We’ve been awaiting a three-row Hyundai Ioniq SUV for years, ever since the Seven concept that presaged it was revealed all the way back in 2021. As promised, however, the car – now definitively called the Ioniq 9, rather than the Ioniq 7 as was previously rumoured – is finally entering production this year, with a reveal set for November.
Teaser images hint at a design that’s relatively faithful to the show car, with details such as the single line of Parametric Pixel daytime running lights (here appearing to be set within larger rectangular headlight clusters), an upswept window line kink, thick D-pillars and an upright rear end. Even the sharp creases highlighting the rear haunches, said to be inspired by Korean hanbok, have been retained.
The rest of the “Aerosthetic” design is apparently inspired by boats, with a single curve for the roofline and long wheelbase providing “ample space for all passengers, including those in the third row.” Other touches include turbine-like multi-spoke alloy wheels, flush pop-out door handles and T-shaped vertical taillights, the latter replacing the low horizontal light bar on the Seven.
Expect the Ioniq 9 to feature conventional doors and a standard (albeit luxurious) three-row interior, rather than the Seven’s suicide doors and lounge-like cabin. Built on the same Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as the Ioniq 5 and 6, the car should utilise similar mechanicals as its Kia EV9 sibling, which is topped by a GT-Line all-wheel drive variant with 385 PS (283 kW), 700 Nm of torque and a range of 505 km thanks to a 99.8 kWh battery.
GALLERY: Hyundai Seven concept
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