars to lower NVH levels inside. There’s even an AI-operated Auto Terrain mode that adjusts the SUV’s dampers upon scanning the road ahead.

Regardless if it’s the Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, or the Performance AWD, the Ioniq 9 has a large 110.3 kWh lithium-ion battery underneath. In the Long Range RWD version, there’s a rear-mounted electric motor that puts out 217 PS. The Long Range AWD adds a 95 PS front motor, while the Performance AWD version combines two 217 PS electric motors.

The latter can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.2 seconds. But for maximum range, the Long Range RWD version can take you up to 620 km on a single charge. Since the Ioniq 9 has the E-GMP architecture, it also offers 400V/800V fast charging, and V2L function.

Hyundai says the US and Korean markets will get first dibs on the Ioniq 9 by 2025, while other markets including Europe should follow at a later date.